The Impact of Your Corporate Matching Gifts

Dave Kerslake (’14 Accounting, ’15 MAcc) gained much-needed balance in his life after receiving the Stephen (’84 Business Administration) and Carolyn Conforti Endowed Scholarship in Accounting at Washington State University.His financial responsibilities became more manageable, and his family’s burden in supporting his college career was eased. He achieved a master’s degree from WSU “with very minimal financial impact in comparison to other universities’ programs,” he says.Kerslake is now an auditor with DeLoitte Managing and Consulting.

Steve Conforti and his wife Carolyn created the scholarship to help accounting students build a solid foundation for future success. They have been WSU President’s Associates for eight years.

“We have both enjoyed rewarding careers that started with great college educations,” Steve says. “We have also seen the daily investment of faculty, staff, and students in creating a world-class educational experience within the Carson College of Business.”

The Confortis also wanted to highlight diverse opportunities available in the accounting profession. “A number of accounting graduates also choose careers as staff accountants, business analysts, accounting managers, controllers, and CFOs,” Steve says. “We saw
an opportunity to emphasize and support this career path while also providing financial support to high-achieving students.”

Through a generous matching gift program from The Boeing Company, the Conforti Endowed Scholarship Fund in Accounting doubled its value. This fund demonstrates the impact corporate matching gifts have on enhancing the total student experience.

“One of the great things about WSU is that we all understand what it means to be a Coug,” Steve says. “We take great pride in our University. Whether it is spending time supporting an event or project, or making a monetary contribution, all of us have the capacity to give back to WSU in some way.”