Ten Fisher students selected as 2026 FICPA Scholars

Ten students from the University of Florida Warrington College of Business’ Fisher School of Accounting have been selected as recipients of 2026-2027 scholarships from the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) Scholarship Foundation.

The recipients are Cassidy Davis (BSAc ‘25, MAcc ‘27), Bree Ocampo (BSAc ‘27, MAcc ‘28) Ivy Ye (BSAc ‘25, MAcc ‘27), Katherine Prendeville (BSAc ‘26), Kevin Smith (BSAc ‘27, MAcc ‘28), Lily Robison (BSAc ‘26, MAcc ‘28), Logan Shoop (BSAc ‘27), Makayla Rassbach (MAcc ‘27), Matthew Actor (BSAc ‘25, MAcc ‘27) and Matthew Light (BSAc ‘27, MAcc ‘28). 

The students shared immense gratitude and a sense of honor at receiving the scholarship, which recognizes their academic accomplishments while easing the financial burden of pursuing an accounting degree.

“Becoming a FICPA scholar is quite meaningful to me,” Ye said. “It’s not just a title; it’s a real connection to a professional community that cares about leadership, ethics and service. Knowing that FICPA saw that potential in me is incredibly motivating, and I’m honored to be part of a group that represents where this profession is headed.” 

Recipients said the financial support will allow them to focus on their academic and professional goals and continue working toward their CPA license. 

“Being named a FICPA scholar means being part of a community that is invested in the future of the accounting profession,” Prendeville said. 

Founded in 1959, the FICPA Scholarship Foundation supports students pursuing accounting and the CPA profession in Florida. The foundation has distributed more than $4 million with scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. In 2025, 11 students from the Fisher School of Accounting were recognized for their success and studies in the field. 

FICPA Foundation scholarship applicants must be at least rising college seniors or graduate students studying accounting or a related subject, planning to sit for the CPA exam and intending to work in Florida. Winners are selected based on academic achievement, GPA, extracurricular involvement, personal statement and recommendations. 

The winners credit the University of Florida and the Fisher School of Accounting for the resources and opportunities for a strong foundation in accounting. 

“The Fisher School of Accounting has given me countless opportunities to grow both personally and professionally,” Robison said, “from networking and building professional skills to serving as president of an accounting organization and working as a student assistant for Financial Accounting and Reporting 1. These experiences have helped shape me into the student and future professional I am today.”

The students encourage interested applicants to lean into the opportunities the Fisher School of Accounting provides. 

“My biggest advice is to get involved,” Prendeville said. “Joining organizations and taking advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom can make a huge difference in your college experience and can introduce you to opportunities you may not have found on your own. Put yourself out there, take advantage of the opportunities available to you and do not let one outcome discourage you from trying again.”