Why giving back is an opportunity

Dear OSCPA Members,

I am thankful to have served on The OSCPA Educational Foundation board for several years, and I am honored to serve as the 2024-25 president. Please join me in thanking our outgoing President Chris Dahlvig for his dedication to supporting the next generation of Oregon CPAs through his leadership of the Foundation this past year.

My personal journey in Public Accounting began over thirty years ago with a local firm that was willing to invest in me. I am sincerely grateful to have had the opportunity to work with many clients and colleagues, each of whom has enriched my career. I have been privileged to witness and help shape our response to the changes that have occurred in our profession over the decades, and I am thankful for the opportunity now to give back to those who are just beginning their own careers in accounting.

In the past five years alone, the world has experienced numerous challenges, including a global pandemic, political upheaval, economic strains, and lightspeed technological advancement. However, these challenges have led to significant opportunities and growth. The accounting profession continues to evolve and adapt to these changes, creating a demand for skilled accounting graduates that is unparalleled.

Since its inception in 1985, The OSCPA Educational Foundation has been at the forefront of aiding Oregon & Southwest Washington students looking to help shape the future of our profession. We have awarded over $2.8 million in scholarships to more than 1,500 accounting students, helping them fulfill their educational dreams and prepare for their own professional futures. This year alone, we were able to award 61 scholarships for a total of $170,200.

However, with the rising cost of tuition, current rates of inflation, and an increase in the number of first-generation students and those from underrepresented populations combined with overall declining enrollment, the need for scholarships is more critical than ever. We need your help to continue our efforts to invest in the next generation of accountants, and the scholarships we award are not possible without the generous contributions of our members.

Please consider donating now at www.orcpa.org/contribute-scholarships or making an annual contribution with your OSCPA membership renewal. Please also encourage your firm or business to make or increase their contribution, as well as to consider matching yours.

Thank you for your continued support, every dollar counts and together we will make a difference.

Learn more about The OSCPA Educational Foundation 

Read about The OSCPA Educational Foundation scholarship recipients