$1 Million Bequest to Accounting Department Is a Symbol of Gratitude

Few children ask to balance their parents’ checkbooks, but for Paul Capeloto (BA 1980), it was one of his favorite pastimes. That early fascination with recording debits and credits grew into an interest in accounting, and he followed that interest straight to the University of Washington.  

When Paul passed away in May 2022, he recognized the University’s incredible impact on his life through a surprise $1M bequest to the Accounting Development Fund. This gift symbolizes Paul’s lifelong love for the field of accounting and the accounting department, and for his desire to help future accountants pursue their professional dreams. 

Family and friends recall that Paul relished every moment at the Foster School of Business (then called the UW Business School). He thrived on campus and as a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. As an alumnus, he was a familiar face on and off campus, mentoring fellow Huskies.  

Generous With His Time at Work and at Play

After earning his CPA, Paul worked as an auditor before founding the Meydenbauer Wealth Management Group. He was as well-known for his financial expertise as he was for freely giving his time to others. His friends will remember the many hours he dedicated to nonprofits and coaching his children’s sports teams, including serving as head coach of Roosevelt High School’s women’s basketball team. 

According to his wife and high school sweetheart, Shelly Bourdeau (BS 1979), Paul’s gift to the Accounting Department was given out of a deep love and affection for the Business School. Before his passing, Paul recalled that his CPA training was invaluable and that his accounting network was an integral part of his personal and professional success. 

An Inspiring Gift That Will Attract Top Talent

“As an accounting professor, I’m deeply inspired by Paul’s gift to Foster, which will help ensure that we have the resources to attract top faculty and students to the Accounting Department,” said Dean Frank Hodge. “We are immensely grateful. His generous gift will make a deep and lasting impact on the lives of our accounting students for many years to come.” 

Paul’s gift was motivated by a desire to help future students have the same types of wonderful opportunities he had. As a financial planner, he believed in investing in something bigger than yourself. For Paul, that something was the Foster School of Business. 

Learn more about Foster’s Accounting Department.