Site Search

When Judith Higgins, CPA, established the Laurie H. Gouveia Scholarship Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation, she created more than just a scholarship – she ensured that her friend's name and legacy would be remembered through the support of young women pursuing the field of accounting.

After graduating from Bryant University, Judy opened her own accounting practice in 1990, where she first met Laurie Gouveia, a young bookkeeper, through one of the firm’s clients. "Laurie was so efficient, so sweet," Judy recalls. "I had the opportunity to hire her." Their professional relationship soon blossomed into a friendship, and Laurie eventually went on to launch her own thriving bookkeeping service.

Tragically, Laurie passed away unexpectedly in August 2001, leaving behind her husband and young family. Within months, Judy and friend Kathy Messenger channeled their grief into action, working with Laurie's friends and family who generously contributed funds towards a scholarship in her memory for students at Shea High School in Pawtucket, where Laurie was a 1977 graduate.  

For over two decades, Laurie’s scholarship has supported female students pursuing post-secondary education in accounting. Judy worked closely with Shea High School’s guidance department for many years, awarding thousands of dollars to aspiring accountants, creating opportunities that would have made Laurie proud.

Recently, Judy learned about the Rhode Island Foundation through a Shea High School guidance counselor who was familiar with other Foundation-managed scholarships, and she was particularly drawn to the accessible entry point for establishing a designated scholarship fund. As Judy contemplates scaling back her own accounting practice in preparation for retirement, she has entrusted the scholarship's administration to the Foundation, ensuring that Laurie's legacy will continue to grow, inspire, and support young accountants for generations to come.

"I initially thought that we would not have enough to start the fund, but the lower entry point was so accessible," Judy explains. "This allowed me to establish the scholarship fund in Laurie's name, and I'm glad that her name will live on."