Umbaugh has initiated a Herschell J. Umbaugh Memorial Scholarship and given the first one to Elizabeth "Lizzie" Brown, a 2007 graduate of Plymouth High School.

The scholarship was created to honor Herschell J. Umbaugh, the founder of H.J. Umbaugh & Associates. Born in 1915, Herschell Umbaugh began working as a bookkeeping clerk for the State Board of Accounts while studying at Indiana University South Bend. When he earned his Certified Public Accounting license in 1950, he was the 1,300^th person to become a CPA in Indiana and the first ever in Marshall County. He opened his own accounting practice and became increasingly involved in the financial needs of municipal government and utilities. His accounting practice became H.J. Umbaugh & Associates in 1972.

Lizzie will use her $2,000 scholarship at the University of Kentucky. She plans to pursue a double major in International Economics and Community Leadership Development.

"Lizzie is a good student and a state champion in speech contests," said Steve Carter of Umbaugh's Plymouth office who presented the award on behalf of the company. "She expressed a strong desire to give back to her community, and that fits very well with our values at Umbaugh."

The Herschell J. Umbaugh Memorial Scholarship will become an annual award given to a Marshall County student pursuing higher education and majoring in finance, economics or accounting.