Points of Pride

Walthall CPA Graduate Partners

Walthall CPAsWhat happens when six Cleveland State University alumni become partners at one prominent downtown Cleveland accounting firm? They give back to their alma mater in ways that we couldn't have imagined.

The College of Business was always honored to have Walthall CPAs participate in events such as Meet the Accountants Night and the Annual Accounting Scholarship banquet.

In December 2015, the firm's alumni came to the College and presented "Bookcase to Briefcase" at a Beta Alpha Psi and Accounting Association meeting. In their presentation, three partners, a senior manager and senior associate from the firm spoke about their transition from life in the classroom to life in the office and, ultimately, the Board Room. The partners made the decision to open up the event to the entire college, not just Accounting students and became engaged in undergraduate and graduate mentorship programs. 

Richard Lash

Their generosity did not stop there. In Spring of 2016, partners Richard Lash (BBA 1984), Richard Cause (BBA 1977), Ken Stefanski (BBA 1988), Tom Scharf (BBA 1977), Chuck Battiato (BBA 1975) and Paul Weisinger (BBA 1998) banded together to establish The Walthall CPAs Endowed Accounting Scholarship. The Walthall Endowed Accounting Scholarship was established to give back to deserving Cleveland State students and provide them with opportunities to complete their education, pursue a successful career and to help make Northeast Ohio a great place to live and work. 

"Cleveland State provided us with the necessary skills and fundamental education that we needed to begin our careers," said Richard Lash, Managing Partner. "One of our favorite instructors was Larry Kresier, who taught intermediate accounting - both the course and the professor were a challenge. Our firm has six partners that graduated from CSU. We believe that many of the students that attend CSU come from modest backgrounds, such as many of do at Walthall. We hope that our support will assist those hard-working students to attain their degree."

As a result of their generosity in time, talent and treasures to the College, the firm was granted an honorary membership to Beta Gamma Sigma.  "When we were inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, we were honored and surprised," added Lash. We truly appreciated the recognition, seeking and speaking with CSU students at that banquet made us confident that we will have a source of quality professionals for generations to come."

Walthall CPAs and the Cleveland State alumni who work there, are truly a Point of Pride for the College and the University. Pictured below, Walthall CSU Alumni honored at Beta Gamma Sigma with Dr. Heidi Meier presenting their award.

Walthall CPAs - Beta Gamma Sigma Induction Spring 2016