Meet six of the University of Northern Colorado's fall 2025 graduates who shared their stories with us about their time at UNC, both challenging and exciting, what their plans are after commencement and advice they would give to current and future Bears.

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Haley Allert 

Hometown: Lone Tree, Colorado 

Area of study: Bachelor's in Science Business Administration with a focus in Marketing. 

Reflection on your time at UNC: I really did love my 3 1/2 years here. One of the reasons why I picked UNC is that I wanted a community that was not too big, but not too small. I loved having classes where my teachers would know my name. Feeling truly involved in the community and having lots of opportunities for growth individually and also with others is something I cherish. I met so many different types of people here and therefore learned a lot about myself. From studying at the library, to going to a super exciting basketball game, to just eating food in the dining hall, I always felt like I had a good community around me. 

Overcoming challenges and achieving success: I had to drop four classes, but my advisor and I still found a way to help me graduate early in 3 1/2 years. I never felt any judgment or anything from any professors or my advisor. I truly just felt supported by them. 

What's next for you: I plan to move back home and find a sales position, and continue to grow my social media.  

Advice for future or current Bears: Be unapologetically yourself! Every day is a new day; just try to make it a better day than the day before. Be a better person tomorrow. 

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Gamaliel Ayala

Hometown: Michoacan, Mexico

Area of study: Bachelor's in Science in Accounting and Finance

Reflection on your time at UNC: I chose UNC because, as a first-generation student, I was nervous and unsure of what college would be like. I wanted to stay close to my family and make the most of every opportunity I was given. UNC became the perfect place for that growth. The first program that helped me build a connection to campus was COSI. Through COSI, I met incredible people – best friends, mentors and even my romantic partner – who shaped my journey in ways I'll never forget. I won't diminish the support I received, but I also want to proudly acknowledge my own hustle. Where I stand today is the result of my effort, perseverance and willingness to keep going. Still, I carry pieces of every mentor, professor, coworker and friend who supported me along the way. I couldn't name them all, but they each helped me become the person I am today.

Overcoming challenges and achieving success: One of my biggest challenges was arriving at UNC without knowing anyone. I had to push myself to make friends, build meaningful connections and find a sense of belonging. Academically, I stayed committed-even through heavy semesters of 18 credits, summer classes and balancing family responsibilities. On top of school, I managed work, extracurricular activities, friendships and my own mental and physical health. I'm proud of the communities I became part of and the leadership roles I earned, including founding and leading a nationally recognized ALPFA chapter. I also applied everything I learned in real professional settings through internships in accounting and finance. My time at UNC was defined by learning how to balance everything-family, school, work, leadership, love and personal growth, and still move forward with intention.

What's next for you: After graduation, I plan to take the next big step in my career by pursuing my CPA and working in the corporate field. I want to continue growing both professionally and personally, building a stable future for myself and supporting my family along the way. Ultimately, my goal is to find fulfillment in the work I do and in the impact I make.

Advice for future or current Bears: There will be moments when you doubt yourself or overthink your goals, but remember, you're here for a reason. Take control of your path. This is your time to learn, make mistakes, practice and grow into a better version of yourself. Take initiative, stay persistent and fight for what you deserve. You're capable of more than you think.

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Claudia Hernandez 

Hometown: Evans/Greeley, Colorado 

Area of study: Finance, Entrepreneurship 

Reflection on your time at UNC: I chose UNC because of its affordability and small class sizes. 

Overcoming challenges and achieving success: I had to overcome so much, especially during the last semester, when it seemed that my world was falling apart. I’m proud that I survived. 

What's next for you: A much-deserved break from school. I want to come back for my master’s degree. I want to start a business or find a great job where I can live and travel abroad. 

Advice for future or current Bears: My advice is to get involved, make lots of friends and connect with your professors. Apply, and do as many internships as you can. It’s easier to find out what you do and don’t like that way. 

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Haire Mercado Espinoza 

Hometown: Hudson, Colorado 

Area of study: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Accounting 

Reflection on your time at UNC: The moment I toured UNC, I immediately felt welcomed. Everyone I met was nice and encouraging, and I could clearly see the amazing opportunities the university offers, both academically and personally. That first visit showed me that UNC was a place where I could grow, challenge myself and truly belong, and that feeling has guided my success here. 

Overcoming challenges and achieving success: At the beginning, adjusting to a new academic style and learning how to be independent was challenging, and it pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and ask for help. Over time, I became more confident in my academics, and along the way, I met many wonderful peers and professors who supported and encouraged me. These experiences helped me grow both personally and academically, turning those early challenges into meaningful successes. 

What's next for you: After graduation, I plan to work toward earning my CPA license, and I’ve accepted an offer to work in public accounting as a tax associate. I’m excited to continue growing professionally and to apply everything I’ve learned at UNC as I take this next step in my career. 

Advice for future or current Bears: Take every opportunity that comes your way, whether it’s a class, a project or a chance to get involved on campus. And most importantly, appreciate every step of your journey. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to keep learning, and the time you spend here will shape you in ways you might not even realize yet. 

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Chanice Sanchez-Reyes 

Hometown: Greeley, Colorado 

Area of study: Accounting 

Reflection on your time at UNC: I chose UNC because of the strong reputation of the Monfort College of Business. I wanted to study accounting at one of the best and most well-known business schools in Colorado, and UNC felt like the right place to challenge myself and grow. What made me successful here was a mix of my own determination and the support built into the program. Even though I didn’t have one specific professor who stood out, the faculty as a whole truly cared about their students. Their encouragement, high expectations and commitment to helping us succeed made a huge difference in my experience. 

Overcoming challenges and achieving success: One of my biggest challenges at UNC was navigating the experience as a non-traditional student in my early 30s. I’ve had to financially support myself while taking four to five classes each semester, which required a lot of long days, discipline and balance. Managing 12-15 credits while working created pressure, but it also pushed me to hold myself to a high standard. Not only to meet the expectations of the Monfort College of Business, but to meet the expectations I set for myself. Overcoming those challenges showed me how capable I am and made earning this degree even more meaningful. 

What's next for you: My next step is to continue my education at UNC. I recently applied to the graduate program for Accounting Analytics so I can earn the credits I need for my CPA, and continue building toward my long-term goal of opening my own bookkeeping and tax business. I’m excited to stay at UNC and continue growing within the Monfort College of Business. 

Advice for future or current Bears: My biggest piece of advice is simple – time is going to pass no matter what, so use it to invest in yourself. Whether that’s pursuing your education, learning something new or pushing yourself toward the life you really want. Showing up for yourself consistently, even when it’s hard, is what helps you grow into the best version of who you’re meant to be. 

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Oliver Voigt 

Hometown: Greeley, Colorado 

Area of study: Biomedical Sciences 

Reflection on your time at UNC: I chose UNC because of the proximity to home and the cost. I can attribute a lot of my success to my biology and chemistry professors. Yuyan Han, Ph.D., in particular, taught me how to think like a scientist and approach problems with critical thinking. 

Overcoming challenges and achieving success: My biggest challenge was balancing a full-time job, volunteering and research on top of my difficult classes. 

What's next for you: I will continue building my medical school application and hopefully attend UNC’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

Advice for future or current Bears: Don’t let anyone tell you you’re lame for not wanting to party all the time. Everyone does college differently.