Craig Neader Scholarship for Accountancy

Craig Neader, a 1975 graduate of Western Illinois University, is currently the owner and founder of the Continuum Financial Group which has its main office in Geneva, Illinois. The Continuum Financial Group (formerly Neader Financial Group) consists of several companies that provide businesses and individuals with investment advisory services, comprehensive insurance, services, financial and business planning, lending and leasing services, as well as comprehensive accounting, tax, and consulting services. These various businesses serve over 2,000 individuals and businesses located primarily in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. The business was started in 1989 and has grown to over 70 associates and employees. Prior to founding The Neader Financial Group, Craig worked for Arthur Young & Company in Chicago (now Ernst & Young) and spent a brief time as Chief Financial Officer of a media company. Craig is a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Illinois CPA Society (ILCPA), Financial Planning Association (FPA), and several other professional organizations. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Registered Financial Consultant (RFC), and a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS). Craig was named the Outstanding Alumnus for the Department of Accounting and Finance in 2010 at the Annual Accounting Awards Banquet. Craig received the WIU Alumni Achievement award in 2012.

Craig lives in Batavia, Illinois, with his wife Cindy. He met his wife at Western, but she transferred to Southern Illinois University her junior year to obtain her credentials as a Dental Hygienist. They have been married for 39 years and have two daughters and a grandson. He has served in several community organizations such as Chambers of Commerce in the communities his firms serves, The Lions Club of Illinois, and is an active member of the local community hospital board. Craig currently serves on the Department of Accounting and Finance Advisory Board and provides yearly scholarships for students pursuing a degree in accounting.

CRITERIA:

• Accounting major entering the fourth or fifth year of the Integrated Accounting Program
• Minimum 3.0 WIU GPA and a minimum 3.0 major GPA
• Involvement in Beta Alpha Psi
• U.S. citizen