The CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Diversity and Accounting Student Scholarship will support undergraduate and graduate students in accounting at the UNM Anderson School.
Craig White, Interim Dean at UNM Anderson, expressed his appreciation for CliftonLarsonAllen’s commitment to Anderson students. "CliftonLarsonAllen has always been an outstanding supporter of the Anderson School’s Accounting Program,” said White. “The firm provides our students with internships, permanent job opportunities, and now a scholarship to support the diversity of those entering the accounting profession.”
Georgie Ortiz, managing principal at CLA New Mexico, is excited about the firm’s involvement in helping to build a strong foundation for accounting students. Ortiz says the firm values its diverse team. “Our culture of leadership, ownership and entrepreneurship is enhanced by a diverse and empowered team of people who enable and respect one another’s hard work and solid contributions,” said Ortiz. “We believe diversity and inclusiveness are fundamental to building a stronger workforce.”
Students eligible for the newly established CLA Scholarship must be in good standing and full compliance with the guidelines of the Anderson School, with a declared major in Accounting. Recipients must have a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or better, be enrolled members of a U.S. federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaska Native group, or demonstrate leadership in the Asian/Pacific Islander, African American, or Hispanic communities, and be committed to advancing the goals and expression of one of more of those communities.
Ortiz says the firm employs several accounting graduates from the Anderson School and it is eager to support the success of students in the program. “CLA prides itself on being a career-building firm and succession-minded organization. We believe our people are our most important key to our success, and we strive to be reflective of the communities in which we live and serve.”
Recipients of the CLA Scholarship will be selected as part of UNM Anderson’s annual scholarship/fellowship process. The Scholarship Committee consists of faculty and staff members who awarded more than $240,000 in 169 individual scholarships in the 2014-15 academic year.
CLA is a professional services firm delivering integrated wealth advisory, outsourcing, and public accounting capabilities. There are 90 U.S. locations, including one in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
