March 06, 2025

2024-2025 Accounting Education Foundation Scholarship Recipients

Acct Ed Found Blue LogoThe TXCPA Accounting Education Foundation (AEF) is proud to recognize and support the next generation of accounting professionals by awarding scholarships to a group of outstanding students. These scholarships go beyond just providing financial assistance - they serve as a gateway to a thriving community of experienced professionals who are committed to guiding and empowering students on their journey toward a successful career in accounting.

Through mentorship, networking opportunities and access to invaluable resources, recipients gain more than just funding; they gain a support system that will help shape their future in the profession. Congratulations to these exceptional students for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence!

Named Scholarship Recipients:

Jerry and Rozelyn Love Endowed Scholarship (Kimberly Alvarez)

James A. & Charlotte Ann (Charlie) Smith Scholarship (Alyssa Frankis)

Erik & Felix Lopez Memorial Scholarship (Grant Mahlmann)

Ann Michele King Memorial Scholarship (Mary Raymond)

Robert "Bob" Owen Scholarship Fund (Cayla Ng)

Kym Anderson Scholarship (Trinity Perez Martinez)

Kelly Hunter Scholarship (Amber Molina)

Steve Tillinger Scholarship (Haylee Reyna)

Willie Hornberger Scholarship (Kailey Kessler)

Gene Sumrall Scholarship (Kate Bentley)

C. Jeff Gregg Memorial Scholarship (Sean Macias)

TXCPA Fort Worth Chapter Scholarship (Grant Sheehan)

 

Scholarship Recipients:

Erica Acosta
Texas A&M University - San Antonio

Sadaf Ahmed
University of Texas at Arlington

Felicia Alvarado
University of the Incarnate Word

Kimberly Alvarez
Angelo State University

Shawn Arthur
Texas State University - San Marcos

Ayaan Asim
University of Texas at Dallas

Abdullahi Aweda
Texas State University - San Marcos

Rayyan Baloch
University of Texas at Dallas

Kate Bentley
Sam Houston State University

Carmen Bernal
University of Houston - Downtown

Brant Bolton
Texas Tech University

Coressa Bosier
Texas State University - San Marcos

Brianna Brown
Texas Lutheran University

Cierra Brown
University of North Texas at Dallas

Jaden Chandler
Lamar University

Reina Cruz Castillo
University of Houston - Downtown

Maxine DePalma
University of Texas at Tyler

Priscilla Eshun
University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

Alyssa Frankis
University of Texas at Arlington

Jose Garcia
University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

Samantha Garcia
University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

Unnati Goel
University of Texas at Tyler

Aye Aye Thet Han
University of Houston - Main

Hailey Hernandez
University of the Incarnate Word

Ethan Hexter
University of North Texas

Natasha Kataw
Texas Christian University

Aaron Kenigsberg
Houston Community College

Kailey Kessler
University of Texas at Austin

My King
San Antonio College

Rachel King
Texas Tech University

Li Li
University of Texas at Dallas

Kevin Longoria
Texas State University - San Marcos

Jean Lozano
San Antonio College

Sean Macias
Trinity University

Grant Mahlmann
Texas A&M University - College Station

Melika Mohammed
Trinity University

Amber Molina
University of Houston – Main

Mohammad Hammaad Mondal
Texas Tech University

Drew Morrison
Angelo State University

Aizhan Mukhametzhanova
Rice University

Cayla Ng
University of North Texas

Trinity Perez Martinez
University of Texas at El Paso

Mary Raymond
Texas A&M University - College Station

Elexus Reid
Houston Community College

Haylee Reyna
Texas A&M University – Kingsville

Michelle Sanchez
University of Houston - Downtown

Sheila Sanchez
University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

Brianna Schnell
University of Texas at Tyler

Edward Sengai
San Antonio College

Grant Sheehan
Tarleton State University

Maura Teer
Texas Christian University

Alicia Tijerina
Texas State University - San Marcos

Cruz Untz
Texas State University - San Marcos

Dane Wiest
Texas Tech University

Casey Ybarra
University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

Yann Zigman
Trinity University

 

Thanks to the Sponsors of Today's CPA Magazine

This content was made possible by the sponsors of this issue of Today's CPA Magazine:

Accounting Biz Brokers

Accounting Practice Sales

Capstan

CPA Charge

Goodman Financial

Poe Group Advisors

 

 

 

  • The Future of CPA Licensing: TXCPA Members in Action at the State Capitol

    With the profession facing a talent shortage, legislative efforts are underway to introduce alternative pathways to licensure. Additionally, bills have been introduced to address CPA mobility and practicing accounting across state lines. TXCPA members took action at the Texas Capitol to address and emphasize the importance of these initiatives in strengthening the profession.
    View Article
  • CPE: Corporate Codes of Conduct - Similarities and Differences, and Implementation and Communication Strategies

    Codes of conduct serve as essential guidance for organizations, ensuring ethical behavior, regulatory compliance and corporate integrity. This article examines the significance of codes of conduct, highlighting examples from Fortune 500 companies. Effective implementation involves executive endorsement, ongoing communication and integration, and reinforcing accountability.
    View Article
  • Build on Our Momentum

    During TXCPA's 2025 Advocacy Day at the state Capitol, CPA professionals met with legislators to discuss proposed legislation on alternative CPA pathways and mobility. These efforts strengthened relationships with lawmakers, positioning CPAs as trusted advocates for the profession. The positive feedback from legislators reflects the impact of these advocacy efforts.
    View Article
  • Assessing AI From a Tax Perspective, Part 2

