Dr. Cynthia Diane Tollerson

Dr. Cynthia Diane Tollerson, 67, passed away in Falmouth, Maine on June 27, 2022.

Cynthia was born to the late Dr. Tandy Tollerson, III and the late Grace Christine Walker on August 16, 1954, at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. She received her primary education from the Department of Defense School system and graduated from East High School, Denver, Colorado in 1972.

Education was always paramount to Cynthia and upon graduating from high school, she went full speed towards her college journey. She received a full ride scholarship to the University of Colorado-Boulder. In 1976, Cynthia earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Accounting. Her goal was set on becoming a Certified Public Accountant. In 1977, furthering her professional goals, she was accepted into the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at the University of Colorado-Boulder and graduated with an MBA in Finance in 1978. Upon completing her MBA, Cynthia studied for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam and earned her license. She also pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated during college and wore the pink and green very well.

Cynthia began a stellar professional career spanning over 14 years with various positions as Business Development Manager, Strategic Planning and Business Development Manager, Finance Manager, Pricer, Senior Internal Auditor, Program Cost Analyst, Staff Accountant, Internal and Senior Auditor and Senior Auditor. She worked at a plethora of companies such as, U.S. West Communications, Motorola, Inc., Martin Marietta Data Systems, Martin Marietta Inc., Touché Ross, and Arthur Andersen.

In 1992, Cynthia was accepted into the Doctoral program at the C.T. Bauer College of Business, at the University of Houston, seeking a Ph.D. in Accounting. She experienced many challenges within this very dynamic course of study. While working full-time as a Visiting Professor, as well as a Research assistant, she completed her goal. In 2012, Cynthia graduated with her Ph.D. from the University of Houston, C.T. Bauer College of Business, with a Major in Accounting and a Minor in Economics.

Upon completion of her PhD, Cynthia accepted a position as an Assistant Professor of Accounting, Department of Accounting and Finance, at Morgan State University, Towson, MD. After several years of teaching and conducting research, she was appointed to a new position as the Harold Alfond Assistant Professor of Accounting, Graduate School of Business, at the University of Maine Business School, Portland, ME.

Cynthia had a passion for teaching, as well as research, and had a variety of publications. She has some research publications that are pending and will be completed in her memory.

Cynthia was enthusiastic about teaching, learning, and loving everyone. She enjoyed an active and healthy lifestyle, by playing tennis, reading and taking brisk walks. Cynthia was an optimistic person with a ready smile and a joyful infectious laugh. She was a kind, loving hero to her family. They will immensely miss her presence as will her friends, colleagues, and her students.

Cynthia leaves to cherish her in memory, her three sisters and brothers-in-laws. Michele (Thomas), Linda (Ricky) and Patricia (David), a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends: Briana and Jawaan Austin Lewis Niece and Nephew-in-Law, Jesicah and Faith Mitchell Niece and Grand Niece, Kamiliah Mitchell Niece, Shirley Williams Beloved Cousin, Sophronia Williams Beloved Mentor and family friend, Dr. George Gamble Beloved Mentor and family friend.

Cynthia was predeceased by her parents; one brother (Matthew, Jr), several Aunts and Uncles, and cousins. Cynthia was known to many as a loving, caring and giving woman.

The funeral ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. at Olinger Hampden Mortuary Chapel, 8600 Hampden Ave., Denver, Colorado 80231. Cynthia always said she wanted her flowers before, rather than after her death. She has received her flowers and is at eternal rest. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a contribution in Memory of Cynthia Tollerson, you may do so at the National Association of Mental Health https://namicolorado.org/