We lost a colleague and friend in November when DC Principal George Wilson, Jr. passed away. His profound impact on clients led them to create the George W. Wilson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.
We lost a colleague and friend in November when Washington, DC principal and former President and CEO of OneSource George Wilson, Jr. passed away. George had a profound impact on clients — not only because of the capabilities he brought, but because of the passion and depth of relationship he had with each of them.
George W. Wilson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund
Of their own accord, one of George’s clients, Bergeson & Campbell, PC and its affiliate, The Acta Group, has created the George W. Wilson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund to preserve his legacy. It is a needs-based fund to support students at the University of Maryland, George’s alma mater. The fund helps students studying accounting and information technology, in order to nurture a population that speaks the languages of business and technology together, fluidly.
George uniquely bridged the gap between business and technology to help clients succeed.
“I speak for all the professionals at Bergeson & Campbell, PC and its affiliate, The Acta Group, in expressing our profound sadness over the loss of our dear friend and colleague George W. Wilson, Jr.,” says Lynn Bergeson, managing partner, Bergeson & Campbell PC. “We take comfort in knowing that through the George W. Wilson Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, George’s vision of applying cutting edge technology to IT and accounting functionalities will continue to be realized by promising students at the University of Maryland who will carry on George’s legacy for generations to come.”
Another client, Scott Jackson, chief operating officer, NETworks Presentations LLC, independently learned of the fund, and in lieu of giving gifts this past holiday season, NETworks sent clients cards to inform them that the company had made a donation to the George W. Wilson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.
George W. Wilson, Jr. Memorial 5k Fun Run & Walk
“When I first met George and Linda Rubenstein, CLA principal and George’s wife, in 2010, it was clear to me that George had a passion for knowledge and helping others to achieve their goals,” shares Laura Carey in our Gaithersburg, Maryland office. “He appeared excited that I had experience in both the business IT and accounting worlds and offered me a position in the outsourcing firm, OneSource. Through the years, George and Linda were not only partners in the firm, they were mentors and friends who brought together a close work family in our office. They were constantly working toward growing the firm and moving forward in a positive direction that led us to become a part of the CLA family in 2014.
“For George and Linda, the growth opportunities for members of the Gaithersburg office did not stop with work and careers, but branched out with opportunities to enrich personal growth. Through Linda’s encouragement and coaching, I registered for the No Boundaries 5K training program offered at Fleet Feet Sports in Gaithersburg in the Spring of 2011. George also participated in this program a year later. When I attended the No Boundaries informational meeting, I was unsure and intimidated, but those feelings were calmed while listening to the encouragement and real life experiences of guest speakers, mentors, and Fleet Feet owners, Robyn and Chris Gault. Over the years, Linda and George became close members of the Fleet Feet running family.
“Through this personal growth opportunity, I have since completed quite a few 5K, 10K, and half marathon runs. I usually do not run an entire event without taking walk breaks, but that is OK. The important thing is, I am up and moving and feeling good about myself. Running makes me feel energized and ready to keep going, promotes better sleep, helps relieve stress, and has become my time when I can put on earphones and clear my mind.
“When Linda asked for fundraising ideas for the George W. Wilson, Jr. Scholarship Fund, I saw an opportunity to ‘pay it forward’ and work with Robyn and Chris at Fleet Feet to organize the first annual George W. Wilson, Jr. Memorial 5K Fun Run & Walk.”
The George W. Wilson, Jr. Memorial 5K Fun Run & Walk will be held on May 21, 2016.
A life of impact
George was a CPA, a visionary, and a fervent information technology and business consulting professional. His self-described calling as a “passionate technologist who mixes my years of business acumen with the application of technology” exemplifies the CLA Promise. He uniquely bridged the gap between business and technology to help clients succeed. George believed in giving back, and, among other volunteer positions, served as a founding member of the Information Technology Alliance (ITA), which named him emeritus board member last May.
It is an honor and testimony to George’s work and life that his clients and colleagues have gone to such lengths to enable others to carry on the work that George loved.
If you wish to learn more about the fund, or donate, visit George W. Wilson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.
About CLA
CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With nearly 9,000 people, more than 130 U.S. locations, and a global vision, we promise to know you and help you. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.