Clara J. Kridle Memorial Scholarship

Clara J. Kridle (maiden name Clara Rigoni) was born on February 13, 1959, in Elmhurst, Illinois and graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. There she met her husband, Kevin, also an SIU graduate (August 1980). They have two children, Kristen (an SIU graduate) and Nickolas. Professionally, Clara was a CPA and a partner with the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. She was a devoted wife and mother and provided time, resources, and talent to various organizations serving the community.

Clara passed away on May 9, 2017. Through the PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc., a scholarship was established with the SIU College of Business in her memory and to honor her 33 years of service to the firm. In the words of the PwC Board of Partners and Principals via a Memorial Resolution recognizing her “considerable contribution to the success of the firm” they wrote:

“Clara was held in the highest regard by her clients, her partners and her staff. She exemplified partnership and teamwork, always stepping up to lend a hand or provide guidance. She was tenacious and persistent, and had a “never give up” approach to every professional challenge. She was a true leader in mentoring and coaching our people. Said one partner, “not a day goes by that I don’t see Clara in a huddle with her team giving-in-the moment feedback or participating with remote teams on client work. She was patient with our people and was sought after for career advice. Clara was a credit to her profession and to this firm. She will not be forgotten."

• Scholarship for a full-time junior or senior in the College of Business with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
• Recipient must have demonstrated financial need as determined by the SIU Financial Aid Office and must be a permanent resident of Illinois.