Melanie Brozik, Lydia Capaldo and Makayla Van Voorst each bring a distinct journey to the accounting profession, united by a shared commitment to building a future in South Dakota.

An SDCPAS scholarship award is given by the professional organization that represents licensed CPAs across the state. Beyond being a financial award, it is a vote of confidence from the same practitioners these students aspire to join.

For students navigating the demands of rigorous coursework, CPA exam preparation and competitive internship seasons, being recognized by the SDCPAS signals the financial profession recognizes emerging potential and stays committed to supporting the growth and development of future financial leaders.

Melanie Brozik | Master of Accountancy

Melanie Brozik stands in front of a brick wall. She is wearing a white shirt and black skirt, smiling at the camera with her hands by her side.

Brozik's path to accounting started before she ever set foot on USD's campus. Originally from Winner, South Dakota, she attended the USD Summer Accounting Institute in high school, an experience she credits with igniting her passion for the field. Now a graduate student in the Master of Accountancy program, she is channeling that early spark into a focused pursuit of her CPA credentials while setting her sights on a career in public accounting audit.

For Brozik, the SDCPAS scholarship arrived at a meaningful moment.

“Receiving this scholarship was very touching to me," Brozik said. "As a graduate student, there are fewer financial aid options available, and this scholarship helped relieve my financial burden. I am grateful for the SDCPAS’ investment into my education and career as a future CPA in South Dakota.”

Lydia Capaldo | Senior, Accounting

Lydia Capaldo sits in a field, surrounded by greenery. She is wearing a black dress and smiling at the camera.

Capaldo grew up in Tea, South Dakota, and is finishing her undergraduate accounting degree at USD before transitioning into the Master of Accountancy program in January. With an eye toward forensic accounting, Capaldo has already gained real-world experience through internship opportunities at Eide Bailly in Sioux Falls, a team she credits with encouraging her as she nears the finish line of her undergraduate studies.

She sees SDCPAS’ recognition as more than financial support.

“Receiving this SDCPAS scholarship is a tremendous gift, as it reaffirms my commitment to pursuing my education and future career, helping me finish my undergraduate education strong,” Capaldo said.

Makayla Van Voorst | Senior, Accounting & Business Analytics

Makayla Van Voorst poses for a professional photo. She is wearing glasses, with a white shirt and green cardigan. She is smiling at the camera.

Van Voorst came to USD from Sheldon, Iowa, drawn by a campus culture that reminded her of home and a business school that matched her ambitions. Her high school accounting teacher first sparked her interest in the field, and that early encouragement has since translated into a double major in accounting and business analytics, back-to-back internship experiences, and leadership roles in student organizations like Women in Business and Delta Sigma Pi.

This past spring, Van Voorst completed an audit internship with Eide Bailly, and she is currently spending her second internship this summer with Walsh & Co. Tax, Bookkeeping, and Consulting in Sioux Falls. After graduation, she plans to continue into USD's Master of Accountancy program and become a CPA in South Dakota.

For Van Voorst, the scholarship has a straightforward but meaningful impact.

“This scholarship gives me the opportunity to focus on what I love doing most: learning," Van Voorst said. "No one likes to worry about money, and this scholarship allows me to not be as concerned with that aspect.”

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