ACFE Foundation awards scholarships in 22nd year of Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program

The ACFE Foundation has awarded $55,000 to college and university students through the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program for the 2016-2017 school year. Each recipient also will receive a one-year ACFE student membership.

The ACFE Foundation, a nonprofit entity, raises funds to support the scholarship program for the education of students worldwide who have an interest in pursuing a career in fraud examination or similar fields. Candidates must be enrolled in accounting, business administration, finance or criminal justice higher-education programs. ACFE chapters and ACFE members also help underwrite the scholarships with donations. Also, royalties from books written by ACFE founder and Chairman Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA, help fund the scholarships.

An independent board of directors manages the ACFE Foundation. Its members include: Thomas Shaw, CFE, chairman; Frank Abel, CFE, CFF, CPA, vice chairman (who's also chairman of the ACFE Scholarship Committee); Vice President and General Counsel John Warren, J.D., CFE, secretary; ACFE Vice President and Program Director Bruce Dorris, J.D., CFE, CPA, CVA, treasurer; and Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jeanette LeVie, CFE, assistant treasurer.

The ACFE Scholarship Committee reviews scholarship applications and recommends recipients to the ACFE Foundation Board of Directors.

"We've received impressive applications from budding fraud examiners from around the world," says Abel. "I welcome them to our family of fraud fighters. We hope these scholarships will help encourage them as they begin their careers.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to my fellow scholarship committee members for their persistent efforts — Lynn Norton-DeMets, CFE; Cindy Greenman, Ph.D., CFE; Paul Soos, CFE; and Jesse Weideman, CFE, CMA. Each of them provided sincere and honest considerations of each applicant's potential as a scholarship participant.

"As in several years past, we couldn't have completed our duties without the diligence of Lupe De Leon [ACFE scholarship committee liaison]," says Abel. "She provided us with direction, support, advice and friendship. She made the scholarship process seamless."

Dorris says that the ACFE Foundation is grateful to the members who contribute to the scholarship program. "Our profession can't survive unless we support the education of our future fraud examiners," he says. "We're not automatically self-perpetuating. Experienced CFEs have to support the new generation of anti-fraud professionals."

The ACFE's Board of Regents voted to name the scholarship program the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarships in 1998. Tracy Ritchie, CFE, and Larry Jennings, CFE, CPA, were killed Nov. 12, 1997, in Karachi, Pakistan, when terrorists fired on their vehicle during a business trip.

For more information about the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program and applying for the 2017-2018 academic year, visit ACFE.com/Scholarship.

Following are the recipients for the top seven awards:

$10,000 scholarship: Rachel Stephensen, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Rachel Stephensen is pursuing a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Her interest in the criminal justice field grew when she was accepted to a magnet high school, which specialized in law-related studies. She then obtained a dual Bachelor's in Accounting and Criminal Justice.

Her passion for fighting fraud grew after she saw a preponderance of corporate scandals and white-collar crimes. That led to her current employment with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's counter-terrorism division where she participates in a Financial Crime Task Force.

To enhance her education and professional growth, Stephensen stays active in organizations such as the ACFE, the International Association of Crime Analysts and the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts. She's also a member of the Nevada chapter of the International Association of Financial Crime Investigators. Her future goal is to obtain the CFE credential and focus on a career combating money laundering and other criminal activities.

$5,000 scholarship: Elizabeth Branney-Gant, CFE, University of Wisconsin

Elizabeth Branney-Gant is enrolled in an MBA program and maintains a 3.62 GPA while working full time as a fraud investigator for the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Her passion to fight fraud began when she worked in a loss prevention department, and she quickly moved into a senior position.

To broaden her skills in fighting fraud, waste and abuse, she began pursuing her MBA and she earned the CFE credential. Her letters of recommendation described her as determined, committed and holding a high level of integrity.

Branney-Gant's career goal is to work in the government sector in investigative roles to utilize her expertise in data mining, data analytics and digital forensics. She's applying for a criminal investigator position with the U.S. Secret Service.

