Local accounting firm contributes to accounting student scholarship

BKD, a public accounting firm, gave more than $45,000 to 10 regional, higher-education institutions in the state of Oklahoma, according to Tulsa World. Part of the money BKD contributed went to a scholarship fund for accounting students at Oklahoma Christian University.

BKD’s “Back to School Campaign” encourages employees to give back to their alma maters. The firm matches employee contributions up to $500 per year.

Todd Lisle, a managing partner for the Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Enid branches of BKD, said BKD is committed to higher education and accounting programs at local universities where they recruit.

Jeff Simmons, dean of the business department, said BKD gives money to colleges each year with two of its partners.

“Each year BKD donates money to the College of Business Administration to support students studying accounting,” Simmons said. “This year the total gift to the BKD Scholarship Fund was $1,500.”

According to Simmons, the money goes directly to students to help them further their education.

“The funds this year provided two $750 scholarships for OC students studying accounting,” Simmons said. “The scholarship recipients — Kali Scholle and Lydia Harlow — were announced at the 28th Annual College of Business Administration Awards Banquet.”

Simmons said BKD contributes money to Oklahoma Christian because they are interested in recruiting their accounting students.

“Our graduates are well prepared in the field of accounting,” Simmons said. “The company appreciates the strong work ethic of our graduates, and BKD believes they can trust Oklahoma Christian graduates because of the Christian values our graduates demonstrate in the workplace.”

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