Daron Hebeler's bright future was far from a sure thing. At a pivotal moment, when he was running out of steam on his way to a Michigan Tech education, he found out how many people in the Michigan Tech College of Business and beyond were willing to bet on his success.
Hebeler, now an analyst at Deloitte Detroit, graduated from Michigan Technological University in 2023 with two bachelor's degrees: one in management information systems and another in accounting with a specialization in data analytics. He decided to double up on degrees after his first semester at Tech.
"One key factor was my concern about the future, particularly the rapid advancements in technology and how they're reshaping industries," he said. "I wanted to ensure that I wasn't just gaining a traditional understanding of accounting but also equipping myself with the technological and software expertise necessary to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. With businesses implementing increasingly sophisticated accounting systems, I wanted to be someone who could not only understand the numbers but also navigate, develop and optimize these advanced technologies."
"Never stop learning" is a mantra in the Michigan Tech College of Business. Students immersed in the STEM-infused curricula that sets Tech's program apart understand the need to continuously upgrade their skills by adapting to technological advances. The philosophy meshed with a mindset Hebeler has embraced since high school. "I've always been curious, and I really apply myself to things I find interesting — it's a part of how I function on a day-to-day basis," he said.
Growing up, Hebeler also became accustomed to coping with loss. Raised by his mom after his father died, as a youngster he dreamed of being a race car driver. An eye injury sidelined the aspiration. But as he grew older, he became aware of another inclination that could take him where he wanted to go.
"I discovered that I had a natural ability to handle most challenges placed in front of me," said Hebeler, who tested out of some classes and advanced to higher-level high school courses. "While I never considered myself the strongest in math, I excelled in problem-solving. Even when faced with unfamiliar challenges, I almost always found a way to solve them — or at the very least, approach solving them — in the correct way."
Around that time, he was introduced to accounting. It immediately piqued his interest. "It combined the three things I enjoyed most: problem-solving, money, and working with people," he said.
"I set my sights on becoming a new-age accountant — one who possesses the foundational knowledge of traditional accounting but also the technical expertise of a developer or programmer. These two majors complement each other perfectly."
Hebeler's hometown of Ovid, Michigan, is slightly east of center on the lower Michigan mitten. With an estimated population of 1,600, it's located 29 miles south of Lansing, in central Michigan's farm country.
"My high school was as rural as it gets," said Hebeler, who, like many kids in U.S. agricultural communities, became a Future Farmers of America (FFA) member. The FFA membership was one of his first real-world experiences with hands-on learning. He landed a gig milking cows for a local farmer who reached out to FFA to find students interested in the job. "I eagerly volunteered. I had the time, wanted the experience, and, like most high schoolers, needed the money," said Hebeler, who describes the early mornings and late nights as "a truly rewarding experience." One of his most memorable moments was witnessing the birth of twin calves. "Both of them survived, which is a very uncommon event," he said.
Fittingly for a future accountant, Hebeler was also elected FFA's regional treasurer for Michigan. And he experienced entrepreneurship close to home. His family operates a seasonal candy business, primarily around Christmas and Valentine's Day. "We handcraft a variety of candy, including candy canes, taffy, truffles, peanut brittle — you name it, we likely make it from scratch," he said. "With all of these experiences, what ultimately led me to pursue college was that I simply wanted to see what I was capable of and to discover what I could make of myself."
Choosing the Right University
Hebeler had narrowed his college choices to three schools: Northwood University, the University of Michigan and Michigan Tech. "My decision to attend Tech came down to the financial aid it offered compared to the other two, as well as its smaller student body," he said. "I wanted to be more than just a number in a massive crowd. Also, the area around the University, including Tech's ski hill and the recreational trails, was a huge factor."
Ironically, Hebeler's planned campus visit was canceled due to heavy snowfall. "The first time I saw the campus in person was on move-in day my first semester," he said.
While the natural scenery swayed him, the level of commitment from the College of Business completely won Hebeler over. He was impressed by the quality of the coursework and the dedication of faculty.
"It quickly became clear that the professors weren't just there to deliver lectures — they were truly invested in each student's success," he said.