$5,000 scholarship: Olamide Ewetusa, Howard University and George Mason University

Olamide Ewetusa, who graduated with a 3.82 GPA from Howard University in May with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, is pursuing a Master's in Accountancy at George Mason University. She's completing a KPMG summer internship.

Ewetusa's interest in fighting fraud began in her youth when she saw it in her home country of Lagos, Nigeria. During her time in college, she received awards from the Greater Washington Society of CPAs and the Accounting and Financial Woman's Alliance. She was named a National Association of Black Accountants scholar on the local, regional and national levels. She was also on the Howard University Dean's list for four consecutive years.

Ewetusa continues to be actively involved in a number of organizations and competitions and periodically holds leadership positions. In 2017, she will be assume a full-time position with KPMG's federal audit practice and plans on moving to its forensic department.

$2,500 scholarship: Zhijing Liu, Purdue University

Zhijing Liu, whose home country is China, is pursuing a Bachelor's in Accounting and Finance and maintains a 3.77 GPA. She's a founder and currently president of the ACFE Purdue Student Chapter. She actively promotes the anti-fraud profession and assists chapter members with opportunities to pursue careers in fraud related fields.

Her experiences as secretary and treasurer for the chapter influenced her desire to pursue the anti-fraud profession. She often invites anti-fraud professionals to speak at chapter meetings to further engage students.

Zhijing Liu has recently accepted an internship offer from the Purdue Federal Credit Union where she works closely on anti-fraud issues such as Bank Secrecy Act compliance, anti-money laundering detection and fraud prevention. She regularly hosts career fairs at Purdue and directs a case competition for 500 students. Zhijing Liu plans on pursuing a Master's in Accounting as well as taking the CFE and CPA exams.

$2,500 scholarship: Kelsey Kennedy, University of West Georgia

Kelsey Kennedy is pursuing a Bachelor's in Accounting and maintains a 4.0 GPA. An instructor inspired her interest in anti-fraud opportunities as a fraud examiner. She's a student member of the Georgia Society of CPAs, Beta Gamma Sigma, National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies.

Kennedy plans to attend graduate school to pursue a forensic accounting degree. Her career goals include earning the CFE credential, working for the FBI and becoming a fraud examination professor.

$2,500 scholarship: Anna Sitnikova, Florida Atlantic University

Anna Sitnikova is pursuing a Master's in Accounting with a concentration in forensic accounting and business valuation. She maintains a 3.84 GPA. Her passion for the anti-fraud profession sparked after taking a fraud examination course at Southern Polytechnic State University.

Sitnikova's enthusiasm for detecting misstatements led her to an intern position at Georgia Institute of Technology. She's an active member of the ACFE Georgia Chapter and the Georgia Society of CPAs. Sitnikova is committed to the profession and plans on expanding her career path by passing the CFE and CPA exams.

$2,500 scholarship: Ebenezer Lamptey, CFE, Morgan State University

Ebenezer Lamptey is pursuing a doctorate in accounting and maintains a 3.66 GPA. While employed with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Lamptey became interested in expanding his knowledge of fraud and its processes and preventing fraudulent activities.

He passed the CFE Exam and began his doctorate research in fraud and forensic accounting. The State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in the Office of Inspector General awarded Lamptey a scholarship to attend the National Association of Health Care Anti-Fraud Association conference.

Lamptey is a member of the ACFE, Association of Government Accountants, National Association of Black Accountants and Beta Gamma Sigma. He plans on pursuing a university faculty position and is conducting research in forensic accounting and fraud.

$2,500 scholarship: Binod Yapa, University of New South Wales

Binod Yapa, whose home country is Sri Lanka, is enrolled in the Master of Accounting program and maintains a 3.42 GPA. He was inspired to pursue forensic accounting during an internship with Kroll Associates where he worked with the financial investigations and disputes team.

He's worked on many different engagements ranging from employee embezzlements, health care fraud to financial investigations. Yapa's goal is to pursue a doctoral degree and launch an academic career in forensic accounting. He hopes to expand the knowledge of corporate fraud and forensic accounting through his academic research.

