The COCPA Educational Foundation awarded 31 scholarships to accounting students throughout the state of Colorado this summer. The scholarships provided by the Educational Foundation are not just financial support; they are investments in the future of the accounting profession. Each scholarship helps to relieve the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus more on their studies, professional development, and the path to CPA licensure. 

One scholarship winner expressed his gratitude by sharing, “I am in the process of taking my second section of the CPA exam and this gives me so much motivation to keep going. Thank you for your generous support!”

Congratulations to all of those who were awarded an Educational Foundation scholarship:

Community College Accounting Transfer Scholarship:

• Jaz Hendrick, Colorado State University
• Mike Vrlenich, University of Colorado – Boulder

BDO LLP Scholarship: Grace Creamer, University of Denver

Crowe Scholarship: Thomas Kononov, University of Denver

David Dirks Memorial Scholarship: Robert Pina, Metropolitan State University of Denver

Deloitte LLP Scholarship:

• Jasmine Passanante, University of Denver
• Ryan Harvey, University of Denver

Eide Bailly LLP Scholarship: Kaitlin Wicklein, Colorado State University

EY LLP Scholarship: Leah Lester, University of Denver

Gordon Scheer Scholarship: Madalyn Brundage, University of Denver

Hugh C. Braly Scholarship: Derik Casstillo, University of Denver

KPMG LLP Scholarship: Noah Haselby, University of Denver

Mark and Victoria Smith Family Foundation Scholarship:

• Latrice Lewis, Metropolitan State University of Denver
• Carissa Rael, Colorado Christian University
• Katie Scott, Metropolitan State University of Denver

Mira J. Finé, CPA Scholarship: John Glawe, University of Colorado - Boulder

Moss Adams LLP Scholarship:

• Taliyah Murphy, University of Colorado – Colorado Springs
• David Lockwood, Colorado Christian University

Otto and Betty Butterly Scholarship: Jordan Donaldson, Colorado Christian University

Past Presidents Scholarship: Berlin Lay, Colorado Mesa University

Plante Moran Scholarship:

• Gabby Carpenter, Colorado State University
• Noah Smith, Colorado State University
• Emma Davis, Colorado Christian University
• Joanna Guhl, University of Denver

PwC LLP Scholarship: Michael Preiss, University of Denver

Sam Cheris Memorial Scholarship: Rylee Vilhauer, University of Northern Colorado

Teresa Christensen Memorial Scholarship: Garrett Yackey, Colorado State University

General scholarships:

• Michael Gumataotao, University of Denver
• Nayeli Aguirre, University of Denver
• Patrick Nagurny, University of Denver
• Scott McKinney, University of Colorado – Denver

In addition to providing scholarships, the Educational Foundation of COCPA promotes accounting education in Colorado through several programs, including awards, mentorship opportunities, and outreach. Support the future of accounting by donating to the Educational Foundation today: https://cocpa.org/the-foundation#donate-now.

For more information on the Educational Foundation, contact executive director Abbey Aguirre at abbey@cocpa.org.