Eight college accounting students will receive scholarships through Windham Brannon's endowment fund via the Georgia Society of CPAs Educational Foundation.
The Georgia Society of CPAs Educational Foundation manages the scholarships and determines the recipients as well as how large the scholarships may be. This year, the scholarship recipients are:
- Shelby Scroggs of Berry College;
- Quatation Waller of University of North Georgia;
- Mark McCleskey of Kennesaw State University;
- Lindsey Green of LaGrange College;
- Payton Smith of Georgia College & State University;
- Nathaniel Fields of University of Georgia;
- Stephen Briglevich of University of Georgia; and,
- Theron Matlock of Georgia Institute of Technology.
The Windham Brannon Foundation was established in 2006 in celebration of the firm's 50th anniversary to fund annual scholarships for aspiring accounting and finance professionals. With nearly 100% participation from employees, the inaugural fundraising campaign generated $100,000, which was matched by the Georgia Society of CPAs in honor of its own golden anniversary.
"We first considered a big gala for our 50th anniversary, but realized it would be a short-lived experience," said Windham Brannon CEO Heidi LaMarca. "We decided to do something that would have a lasting benefit to accounting students and our profession and established these scholarships. We are committed to doing what we can to help ease the pipeline crisis and believe that helping as many students as we can with tuition is a step in the right direction."
The $200,000 endowment provides scholarships each year to several students at Georgia colleges and universities. According to LaMarca, each student received $2,700, for a total of $21,600 from the endowment fund, with the Georgia Society of CPAs Educational Foundation determining the amount each year. The foundation also contributes to charities supported by employees and friends of the firm, such as the Epilepsy Foundation, the Atlanta Food Bank and the Atlanta Children's Shelter.
To give back to those who mentored them throughout their careers, firm founders Ben Brannon and Fred Windham invested in apprenticeship and career advancement opportunities for accounting students, and this initiative has been introduced as a continuation of Windham Brannon's culture.
"At its core, the accounting profession is an apprenticeship," said LaMarca. "Accountants understand that any success and expertise they have comes from the mentors and coaches they've had throughout their careers. We believe and invest in mentorship and continued development of not only our staff, but of the profession as a whole. When students succeed, our accounting firms will continue to succeed as well."