$2,500 scholarship: Diane Isibor, Valdosta State University

Diane Isibor, whose home country is Nigeria, is pursuing a Bachelor's in Accounting and Finance and maintains a 4.0 GPA. She plans on obtaining a Master's in Accounting and earning the CFE credential.

Isibor is a student member of the ACFE Georgia chapter and has organized speaking engagements between chapter members and university students. In her spare time, Isibor studies articles on national and international anti-fraud laws and government policies to feed her passion for the anti-fraud profession.

She remains active in several organizations, including the Beta Alpha Psi Accounting and Finance Honors Society. Isibor received the 2015 Student Scholarship from the ACFE Georgia Chapter in recognition for her determination and academic excellence and interest in the anti-fraud field. Valdosta State University appointed her as one of its ambassadors.

The following each received a $1,000 scholarship:

Babatunde Adediran, DePaul University

Babatunde Adediran, whose home country is Nigeria, is studying accounting and plans to pursue a career as a forensic accountant for Zenith Bank, PLC. Zenith Bank recognized Babatunde as an outstanding teller for his ability to detect and prevent fraudulent activities. Adediran is the founder and president of the DePaul ACFE student chapter and facilitates anti-fraud training and events. He has a 3.76 GPA and plans to pursue the CFE credential.

Ifedapo Awolowo, CFE, Sheffield Hallam University

Ifedapo Awolowo, whose home country is Nigeria, is conducting research for his doctorate on occupational frauds — specifically financial statement fraud. His passion for intelligence-gathering and investigation led him to pursue a Master of Science in Forensic Accounting. Awolowo organizes student conferences at his university. His goal is to become an occupational fraud consultant and academic. He maintains a 3.5 GPA.

Sarah Bouchie, Bentley University

Sarah Bouchie is completing her Bachelor's in Information Systems Audit and Controls. She maintains a 3.71 GPA. Bouchie will be starting a Master's in Accounting program with a certificate in fraud and forensics. She's made the dean's list every semester. The Information Systems Audit and Control Association recognized her for her paper on cybersecurity. Bouchie desires to obtain the CPA credential and join a fraud division at PWC.

James Butcher, Governors State University

James Butcher is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in finance and will pursue a Master's of Science in Accounting upon completion. His law enforcement career has contributed to his decision to enter the accounting field with a focus on financial crimes and activities. His future career goals include working in a forensic field and obtaining the CFE and CPA credentials. Butcher maintains a 4.0 GPA.

Timothy Czapor, LaSalle University

Timothy Czapor is enrolled in the Master of Science in Economic Crime Forensics program and maintains a 3.67 GPA. His manager, a CFE at Wolters Kluwer Management where Czapor works, introduced him to forensic accounting and fraud detection. Czapor's goal is to move into his company's fraud and risk management department.

Linh Dang, University of Colorado, Denver

Linh Dang, whose home country is Vietnam, is pursuing a Bachelors' in Finance and Accounting. She maintains a 3.66 GPA. She's often networks with anti-fraud professionals to enhance her knowledge. Linh Dang is employed at Charles Schwab where she oversees compliance issues and trade settlement violations, and assesses fraud risks. Her goal is to earn the CFE credential.

Jamie Evans, University of Missouri

Jamie Evans is working towards her Master's in Accounting. She maintains a 3.5 GPA. She has served as vice-president of an ACFE student chapter and participated with Beta Alpha Psi. Evan's career goals include earning the CFE credential and working for the FBI.

Oxana Hendrix, Coastal Carolina University

Oxana Hendrix has always been fascinated with criminal justice and was further inspired when she enrolled in a fraud examination course. She was named accounting student of the 2014-2015 academic year and has been an active member of Golden Key International Honor Society. Hendrix is enrolled in a Master of Accountancy program, and she's studying to earn the CPA credential. She also wishes to earn the CFE credential. She maintains a 4.0 GPA.

