This has been the approach of Pitcher Partners since its founding in 1991. Established in Melbourne, it’s grown to become a nationwide network of independent accounting, audit and business advisory practices.
Befitting of their profession, the Pitcher Partners Melbourne team set themselves an ambitious target – for every hour worked, they would aim to contribute $1 toward impactful community initiatives.
This includes a successful scholarship program in partnership with Deakin University, now in its ninth year and having supported 17 students. The two Pitcher Partners scholarship programs support students within Deakin’s Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) program, and are named in memory of Warren Galgut and Jeaneth Bautista – two late Pitcher Partners staff who left their mark on their communities.
Warren specialised in merger and acquisition advisory, and financial due diligence. A passionate traveller and cyclist, he could often be found in the early hours biking along the Yarra, or the popular Beach Road bayside route.
Sadly, Warren was diagnosed and later passed away from motor neurone disease (MND). Before his death, he led numerous fundraising initiatives to raise awareness of the disease.
Jeaneth was a hardworking member of the finance and operations team. Her generous nature meant she spent much of her free time helping others, including organising fundraising efforts for the underprivileged in the Philippines, where she was born.
A lover of good food and great company, Jeaneth passed away suddenly after suffering a brain aneurysm.
The Pitcher Partners Melbourne team wanted to honour Warren and Jeaneth by supporting the next generation of accounting professionals. They found the right partner in Deakin.
‘Deakin were willing to be flexible in how we set up the scholarships,’ says Mark.
‘For regional and rural students in particular, Deakin provides a pathway to a tertiary education that otherwise may not be possible, and we want to support that.
‘And they have directly involved us in the process, which is important to us. We have been fortunate to meet and hear directly from the students and those insights have encouraged us on more than one occasion to offer more scholarships in a given year.’
The Pitcher Partners scholarships provide a generous stipend for two years and aim to promote greater diversity in the field of business. Female students, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, refugees, and those living in a rural or remote location are encouraged to apply.
Jessica Missen (BCom ‘26) is one of the scholarship recipients.
‘The Jeaneth Bautista Scholarship has changed my life in many ways,’ Jessica says.
‘I was drawn to accounting and financial planning as they were majors which combined numbers with people. The everyday interactions, the impact on clients’ lives and the long-term fulfillment of helping others achieve their goals are all aspects of the role that I find motivating.’
For Jessica, the scholarship arrived when it was needed most.
‘2025 was a wild year full of challenges, memories and significant growth. University has pushed me to grow and adapt. It’s been a time of discovery and learning, not only academically but also personally. Without this support, I am unsure what university would have looked like.’
On top of her studies, Jessica has enjoyed volunteering as a Deakin peer mentor, and with Lasagna Love, a non-profit organisation that aims to connect neighbours with neighbours through homemade meal delivery.
She says, ‘Jeaneth and this scholarship inspire me to be the best person I can be’.
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