Florida Tech Students Earn Scholarships From Major Accounting Foundation

MELBOURNE, FLA.—Two accounting undergraduate students at Florida Institute of Technology were recently awarded scholarships by the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountant (FICPA) Educational Foundation. The students will receive $2,000 each to be used towards costs for the current academic year.

The students are Matthew Schwanda and Jennifer Reid. Their applications were recommended by the Faculty Committee at Florida Tech and reviewed by the FICPA Board of Trustees.

Schwanda, a California native, is a senior at Florida Tech. He moved to Melbourne, Fla., in 2001 and attended Brevard Christian School until he graduated with valedictorian honors in 2008. He attended Brevard Community College for two years before transferring to Florida Tech in 2010.

Also a senior, Reid grew up in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and is now a Palm Bay, Fla., resident. She graduated from Fort Pierce Central High School in 2005.

“Being awarded this scholarship from the FICPA has meant a great deal to me,” said Reid. “I work two part-time jobs and this will help me to focus less on working and more on pursuing my degree in accounting.”

To be considered for the award, applicants must be full-time or part-time accounting students at one of the Florida colleges or universities indicated by the Foundation, express a desire to practice in the field of accounting as opposed to other disciplines and indicate a desire to work in Florida. They must also demonstrate excellent educational achievement, financial need and participation in professional, social and charitable activities.

“With the increasing cost of higher education, more and more of our students are working longer hours and incurring higher debt to complete their education. Scholarships like these are more important than ever in assuring student success,” said Martha Lair Sale, Nathan M. Bisk College of Business associate professor.

The scholarship will be presented at a local FICPA chapter meeting to be held at a later date.

The FICPA’s mission is to serve the diverse needs of its members, enhance their competency and professionalism, support professional standards, promote the value of its members and advocate on behalf of the profession.

Florida Tech’s Nathan M. Bisk College of Business offers undergraduate degrees in accounting, business administration, marketing, business and environmental studies, information systems and international business. A master’s degree in business administration is being offered through the college on campus and online. Visit http://cob.fit.edu/ for more information.