    In part 2 of a series, this article examines the risks and limitations of using AI in tax preparation. While AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, and TaxGPT can assist with tax research, their accuracy depends on precise prompts and professional oversight. Responses are often outdated, misleading or incorrect, posing risks to professionals who rely on them without verification.
    View Article
  • Understanding Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Standards

    The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) provides industry-specific guidelines for companies to report on ESG factors that impact financial performance. Companies use SASB metrics to enhance investor transparency and manage ESG risks. While SEC regulations on sustainability remain pending, over 3,000 companies worldwide have voluntarily adopted the standards to improve corporate performance.
    View Article
  • What’s Happening Around Texas - March-April 2025

    TXCPA chapters across Texas hosted various events to engage members and support future CPAs. TXCPA Dallas held a Coffee & Connections event, while TXCPA East Texas members inspired students at UT Tyler’s Beta Alpha Psi meeting. TXCPA Fort Worth welcomed new licensees at a luncheon and in San Antonio, members celebrated new iDEAL graduates and elected the 2025-2026 Officers and Directors.
    View Article
  • Navigating Timekeeping Compliance in Government Contracting

    Texas contractors receiving government funding must maintain rigorous accounting practices, particularly in timekeeping and labor distribution, to ensure they are adhering to federal regulations. CPAs and finance professionals play a crucial role in enforcing applicable standards. Mastering timekeeping is essential to help meet federal standards and uphold the integrity of taxpayer-funded projects.
    View Article
  • Spotlight on CPAs: Shilpa Boggram Sathyamurthy, CPA-Houston, CA

    Shilpa Boggram Sathyamurthy is an accounting profession leader with experience in both public and industry accounting. In this Spotlight on CPAs article, she discusses the differences in their focus, workload and learning opportunities. She also actively contributes to TXCPA through committee service, valuing collaboration and professional development.
    View Article
  • Do New SEC Disclosure Requirements for Share Repurchases Dilute Their Benefit?

    The SEC introduced new disclosure requirements for share repurchases, aiming to increase transparency. Under the updated rules, companies must now disclose daily repurchase data in quarterly reports. Companies must also disclose whether insiders traded in the four days before or after announcing a buyback. The rules do not specifically address accelerated share repurchase programs.
    View Article
  • Custom Reporting Solutions for ASC 842 Lease Accounting

    ASC 842 compliance remains challenging as organizations manage complex lease portfolios and multiple accounting systems. While standard software offers reporting features, many require custom solutions to integrate specific accounting attributes and enhance internal controls. Using a structured approach to developing custom reports can help improve efficiency and support the decision-making process.
    View Article
  • 2024-2025 Accounting Education Foundation Scholarship Recipients

    The TXCPA Accounting Education Foundation (AEF) awards scholarships to outstanding students, providing not only financial aid but also connections to a supportive community of experienced professionals. Congratulations to these exceptional students for their dedication and commitment to excellence!
    View Article
  • Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: How to Get the Latest Updates on BOI Reporting; Safeguard What Matters Most; Accountants Confidential Assistance Network; Advocacy Day and Midyear Leadership Council Meeting; TXCPA Career Center; CGMA® Designation
    View Article
  • Classifieds

    The classified ad section features listings for practice owners looking to sell, professionals seeking firms to purchase and a variety of specialized services. Whether you're looking to expand, sell or explore niche opportunities, these classified ads can connect you to valuable business prospects and resources.
    View Article

CHAIR
Mohan Kuruvilla, Ph.D., CPA

PRESIDENT/CEO
Jodi Ann Ray, CAE, CCE, IOM

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Melinda Bentley, CAE

EDITORIAL BOARD CHAIR
Jennifer Johnson, CPA

MANAGER, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Peggy Foley
pfoley@tx.cpa

MANAGING EDITOR
DeLynn Deakins
ddeakins@tx.cpa

COLUMN EDITOR
Don Carpenter, MSAcc/CPA

DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Wayne Hardin, CDMP, PCM®

CLASSIFIEDS
DeLynn Deakins

Texas Society of CPAs
14131 Midway Rd., Suite 850
Addison, TX 75001
972-687-8550
ddeakins@tx.cpa

 

Editorial Board
Derrick Bonyuet-Lee, CPA-Austin;
Aaron Borden, CPA-Dallas;
Don Carpenter, CPA-Central Texas;
Rhonda Fronk, CPA-Houston;
Aaron Harris, CPA-Dallas;
Baria Jaroudi, CPA-Houston;
Elle Kathryn Johnson, CPA-Houston;
Jennifer Johnson, CPA-Dallas;
Lucas LaChance, CPA-Dallas, CIA;
Nicholas Larson, CPA-Fort Worth;
Anne-Marie Lelkes, CPA-Corpus Christi;
Bryan Morgan, Jr, CPA-Austin;
Stephanie Morgan, CPA-East Texas;
Kamala Raghavan, CPA-Houston;
Amber Louise Rourke, CPA-Brazos Valley;
Shilpa Boggram Sathyamurthy, CPA-Houston, CA
Nikki Lee Shoemaker, CPA-East Texas, CGMA;
Natasha Winn, CPA-Houston.

CONTRIBUTORS
Melinda Bentley; Kenneth Besserman; Holly McCauley; Craig Nauta; Kari Owen; John Ross; Lani Shepherd; Patty Wyatt

 

Your TXCPA membership has not been renewed for 2025 -2026. Renew now.