Published: June 02, 2009 07:41 am      

ECU wins grant from OSCPA

ADA — In a statewide competition of college accounting departments, East Central University has received a $5,000 grant from the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants.

In the third annual Campus Competition, ECU won first place, while Oklahoma Christian University won the $1,000 grant for second place.

The majority of the work necessary to apply for the grant was completed by ECU accounting student Susan Leonard.

“As one of the 12 graduating seniors from ECU’s Accounting Department, I’m thrilled that we’re receiving this generous grant from OSCPA,” said Leonard. “Many of us are going to continue on to get the master of science in accounting degree, which is a new at ECU, and I’m hopeful these monies will be used to fund scholarships for our graduate students. The overwhelming majority of traditional scholarships are dedicated only to undergraduates.”

Leonard lives in Sulphur and commutes to ECU to attend classes and works at the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center on campus.

“The hard work that Susan did to apply for this award is indicative of all the students in our department,” said Dr. Sarah Holmes, chair of the Accounting Department.

The Campus Competition was created in an ongoing effort to make educators and students aware of the valuable benefits and services the OSCPA offers. The competition ran throughout the school year, from fall to spring.

Other participating schools included the University of Tulsa, Northeastern State University at Broken Arrow, Northeastern State University at Tahlequah and Oral Roberts University.

With more than 6,600 members in public practice, industry, government and education, the OSCPA is Oklahoma’s only statewide professional association of CPAs. For 90 years, the organization has continued to provide professional education, conduct quality reviews and promote and maintain high standards of integrity and competence within the accounting profession, as well as assist accounting educators and students.

Visit www.oscpa.com for additional resources including scholarships, lesson plans and more. Visit www.KnowWhatCounts.org for free money tips, referrals and CPA consultations.