Three years. Three wins. One very impressive streak!

On August 27, the COCPA Educational Foundation brought the Battle of the Brains back to the CPA’s Make A Difference Gala—and once again, Colorado’s colleges showed they know how to bring the competition!

But make no mistake: this wasn’t a test of accounting knowledge. Battle of the Brains is all about fundraising, friendly competition and, of course, bragging rights!

Each participating school rallied its supporters to see who could raise the most money for the COCPA Educational Foundation. And when the dust settled, there was a familiar name at the top…

For the third consecutive year, Colorado State University–Fort Collins claimed the Battle of the Brains championship and earned another year of bragging rights.

Congratulations, CSU! 

The Biggest Win Was for Students

While the schools were competing for bragging rights, Colorado’s accounting students were the real winners.

This year, 52 generous donors made 58 donations totaling $9,375 to support the COCPA Educational Foundation.

And compared with 2025, the results were even more exciting:

15% increase in total donations
25% increase in donors
$9,375 raised to support accounting education

That growth represents more people choosing to invest in the future of accounting in Colorado—and every gift makes a difference.

The Foundation uses donor support to help provide scholarships and create opportunities for students pursuing accounting education. By supporting the Foundation, you’re helping talented students take the next step toward their education, careers and, ultimately, the accounting profession.

Thank You, Donors!

To the 52 donors who gave this year: THANK YOU!

Whether you made one donation, multiple donations, supported your favorite school or simply helped spread the word, you played an important role in making Battle of the Brains a success.

Your generosity proves that a little friendly competition can make a BIG difference.

And to all of the schools and supporters who participated—we hope you’re already thinking about next year. Because the trophy may belong to CSU for another year, but the opportunity to take their bragging rights is officially on the table!

You don’t have to wait for Battle of the Brains to make a difference.

Whether you’re an accounting professional, educator, alumni, employer or simply someone who believes in investing in Colorado’s future—we’d love to have you on our team.

Support the future of accounting and donate to the COCPA Educational Foundation today.