The Moss Adams Foundation has formed a partnership with LMU’s Accounting Department to provide sophomore accounting majors with scholarships for their junior year of study. The foundation will continue this scholarship program through the next four years until 2011.

The first two recipients of the Moss Adams Scholarships are LMU sophomores Craig Cerniglia and Irene Albia. They will each receive $5,000 toward their junior year tuition, and the scholarship may be available for renewal for their senior year.

“This merit-based accounting scholarship program recognizes the achievements of students in a very challenging program and is awarded to students based on academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities and leadership potential” said Professor Alan Falcon, who serves as the accounting department’s scholarship coordinator. “In addition to the students’ outstanding academic achievements and participation in diverse extracurricular activities, Craig and Irene both exhibit maturity, a professional attitude, and a desire to pursue careers in public accounting.”

Cerniglia is enrolled in the LMU Honors Program and is a member of the Ignatians, an LMU service organization. He also volunteers at the Midnight Mission, serving food to the homeless, and with Special Games, working with the special needs community. Cerniglia is a member of the Student Honors Advisory Council and has recently been inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the business honor society. He will be studying abroad in Bonn, Germany, during the fall 2007 semester.

Albia is an active member of Isang Bansa, which is the Filipino American organization. She currently holds the position of secretary and, during her freshman year, she was internal relations officer for the group. Albia is currently vice president of scholarship and awards for Delta Sigma Pi, previously serving as the director of internal affairs during her freshman year. In addition, she has been inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the business honor society. She will be studying abroad in Asia this summer.

“I’m definitely excited about receiving this scholarship,” said Albia. “Moss Adams is the 12th largest accounting firm in the country and I am eager to form a closer relationship with them. This is a great opportunity.”