Ask the people at Crowe Horwath why they made a generous donation to the School of Accounting at Florida International University (FIU) for a scholarship and other purposes, and they’ll respond that it was partially self-serving.

“We’ve had several key hires of FIU grads over the past three years and, quite frankly, we want to make sure that an important source of talent keeps generating outstanding graduates,” said Oscar Ortiz (BBA ’95) of Crowe Horwath.

But just as important, he pointed out, is that many motivated students need help in financing their education.

“It’s the right thing to do,” Ortiz said. “I worked my way through school but that’s a lot tougher now. Crowe Horwath is pleased to be able to provide assistance to a high-achieving student and to help the school achieve its goals.”

The gift began when Ortiz talked to the folks in recruiting at Crowe Horwath about how the company, one of the 10 largest public accounting and consulting firms in the United States, could help support the education of future accountants at FIU.

“I received nothing but support, especially from partners David Ingley and Justin Stone, who made this idea a reality,” he said.

The Crowe Horwath LLP Outstanding Accounting Student scholarship will be awarded to a student in the School of Accounting beginning his or her senior year in the fall of 2012. The remainder of the donation will help with the school’s general operating expenses.

Check is presented to school’s director.  

On February 24, 2012 Ortiz presented a check to Ruth Ann McEwen, director of the School of Accounting, part of the College of Business Administration.

“The same leadership that this company shows in developing solutions to meet the needs of their clients is demonstrated by ensuring that educational opportunities exist for talented students,” McEwen said. “On behalf of FIU’s School of Accounting, I thank Crowe Horwath for their kind and generous donation. We are deeply appreciative.”