Annually the Fund awards approximately $250,000 in scholarships and outreach support to more than 275 of the most diverse and deserving accounting students across the state. Here are just a few testimonials from some of the recipients of our scholarship programs.

"My father immigrated to the US without knowing a lick of English, but with dreams of providing a better life for his family. He taught me and my nine siblings the value of hard work. Unfortunately, while I was in high school, he unexpectedly passed away from ALS, striking my family with overwhelming grief and shock. His passing pushed me to be more independent, and your support gave me the added confidence I needed to finish my accounting degree next year, in his honor."

Miriam Ahmed
Women's Executive Committee Advancing Women in Accounting Scholarship Recipient

“Growing up in poverty the odds were against me and I faced challenges that could have easily derailed my life. However, your programs and your investment in my future unveiled incredible opportunities that helped me stay focused and motivated.”

Andrew Allen, CPA
Academic Scholarship Recipient, Mary T. Washington Wylie Scholar, & Student Ambassador 

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“I excitedly took all four sections of the CPA exam right after graduating only to learn that I would need to retake three of them. Combined with the emotional and financial burdens of my father suffering a stroke, becoming a CPA seemed impossible. If not for this CPA Exam Award and donor support, I would not be the proud CPA I am today. Thank you for investing in me.” 

Monica Allgaier, CPA
CPA Exam Award Recipient
“This program was a transformative opportunity! In addition to a scholarship, I had access to a large professional network, and learned necessary business skills and interview tips. Because of connections I made, I’ve secured several internships which will further my career, as well as increase diversity in the accounting profession.”  

Morayma Barron
Academic Scholarship Recipient & Mary T. Washington Wylie Scholar
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“Tragedy struck when my father, a proud public CPA, unexpectedly passed away. Losing my father at a young age (13) took an immense emotional and financial toll on my family. The financial assistance from this scholarship alleviated the strain of student loans, tuition bills, textbooks, and review courses, allowing me to focus on my education and earning the CPA in his honor.” 

Paige Cosgrove
Women's Executive Committee Advancing Women in Accounting Scholarship Recipient

“I am incredibly thankful that my mother beat cancer, but her illness left our family with tons of bills. Our family does everything in its power to help one another, but there is no way they could help with my tuition now. This award kept me in school, which means everything to me.”  

Christine Crews
Women's Executive Committee Advancing Women in Accounting Scholarship Recipient

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“Throughout most of my life, the responsibility to pay for my expenses fell heavily on my shoulders. Additionally, I took on supporting my family, causing me to learn very quickly the importance of giving, even when you don’t receive anything in return. Because of these life experiences, I truly cannot stress how much of an impact your scholarship has made on my life. You have given me the gift of time – allowing me the opportunity to study for the CPA examination instead of working at a part-time job in order to fund my education." 

Mary Farmer
Women's Executive Committee Advancing Women in Accounting Scholarship Recipient

"The scholarships you fund provide that extra bit of reassurance that achieving the CPA credential is possible. I received the award the week before my daughter was born and I can’t thank you enough for the incredible burst of energy and final push that helped me pass!"

Justin Goetz, CPA
CPA Exam Award Recipient

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“I’ve worked multiple jobs to support myself through college, at times feeling like completing my education wouldn’t be possible. But thanks to the support of donors like you, and your investment in my future, I’m inspired to work harder, finish my degree, and earn my CPA. The scholarships you help provide make a world of difference in paving the way for future CPAs like me.” 

Daniel Harrington
Academic Scholarship Recipient
“Pursuing my passion for accounting hasn’t been easy. Following the unexpected death of my mother, and my father being laid off due to the pandemic, I worked part- and full-time jobs while balancing my honors courses. Thanks to the help of your $4,000 scholarship, I’ll be the only member of my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.” 

Jianna Keska
Women's Executive Committee Advancing Women in Accounting Scholarship Recipient
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“The road I took to becoming a CPA was demanding. I devoted huge amounts of time to studying and passing the exam while completing my master’s degree. This award took a huge weight off my shoulders and gave me a confidence boost. I do not think I could have done it without you.”

Daniel Kozlak, CPA
CPA Exam Award Recipient

“I am where I am today because I’ve been fortunate to have role models and donors who believe in me. Last summer, I hit a wall and I wanted to quit, but your support gave me the motivation and confidence to push forward. Now, I’m doing everything in my power to overcome financial, physical, and emotional struggles. I am forever grateful to those who’ve helped make my success possible.”

Tyler Moseberry
Herman J. Neal Scholarship Recipient & Mary T. Washington Wylie Scholar

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“The programs funded by your generosity have helped me grow tremendously over the past few years. They’ve assisted in developing my skills, building my network, and boosting my confidence, and have provided professional development opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have access to. Thank you for your kindness, which has provided me, and many others, with so many valuable resources that we need to succeed today.” 

Jennile O’Connor
Herman J. Neal Scholarship Recipient, Mary T. Washington Wylie Scholar, & Student Ambassador

“I’m a recent graduate and a parent making a lot of sacrifices for my future. I’m dedicated to obtaining the CPA to increase my knowledge and opportunities. This award enables me to finish my journey of passing the CPA exam without putting a strain on my financial household needs.” 

Tricia Parham-Barney
CPA Exam Award Recipient & Mary T. Washington Wylie Scholar

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"As a first-generation college student, I put 110% effort toward every part of my education, landing me the opportunity to graduate a semester early — with a triple major to boot! Balancing my role as editor of the campus newsletter and a leader in several campus organizations with my rigorous courses, I know all the leadership opportunities I have had are teaching me to be a more fair, honest, and ethical person, which will be an asset to any accounting firm I join. Thank you for recognizing my ambition and hard work. I am truly honored to be a recipient of your prestigious scholarship.”

Emily Schrader
Women's Executive Committee Advancing Women in Accounting Scholarship Recipient & Student Ambassador

 
"My mother singlehandedly raised my brother and me and faced considerable challenges as an entrepreneur during the recession. She continues to inspire me to persevere and work diligently toward my goals. With two campus jobs, I have been able to cover most of my educational expenses, but this scholarship allows me to realize my dreams and focus my time and energy on my academics and campus involvement."

Kiara Schuh, CPA
Women's Executive Committee Advancing Women in Accounting Scholarship Recipient
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"I am a first-generation college student and English was not the primary language spoken in my home growing up, which has challenged me to work hard. Because of my role as a student ambassador, I became more persistent and driven in my personal goal of becoming a CPA, as I guided other students through their own development."

Brian Ta
Kenneth J. and Jacqueline M. Hull Accounting Scholarship Recipient & Student Ambassador

“Obtaining a college degree is my way out of a continuous cycle of poverty. My widowed mother has her own financial burdens, so your generous scholarship has afforded me the opportunity to receive a higher education and achieve my life-changing goal of becoming a CPA!” 

Zaria Ward
Women's Executive Committee Advancing Women in Accounting Scholarship Recipient, Mary T. Washington Wylie Scholar, & Student Ambassador

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“My father will be required by his job to retire, cutting his income to less than half as he tries to put me and my younger sister through college. This scholarship makes it possible for me to complete the final year of my master’s degree and prepare for the CPA exam.”  

Jesse Wilson, CPA
Academic & Herman J. Neal Scholarships Recipient