VSCPA Educational Foundation Scholarship and Grant Recipients
Meet some of the students who have been directly impacted by the Educational Foundation's scholarships, grants and programs:
Kiyoung Rector George Mason University
"I am originally from Korea. The culture is quite different in Korea versus the culture here in America. If I had stayed in Korea, I probably would not have thought about pursuing my career and education. I am very thankful for being able to live in America and become a United States citizen, because living here has opened my eyes to so many different opportunities. I plan to continue my education to get my MBA degree after the MSA. I also plan to get my CPA license by 2011. I would like to work at a public accounting company in the auditing department. I interviewed with the several public accounting firms this spring and I was invited to several externship programs, which led to my internship with KPMG in summer 2010. My goal, one day, is to become a partner. I am getting close to my goal. I am really excited about these wonderful opportunities and I believe this is only my beginning.
Receiving the VSCPA Educational Foundation Minority Scholarship has given me more motivation to work even harder to reach my goals. In the future, I would like to give back to students with similar circumstances as mine. I thank you again for your support and confidence to help me achieve my dreams.”
Ryan Leece, CPA Virginia Tech
Not long ago, Ryan Leece was developing software to provide CBS with live NCAA basketball statistics. He also led software development projects for both the summer and winter X Games. So what is he now doing pursuing his Ph.D. in accounting at Virginia Tech?
He’s finally achieving what he initially set out to do, with a few twists and tweaks to the original objective. Read his full story here.
Michele Meckfessel, CPA Virginia Tech
Michele Meckfessel, CPA, knows not everyone flies a straight path toward their ultimate destination. Hers has been a winding journey that has recently taken a sharp turn toward academia. A former Navy pilot, Meckfessel is now training to teach accounting at the college level.
Meckfessel's dedication and promise have earned her department’s nomination for the very first VSCPA Educational Foundation Austin M. Cloyd, Matthew G. Gwaltney & Maxine S. Turner Doctoral Scholarship, which was established to honor and remember the lives of students of Virginia accounting families who were lost in the tragic events at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007. Read her full story here.
