A Grand Junction-based accounting firm will honor a retiring accountant by establishing a college scholarship in her name.

DWC CPAs and Advisors will offer the Donna M. Hardy accounting scholarship at Colorado Mesa University for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Hardy, a certified public accountant and certified valuation analyst, retired after working four decades in public accounting.

“Donna taught me and many others in our firm how to be an exceptional accountant,” said Chris West, chief executive officer of DWC. “She is always supportive and encouraging to her team. It’s only fitting that we honor Donna’s retirement wishes by giving a gift in her name to support the next generation of public accountants.”

Hardy’s career began after she completed a vocational program in accounting and business administration and joined what was at that time Dalby, Wendland & Co. She left the firm to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting from CMU and returned to DWC in 1990.

She became a shareholder of the firm in 2001, a tax principal in 2005 and served on the firm’s board of directors.

She provided tax planning, compliance and consulting services to clients in various industries, including agriculture, construction and health care.

Hardy also was involved in local nonprofit and community groups. She served on the executive committee and board of directors of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and was secretary and treasurer of the Redlands Ditch Co. She also served as treasurer for numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Grant a Wish program, Performing Art Conservatory and Western Slope Center for Children.

DWC CPAs and Advisors operates the largest public accounting firm headquartered in Western Colorado with main offices in Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs and Montrose. The firm offers a range of services including accounting, auditing, business consulting, tax planning and wealth management. For more information about DWC CPAs and Advisors, call (970) 243-1921 or visit the website located at https://dwcadvisors.com.