At Tech, Hebeler thrived as he found the balance between the university's structure and expectations coupled with increased flexibility and personal responsibility.
"There were no teachers or parents reminding me to do my work, no one forcing me to show up to class and no automatic consequences for missing deadlines — other than the impact it could have on my grades," said Hebeler "That level of independence was freeing, as I had already had a good habit of accomplishing what I planned to do and always getting to places early."
For him, the best part of Tech was interacting with faculty. He got to know all of his professors and appreciated how they established a collegial community.
"They made an effort to go beyond the textbooks, incorporating real-world applications, industry insights and hands-on learning experiences to prepare us for life beyond the classroom," he said. "Their willingness to mentor, offer guidance, and share their own professional and personal experiences gave me confidence that I was in the right place."
"Every faculty member is incredibly knowledgeable and capable, which is no surprise considering that Tech is one of the highest-rated universities in Michigan and across the country. The dedication and expertise of the professors really make Tech stand out," he said.
Focused on his degree work and campus life, Hebeler's path seemed clear. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Scholarship Donor Makes All the Difference
When Michigan Tech shifted to remote learning in March 2020, Hebeler went home to Ovid. He soon found himself mired in worry.
"This period was particularly challenging for me," he said. "I was seriously considering dropping out. I could see the weight of student debt piling up over the next three and a half years, and I knew that even with a job offer after graduation, it would take years of living as frugally as possible just to pay it off. The financial strain felt inevitable, and it made me question whether continuing my education was truly the right decision."
Then came an unexpected email from the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office: Hebeler had been selected for a Thompson Working Families Scholarship.
Started by fellow Michiganders Robert and Ellen Thompson to give the children of working-class families an opportunity to pursue their bachelor's degrees, the Thompson scholarship is offered at four public universities. In addition to helping to cover tuition, the scholarship sets academic and community service benchmarks for success. More than 100 Huskies have received the award since it was instituted at Tech in 2020.
"The Thompson scholarship kept me in school and reignited my ambition, opening doors I never thought would be within reach."
"The scholarship changed my life," said Hebeler, who had the opportunity to share his story in a Detroit News feature about the scholarship in late 2024. "It gave me the opportunity to continue pursuing higher education without the overwhelming burden of debt — a burden that would have impacted major life decisions, such as starting a family or making other important choices that depend heavily on financial stability. This scholarship didn't just alleviate a financial strain; it allowed me to focus entirely on becoming the best version of myself."
How Huskies Give Back to the Pack
Hebeler's personal and professional development continues to be powered by a commitment to lifelong learning for himself and others — along with close ties to the College of Business.
Hebeler originally connected with Deloitte through a campus recruiter based on a recommendation from a friend who had interned there for a summer. He secured an interview and landed an internship that led to his full-time position after graduation. "I've been doing some truly exciting work. My primary focus has been on implementing artificial intelligence and automation into client processes, helping them reduce the manual, tedious efforts associated with repetitive and time-consuming tasks," he said. "Right now, my main goal is to aim for an early promotion. I'm pushing myself to prove that I'm capable of much more than my current title suggests."
In addition to his work with clients, Hebeler is excited about his role in a firm-wide initiative to "upskill Deloitte staff in AI and automation." He wants to be a top candidate for any project in the AI and automation space and become known as an advocate for innovation within the firm.
Michigan Tech has also found a strong advocate in the young alum. Hebeler said he's passionate about giving back to current Michigan Tech students by creating opportunities for them, particularly through recruiting. He said he's already begun taking steps in this direction, and hopes to continue building stronger connections with Tech as he progresses in his career.
"What truly surprised me about Michigan Tech was just how infectious the school spirit was. Maybe it was the Pep Band's lively presence around campus, or the energy at hockey, football, and basketball games, but I found myself swept up in the excitement and pride of being part of something bigger than myself," said Hebeler. "The sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm was undeniable — whether it was cheering in the stands, celebrating a big win, or simply feeling the collective energy of the student body. It was a new feeling and a feeling that I carry with me today. I even have a Tech license plate on my car. I love to rep Michigan Tech everywhere I go."
Michigan Technological University is an R1 public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Comments