GMercyU 2019 Graduate Recognized with PICPA Scholarship for CPA Exam
Gwynedd Mercy University Class of 2019 graduate David Hollinger was selected by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) to receive a scholarship to defray the costs associated with taking the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.
The PICPA Exam Scholarship is given out to those who are preparing to sit for their exams. The $1,000 award can be used for any expense required to take the exam, most commonly used for review courses and exam fees, among other things. To be considered for this competitive scholarship, applicants must be a member of PICPA, reside in PA, have registered to take one part of the CPA exam, and submit an application including a personal essay.
"I was very humbled and proud that the PICPA believed in my abilities as a CPA candidate," said David. "I was also excited to find out that the news made its way to GMercyU and Professor Silvesti, both of whom reached out to congratulate me on the scholarship."
Not only is a David a PICPA scholarship recipient, but he was also recognized by the professional organization prior to his graduation. At this year's Honors Convocation, David was honored with the PICPA Award for Outstanding Accounting Graduate, which is given to a deserving student who has demonstrated exceptional academic progress and as well as an interest in pursuing a career in public accounting.
Through his internship opportunities during his time at GMercyU, David received a job offer from BBD, LLP, which is a public accounting firm in Philadelphia that focuses on the auditing of investment securities, nonprofits, and government entities. He joined the company's Investment Management Group in July as a Staff Accountant/Auditor while he works to pass the CPA exam. His future career goals include passing the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam and pursuing job opportunities in forensic accounting.
"All of these qualities: honesty, respect, responsibility, humility, and more; are things that I worked on during my time at GMercyU and are things that make their graduates, including myself, Distinctive Mercy Graduates."