Paul Hagelbarger Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Alaska Society of CPAs

About the Alaska Society of CPAs

The Alaska Society of CPAs (AKCPA) is a statewide professional organization that supports high standards for Certified Public Accountants in Alaska. It promotes a cordial relationship among practicing CPAs and works to increase public understanding of CPA services. The society represents the profession and provides resources and networking opportunities to its members. AKCPA membership includes practicing CPAs as well as associate and student members across the state.

Description: The AKCPA advocates for the accounting profession in Alaska, emphasizes professional standards, and serves a membership base of over 550 individuals, including associates and students.

• Statewide professional organization for CPAs in Alaska
• Promotes public understanding of CPA services
• Supports professional standards and member engagement
• Membership exceeds 550, including students and associates

Paul Hagelbarger Memorial Fund

The Paul Hagelbarger Memorial Fund was established to provide financial support that promotes accounting education focused on public accounting practice within Alaska. The Fund awards scholarships to students who demonstrate scholastic achievement, intent to pursue a career in public accounting in Alaska, and financial need. Scholarship awards are intended to encourage accounting majors to remain in the state and pursue public accounting careers. The Fund is an enduring component of AKCPA’s commitment to education and the profession.

Description: The Fund’s primary objective is to support accounting education that leads to careers in public accounting in Alaska through need- and merit-based scholarships.

History of the Award: The Fund was established in 1964 in honor of Paul Hagelbarger, the AKCPA’s first elected president who served two consecutive terms.

• Established to promote accounting education for public accounting in Alaska
• Awards are based on merit, intent to practice in Alaska, and financial need
• Created in memory of Paul Hagelbarger in 1964

Scholarship Details

Scholarships from the Paul Hagelbarger Memorial Fund are available to accounting majors attending four-year institutions in Alaska. Eligible applicants include juniors, seniors, and graduate students who plan to pursue a career in public accounting within the state. Selection considers scholastic achievement and demonstrated financial need in addition to stated career intent. Award amounts vary, with a stated minimum award to help ensure meaningful support to recipients.

Eligibility: Open to junior, senior, and graduate students majoring in accounting at four-year institutions in Alaska who intend to pursue public accounting in the state.

Award Value: Scholarship amounts vary; the minimum award has been established at $2,000.

• Open to accounting juniors, seniors, and graduate students at Alaska four-year institutions
• Selection criteria: academic achievement, financial need, and intent to practice public accounting in Alaska
• Minimum award amount is $2,000; total funding may vary by year