ALAMOSA — After receiving her Adams State University diploma on December 16, Jordan Hicks, Alamosa, will pack up her car for Denver and begin her career in the accounting profession.

She accepted a position with Anton Collins Mitchell LLP (ACM), an accounting firm, located in downtown Denver. An accounting major with a minor in taxation and management, Hicks interned with the firm last summer, after Adams State alumnus John Marquez, an ACM accountant helped set it up. Hicks met Marquez while working for Alamosa Pharmacy. “He used to work at Alamosa Pharmacy and would come back and visit.”

She is among 100 graduates, of which nearly 40 are business majors, participating in Adams State’s Fall 2017 Commencement Ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in Plachy Hall.

The culture at Anton Collins Mitchell LLP, a smaller, regional firm, appeals to Hicks. “The work atmosphere is very upbeat and when you first start you have a buddy mentor.” As an intern she was mentored by a full-time employee. The firm encourages the “buddy” and new employee to meet for coffee and lunch a couple times a month, on the company dime. “It is easy to build a friendship with co-workers in that environment.” For her first job in her chosen career, Hicks also appreciates her starting salary and the benefits package. She plans to wait until after the upcoming tax season to take her CPA exam.

Hicks has an apartment all lined up in downtown Denver, right next to Coors Field and she will work a block from 16th Street Mall. “I am taking over the lease of my ACM buddy, she is moving out of state. The apartment building has a lot of great amenities including a rooftop deck looking out at Coors Field.” She also made many friends during her internship and is looking forward to continuing her great story began here at Adams State.

“I understand how Valley kids feel they need to leave as soon as possible. I am happy I stayed an additional four years and am spreading my wings after receiving a great education that lead to a promising career.”

It won’t be hard for her to time-manage up in Denver, while an Adams State student she held various jobs and internships throughout her academic career including the Alamosa Pharmacy and a paid internship with Wall, Smith, Bateman Inc. She finished up her final semester working at American Electric. She was also the campus site coordinator for VITA.

Although Hicks didn’t begin as a business major she soon realized it was the best fit for her. “Professors Natalie Rogers and Sheryl Abeyta are so supportive and basically help me with everything I needed.” During her internship with ACM, Hicks made a positive impression with the accountants. “They were so impressed with how much I already knew for still being a college student. The accounting and tax classes prepare you for the profession.”

With the help of taking concurrent classes while an Alamosa High School student and taking summer classes, Hicks finished her degree in less than four years.

Like many San Luis Valley high school seniors, Hicks wasn’t sure about attending the hometown college. As a Spud Bowl candidate, she received a scholarship for her first semester tuition and fees. “The amount of scholarships for valley students is one of the biggest reasons I stayed here,” Hicks added. “I am glad I did. The accounting program is one of best in state. I received a great education.”