Spencer Hondorp, Davenport University

Spencer Hondorp has been inducted into the Honors Professional Accountancy Program, which allows students to earn a bachelor's degree, a Master of Accountancy degree and a graduate certificate in five years. He participates in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and other volunteer activities. Hondorp desires to earn the CFE and CPA credentials and work with the FBI. He maintains a 3.93 GPA.

Dalhou Johnson, Florida Atlantic University

Dalhou Johnson is pursuing a Master's in Forensic Accounting and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Her instructor said that her passion, integrity and eagerness to continue learning will make a positive impact in the anti-fraud community. Johnson is preparing for the CFE Exam. Future plans include earning her doctorate and becoming an educator within the anti-fraud profession.

Elizabeth Mangan, Meredith College

Elizabeth Mangan is pursuing a double major in accounting and economics and maintains a 4.0 GPA. She was named to the dean's list. Her instructor noted that her passion for understanding and her determination will lead her to become a successful fraud examiner. Mangan plans on earning the CFE and CPA credentials and pursuing a career in auditing or tax fraud.

Harini Maragh, John Jay College

Harini Maragh is majoring in fraud examination and financial forensics and maintains a 3.82 GPA. She's a member of the National Honor Society and the honors program. Maragh is interning with the Financial Institution Supervision Group where she detects and prevents risks. After graduation, Maragh desires to the CFE credential and work in a Big Four accounting firm.

Jessica Peaden, Troy University

Jessica Peaden is pursuing a degree in criminal justice and maintains a 2.95 GPA. Her passion to work in law enforcement began early and grew as she learned more about corporate fraud and risk. She works as an internal fraud investigator and plans to seek a graduate degree.

Marina Rahim, University of Houston

Marina Rahim is pursuing an internal audit certificate within the master's program at the University of Houston. She maintains a 3.75 GPA. Rahim is involved in the Internal Audit Student Association, has participated in accounting societies and has volunteered at many community service organizations. Rahim's career goal includes starting her own company where she can apply anti-fraud techniques.

Alvad Ramcharran, John Jay College

Alvad Ramcharran is enrolled in the Fraud Examination and Financial Forensics Program. He maintains a 3.25 GPA. He became interested in the profession after learning about corporate fraud in an accounting course. Ramcharran's instructor noted that his most important contribution to a team of fraud examiners will be his qualitative and fact-finding skills. His career goals include working for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and pursuing a graduate degree.

Jennifer Sands, Metropolitan State University of Denver

Jennifer Sands will be graduating with a minor in accounting. She maintains a 3.95 GPA. She will begin the Master of Professional Accountancy program with a concentration in fraud examination. Her career goals include becoming a Medicare fraud investigator and eventually working for the FBI's health care fraud division.

Abhitej Singh, Roosevelt University

Abhitej Singh, whose home country is India, is pursuing a Master's in Accounting Forensics and maintains a 4.0 GPA. He's an active member of the ACFE Roosevelt University Student Chapter, and he's completing the CFE Exam. Singh's career goals include working for the FBI and obtaining the CPA credential.

Seyed Hamidreza Vakilzadeh, Florida Atlantic University

Seyed Hamidreza Vakilzadeh, whose home country is Iran, is an accounting doctorate student with research interests in earnings management and fraud. He's been awarded the Master of Accountancy Graduate Assistantship and volunteers for the American Accounting Association. He plans on earning his CFE credential and becoming an accounting professor. He maintains a 3.9 GPA.

Trinh Vu, University of Houston

Trinh Vu, whose home country is Vietnam, is enrolled in the Professional Program of Accountancy five-year program. He maintains a 3.7 GPA. He has served as a student leader in multiple organizations including the local chapters of Beta Alpha Psi and the CPA Society. His career goals include working as a fraud examiner and earning the CFE and CPA credentials.

Michael Wynes, Queen's University

Michael Wynes is a doctoral student in behavioral accounting. He maintains a 3.88 GPA. Wynes is focused on the actions of fraudsters and their decision-making. His research experiments study how psychological mechanisms allow people to commit fraud. Wyne's career goal is to contribute meaningful knowledge and insight to the anti-fraud practice through accessible research for both academics and practitioners.