Supporting Future Fraud Fighters
Leanne Robison and Brittany Rovenstine are two hard-studying students who share more than geography (they both attend schools in Oklahoma): They were recipients of the ACFE Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship for the 2011-2012 school year.
Robison, an MBA student at Oral Roberts University, first heard of the Ritchie-Jennings scholarship through an accounting professor, who helped guide her smoothly through the process. "By far, the most exciting part of the application process was meeting the CFE who wrote my recommendation (Leah Wietholter)," says Robison. "Not only did she obviously write a killer recommendation, but, through that meeting, I now have the opportunity to work at her forensic accounting firm, Workman Forensics."
Last year, the ACFE Foundation awarded a record $53,000 to 30 college and university students through the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program. The Program is named for Tracy Ritchie, CFE, and Larry Jennings, CFE, CPA, who were killed Nov. 12, 1997, in Karachi, Pakistan, when terrorists fired on their vehicle during a business trip.
Robison says she was sitting on her bed, studying, when she got the call. "I actually hadn’t realized the amounts had been changed for this year, so I was blown away when I heard I had won $10,000," she says. "I had been in the process of deciding if I would continue with grad school or go into the workforce right after graduation and save up to get my MBA later on. Getting that call made the decision for me!"
Of winning, Rovenstine, Oklahoma Wesleyan University student, says, "I was ecstatic!" The scholarship helped her pay for her junior year tuition. She plans to earn her CFE credential, not only because of the ACFE and the Ritchie-Jennings scholarship, but also, "Ethics are very important, especially in today’s world. And I think the field of fraud examination is fascinating."
Robison enjoys learning about fraud investigation at Workman Forensics and feels that earning the CFE credential will help her maximize her potential in the industry.
As for specific post-graduation plans, Robison is keeping her options open. "One thing I’ve learned about life is that it can all change in a moment. Getting the call that I’d won this scholarship is a prime example," she says.
In only its fifth year, the Silent Auction at the ACFE Annual Fraud Conference has quickly become the ACFE Foundation's largest fundraiser and a key source of funding for the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship program and fraud examination research projects. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed more than $300,000 in scholarships to deserving students worldwide. Managed by an independent Board of Directors elected by the members of the ACFE, the ACFE Foundation is providing opportunities and resources on the frontlines of anti-fraud education worldwide through the funding of scholarships, endowments, research and other educational projects.
Another scholarship program supports future fraud fighters by paying their way to the ACFE Annual Fraud Conference. With dynamic educational sessions, invaluable networking functions, career advancement opportunities and cutting-edge resources in the Exhibit Hall, the Conference offers the most comprehensive learning experience in the field. Past scholarship winners have made valuable career connections and benefitted from in-the-trenches knowledge and information from foremost experts in the anti-fraud field. Several even received job offers. The scholarship includes free registration¬ to the Main Conference, a ticket to the Networking Reception and an ACFE polo shirt.
“My experience as a scholarship recipient was amazing," says Daniel Torres, CFE, Audit Associate, Grant-Thornton. "I got the opportunity to meet and talk to a lot of important people who shared their career experiences with me. Mark Sullivan, Forensic Partner at Grant Thornton, helped by submitting my resume to Grant Thornton’s recruiting department. I was interviewed, and now I’m working for GT-Chicago as an Audit Associate. I always wanted to work in public accounting, but I didn’t know how to start. The ACFE conference gave me that extra push that I needed.”
If you are a student member and would like to be considered for one of the scholarships to the ACFE Annual Fraud Conference, please contact Lupe De Leon for information on deadlines and what you need to submit.
