To commemorate 50 years in the accounting industry, Atlanta-based firm Windham Brannon has established the Windham Brannon Foundation. The purpose of the foundation is to make contributions to nonprofit organizations advancing accounting and finance professions through secondary and postsecondary educational programs.

As its first charitable act, a $100,000 donation will be made to the Educational Foundation of the Georgia Society of CPAs to fund accounting scholarship programs at five accredited Georgia colleges and universities. Additionally, in support of the Educational Foundation’s 50th anniversary, the Georgia Society of CPAs will match Windham Brannon’s gift to create an endowment that will ensure scholarships are awarded for many years to come.

Each scholarship was named for a former managing partner of the firm, and in honor of a long-time client. The scholarship to be given at Georgia College & State University honors Mark Durward (M.D.)

Hodges, a long-time client of the firm. Hodges, a Georgia native, was born in Washington County, and moved to Milledgeville after marrying Erma Tippins. While in Milledgeville, he founded Hodges Candy Company and Hodges Knitting Mill, and also served on a number of community boards.

In the early 1960s he moved to Atlanta to grow his real estate company. His knack for spotting development trends and his focus on quality and relationships helped build the company to include more than 20 million square feet of warehouse, retail and office space development and another 1,600 acres of land for development. Hodges passed away in 2000.

In August, the Windham Brannon management group recognized those honored by scholarships at a dinner in Atlanta, attended by Eileen Small, one of Hodges’ daughters.

In addition to Georgia College & State University, scholarships will also be awarded at Kennesaw State University, The University of West Georgia, North Georgia College and State University and LaGrange College.

“Our half-century mark in this industry has taught us many things; and first and foremost is the importance of having knowledgeable and enthusiastic people on our team at Windham Brannon and in the accounting community. We are pleased to be able to help aspiring accounting students, and look forward to working with GSCPA in this endeavor,” Charlie McGimsey, managing partner at Windham Brannon said.