This Poly Gives, accounting alumnus Steve McCann (Business Administration, ’96) is sponsoring a $5,000 match to the Cal Poly Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC). By making this generous gift, he hopes to bring awareness to this amazing program, in which students can practice Learn by Doing while giving back to the local community.

“I chose to support the LITC as it provides students a unique Learn by Doing opportunity,” McCann explained. “Students apply their technical experience and interpersonal skills to make a direct impact on individuals in the community – individuals who often have nowhere else to turn for assistance.”

The Cal Poly LITC began operating in 2010 and is located on campus in the Orfalea College of Business. Under the guidance and supervision of faculty, students in the LITC program represent low-income clients involved in tax controversies before the IRS and the U.S. Tax Court.

They also provide education and outreach services on the rights and responsibilities of U.S. taxpayers to the local community. They’re able to provide all services in both Spanish and English at no charge thanks to the support of grants and generous donors.

Every year, the LITC provides thousands of hours of support to the community. In 2023 alone, they were able to decrease liabilities for clients by $316,719 and obtained in $35,032 in refunds. Students also hosted 26 educational events and eight outreach events, reaching more than 1,124 community members.

McCann is an assurance partner in PwC’s (PricewaterhouseCoopers) Technology Practice, where he has worked for over 27 years. His primary role is leading audit, accounting and internal control projects. He has led numerous global projects for large multinational clients in Europe and Asia and spent three years living in Europe, running client service projects for the Hewlett-Packard Company and Sony Corporation.

McCann has stayed connected to his alma mater and has previously served on Cal Poly’s Accounting Advisory Board as well as the Orfalea College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council.

“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to engage with the Orfalea College of Business through giving, advising and collaborating with faculty and students,” he said. “I feel that I benefit far more from these interactions than I give.”

In addition to volunteering his time, McCann is proud to give to Cal Poly whenever he can and encourages other alumni to get involved as well.

“I graduated from Cal Poly decades ago and discovered that being engaged through giving, even small amounts, is incredibly rewarding,” he said.  “My connection with Cal Poly continues to have a very positive impact on my life and I am excited to help support programs that enable students to make a difference in the community.  My hope is that alumni who feel they have lost their connection with Cal Poly will take the opportunity to reconnect and find a program or initiative they want to support as well.”

Help the Orfalea College of Business and the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic meet his match of $5,000 during Poly Gives!

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