Florida’s Future CPAs: 11 UF students selected as FICPA Scholars
Accounting students Brayden Ballard (BSAc ‘24, MAcc ‘26), Brayden Dam (BSAc ‘26, MAcc ‘26), Conley Strayer (BSAc ‘26, MAcc ‘27), Emily Lu (BSAc ‘25, MAcc ‘26), Emily Odza (BSAc ‘26, MAcc ‘26), Ivy Ye (BSAc ‘25, MAcc ‘27), Jathan Barr (BSAc ‘25, MAcc ‘26), Jennifer Duong (BSAc ‘25, MAcc ‘26), Joey Roldan (BSAc ‘25), Jordan Fine (BSAc ‘25) and Katie Quach (BSAc ‘25, MAcc ‘26) at the University of Florida were selected as Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) Class of 2025-26 Scholars.
The recipients felt an overwhelming theme of honor, gratitude and affirmation when receiving this scholarship.
Ye described this recognition as “a tremendous honor… it represents more than academic recognition—it symbolizes a connection to a broader professional community that values leadership, ethics and service.”
Since 1959, FICPA Foundation Scholarships have awarded students studying accounting in Florida; each scholarship ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. The foundation has distributed over four million dollars to colleges and students across the state of Florida. With this scholarship, they strive to further their mission of providing support and fostering success for future Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).
The students shared how the scholarship would contribute to their academic and professional goals. Not only would the scholarship provide financial support with more time for their coursework and studying for the CPA exam, but it would help build them a strong professional network in the Florida accounting community.
As a majority of these students pursue graduate degrees through UF, this scholarship will give them additional resources to enrich their professional development with a stand-out recognition as FICPA Scholars.
The Fisher School of Accounting has not only equipped students with extensive knowledge in the field, but has also offered exceptional faculty, unique career opportunities, real-world application and valuable insight into the professional world. The students shared that Fisher set them up for success and growth academically, professionally and personally.
“The Fisher School has played a major role in my success by fostering an environment centered around growth, learning and meaningful connections,” Barr said. “The faculty are invested in helping students understand the material and apply it in real-world settings. My peers also motivate me to excel, and the close-knit community at Fisher makes achieving your goals feel within reach.”
For scholarship eligibility, individuals must be a rising college senior with plans to take the CPA exam and work in Florida. Students are required to send transcripts, letters of recommendations and a personal statement to reflect their aspirations and expertise as a CPA.
“The FICPA offers a wonderful opportunity for students by allowing us to apply for their scholarships more than once during our academic journey,” Lu said. “This means you can apply once for your senior year and apply again for your graduate year. So students going into their 3rd and 4th year, please apply!”
“It’s not about the money,” Roldan said. “It’s about the idea that someone other than my family and friends can recognize (the) effort I have put into my community and my professional capabilities. So I want to extend a huge thank you for every opportunity FICPA has done to welcome me as a future CPA capable of making a positive difference throughout the world.”
