Future CPAs honored with 2026 Iowa CPA Education Foundation scholarships

Nine students pursuing careers in accounting were recognized as 2026 Iowa CPA Education Foundation scholarship recipients during the Iowa Society of CPAs’ Circle of Excellence Awards gala on Sept. 24.

Made possible through generous contributions from ISCPA members and businesses, the scholarships support students as they continue their accounting education and work toward joining the profession. This year’s awards included the Daryl & Karyl Henze Scholarship and Deloitte Scholarship, named in recognition of the Foundation’s Crown Level Donors, as well as the new endowed Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Daryl Henze Scholarship, honoring Henze’s exemplary leadership and longstanding service as chair of the Wellmark Board of Directors.

The 2026 scholarship recipients represent colleges and universities across Iowa and bring a wide range of interests, experiences and goals to the profession.

Jonathan Barrios-Munoz of Simpson College was selected as the recipient of the 2026 Deloitte Scholarship.

Rachel Borchardt of Luther College is majoring in accounting and economics and expects to graduate in May 2027. Her interest in working with numbers and data began early and grew after taking an introductory accounting course in high school. Borchardt hopes to earn her CPA license and begin a career in corporate accounting, with a long-term goal of becoming a controller or CFO.

At Luther, she participates in choir and ultimate frisbee and has volunteered with the college’s Endeavor Together program for first-year students.

Mattison “Mattie” Gillen of St. Ambrose University received the inaugural endowed Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Daryl Henze Scholarship. Gillen is a senior accounting student who was drawn to the field by both her strength with numbers and the opportunity to use financial information to help make important decisions. She hopes to earn her CPA license and establish herself in the Quad Cities as a trusted accounting professional.

On campus, Gillen serves as vice president of the College of Business Ambassadors, works as an accounting tutor and is co-president of the club volleyball team.

Krish Gupta of Grand View University was selected as one of the Education Foundation’s 2026 scholarship recipients.

Miguel Gonzalez Diego of Morningside University received the Daryl & Karyl Henze Scholarship, one of the Foundation’s named awards recognizing the Foundation's first Crown Level donor, Daryl Henze.

Jaydon Nabb of the University of Dubuque is studying accounting and business with a minor in data analytics. A native of Lowden, Nabb was drawn to accounting by an interest in understanding how businesses operate financially and a love of numbers and problem-solving. He hopes to earn his CPA license, continue building his technical skills and eventually combine his interests in business and entrepreneurship.

Outside of school, he helps on his family farm, operates a drone business and enjoys golfing.

Gabriella Perron of Drake University is a senior double-majoring in accounting and finance with a minor in Spanish. Her interest in numbers, details and organizing information helped lead her to accounting, while the credibility and continued learning associated with becoming a CPA are among the things that appeal to her most about the profession.

Perron hopes to become a licensed CPA and senior auditor within the next five years, with a longer-term goal of becoming an audit director.

Jacob Puente of Des Moines Area Community College is continuing his accounting education through the UNI at DMACC partnership. Puente first pursued culinary arts before returning to an interest in accounting that began with classes he took in high school. He values the profession’s flexibility and stability, as well as the opportunity to build relationships with clients and help them better understand their financial and tax situations.

His goals include earning his CPA license and setting an example for his daughter through hard work, perseverance and continued growth.

Noah Van Wyk of the University of Iowa is majoring in accounting and finance and expects to graduate in May 2027. Van Wyk credits an accounting professor at DMACC with inspiring him to continue studying accounting. For him, becoming a CPA represents more than a professional accomplishment; it also carries a responsibility to help others navigate financial information with trust and integrity.

Outside the classroom, he enjoys sports, fitness and volunteering at food pantries and has been active in Beta Alpha Psi at the University of Iowa.

Together, this year’s scholarship recipients reflect the promise of Iowa’s future accounting workforce. Their paths into the profession may differ, but their goals share common themes: earning the CPA credential, continuing to grow, building trust and using their skills to make a positive impact on clients, organizations and communities.

The Iowa CPA Education Foundation congratulates all nine 2026 scholarship recipients and thanks the members, businesses and donors whose generosity helps future accounting professionals pursue their education and career goals. To add your support for the Foundation and donate, go to https://www.iacpa.org/education-foundation.