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USF SARASOTA-MANATEE HONORS FICPA GULF COAST CHAPTER MEMBER FOR ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP LEADERSHIP

(Sarasota, FL, October 6, 2004) – Larry A. Kraujalis, a member of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) was honored by the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee in appreciation of his leadership in building the chapter’s accounting scholarship fund. Campus CEO Dr. Laurey Stryker presented the award to Kraujalis October 6, at a dinner at the Laurel Oak Country Club, Sarasota.

“The Gulf Coast Chapter of FICPA is an outstanding community partner, who with USF is building a top-notch university accounting program in the Sarasota-Manatee region,” Stryker said.

The chapter’s endowed scholarship has grown to more than $160,000 since the fund was established with the USF Foundation for USF Sarasota-Manatee accounting students over ten years ago. Endowed scholarships are managed by the USF Foundation and provide ongoing funds through investment earnings.

“Our purpose is to attract students to the study of accounting; assist them while they are in school; and have them become productive members of the CPA community in the Sarasota-Manatee area,” said Dr. William Quilliam, chapter president and coordinator of the USF Sarasota-Manatee College of Business Administration (COBA ) programs.

The dinner followed continuing education programs by Jennifer J. Green, FICPA director of governmental affairs, and state FICPA President Tommye Barie. In addition to the award presentation, Quilliam acknowledged past chapter presidents attending.

Several speakers enlightened attendees. Christine Herring, program coordinator for “Take Stock in Children,” spoke about the importance of mentoring to high-risk, underprivileged youths and keeping them on the track to higher education. State Representatives Nancy Detert and Ron Reagan addressed upcoming election issues. Detert and Reagan, a USF alumnus, are strong supporters of higher education.

“These scholarships illustrate another example of USF Sarasota-Manatee’s role as an indispensable asset to our community. We provide the next generation of accountants and business leaders that support local economic development,” Stryker added.

FICPA is the primary organization for accounting professionals, with over 18,300 members nationwide who excel in their field. “The organization provides excellent networking opportunities for students as well as professionals,” said Quilliam. “Colleges nationally are seeing fewer accountancy majors. With our scholarship programs, we ensure a new stream of accountants to fill a growing number of jobs.”

The FICPA Accounting Scholarship is campus-based and is not dependent upon financial need, so no FAFSA application is required. Awards are made in fall and spring semesters, with recipients eligible for a maximum of $2,000 annually. Scholarship funds are prorated based on the number of hours a student is enrolled. To qualify, a student must be a degree-seeking accounting major, enrolled in classes on the Sarasota-Manatee campus, and a resident of Sarasota or Manatee County. For an application, visit the Financial Aid Web site, http://www.sarasota.usf.edu/FinancialAid/, and click on “Campus-based Scholarships,” or call 941-359-4559.