Wow… 65 years. Just take that in for a moment.
Since 1961, the Michigan Accountancy Foundation (MAF) has been on a mission that I know resonates deeply with all of us… to attract, inspire, and support the next generation of CPAs. And not just in words, but in action through meaningful educator grants, impactful student outreach programs, and life-changing scholarships.
And friends, the impact is REAL:
- 432 scholarships awarded (and counting!)
- $1,490,000 invested in accounting students across Michigan
That’s not just a milestone. That’s a legacy. One we’ve built together.
As members, partners, volunteers, and champions of this profession, you have made this possible. Whether you’ve contributed financially, shown up at events like MICPA Comedy Night or the Celebrate Awards, or simply shared your time and energy… THANK YOU. Truly. Your generosity continues to exceed expectations year after year, and it’s making a difference in ways that ripple far beyond what we can see.
As I have the honor of serving as MAF Secretary, I get a front-row seat to that impact. And today, I’m excited to share the results of your support by announcing our 2026 MAF Educator Grant and Student Scholarship recipients!
2026 Educator Grant Recipient
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Jerry Davis, Professor of Business Administration at the University of Michigan, and Christie Baer, Managing Director of the Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project (DNEP).
The DNEP is exactly the kind of innovative initiative MAF exists to support. Through this program, students gain real-world advisory experience while providing free accounting consulting and financial training to more than 250 small businesses in Detroit.
Think about that for a second… students learning by doing, professionals mentoring along the way, and local businesses gaining critical support. That’s the kind of WIN-WIN-WIN that moves our profession forward.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Each year, selecting scholarship recipients is no easy task. The talent, drive, and passion in this pipeline is inspiring. This year, seven outstanding students rose to the top:
- Paul and Mary Glantz Scholarship
Evan Swanson – Saginaw Valley State University - Deborah and Mark Habel Scholarship
Stephanie Harizanova – Michigan State University - David and Kathy Petoskey Scholarship
Rachel Krouth – Michigan Technological University - Richard Czarnecki Scholarship
Naomi Allen – Grand Valley State University - Jeff Fisher Memorial Scholarship
Lindsey Wendling – Michigan State University - Michigan Accountancy Foundation Scholarship
Amiley Williams – Rochester Christian University - Michigan Accountancy Foundation Scholarship
William Pryce – Michigan State University
To each of you… CONGRATULATIONS! You represent the very best of what’s ahead for our profession, and we could not be more excited to support you on your journey to becoming CPAs.
As we celebrate 65 years of the MAF alongside the MICPA’s 125th anniversary, we’re not just looking back… we’re leaning forward. And with that in mind, MAF has set an ambitious (and I believe very achievable!) fundraising goal of $125,000 this year.
Why? Because the more we raise, the more students we support. The more educators we empower. The stronger our profession becomes.
So, here’s my ask… join us.
If you’ve given before, THANK YOU… and I hope you’ll consider giving again. If you haven’t yet, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Donate today
All the best,
Bob