In response to COVID-19, the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois awarded 16 Laptop Scholarships. You can read more about those recipients here. 

Check out some inspiring stories from our scholarship recipients, and how support from our donors has impacted and assisted them in reaching their potential!
Daniel-Kozlak-180x220

“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
Northern Illinois University, 2019
CPA Exam Award Recipient

“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
Northern Illinois University, Expected May 2020
Women's Executive Committee Advancing Women in Accounting Scholarship Recipient

Check out Paige's speech at the Illinois CPA Society's 2019 Summit on August 27.
Paige-180x220
Morayma-180x220
“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
University of St. Francis, Expected May 2020
Tuition Scholarship Recipient & 2019 Mary T. Washington Wylie Scholar
“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
University of Illinois, 2019
Tuition & Herman J. Neal Scholarships Recipient
Jesse-180x220
Andrew-Allen-180x220

“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
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Expected 2020
Tuition Scholarship Recipient & 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
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 2017
CPA Exam Award Recipient

Tricia-Parham-Barney-180x220
Christine-Crews-180x220

“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
Northern Illinois University, Expected 2019
Women's Executive Committee Advancing Women in Accounting Scholarship Recipient

"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
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Expected 2019
Women's Executive Committee Advancing Women in Accounting Scholarship Recipient
Kiara-Schuh-180x220
JGoetz-180x220

"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
Benedictine University, 2018
CPA Exam Award Recipient

"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
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, Expected 2019
Kenneth J. and Jacqueline M. Hull Accounting Scholarship Recipient & Student Ambassador

Brian-Ta 180x220
Check out all the CPA Exam Award Recipients from the January 31 deadline.
Check out all the Accounting Scholarship recipients for the 2019-2020 academic year.