Senior ready for new life

Today the University of Northern Colorado bids farewell to the class of 2007 and among the graduates is Kara Patterson.

Patterson, 22, from Gillette, Wyo., is graduating with a degree in finance. Patterson has contributed to the community of northern Colorado and has been a member of the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi.

"She is a beautiful person both on the inside and out. If I become half the person she is, it will be more than enough," Ilissa Albrecht, sophomore and fellow Alpha Kappa Psi member, said.

Patterson currently works at the Bank of the West in Fort Collins as a teller. This summer she will serve as a Financial Services Consultant, filling in for a fellow co-worker on maternity leave and plans to continue to work with the bank for a long time.

"I like numbers and I've always had an interest in banking," Patterson said.

Patterson's co-workers said she has a delightful and playful attitude toward life. Her personality has lead to several inside jokes.

"She is just a funny person, loves to dance and sing," co-worker Aurbrie Cardona said. "She doesn't like to pick on people, and she is a pool in the summer, cool margarita in the winter kind of person."

Patterson, two year member of Alpha Kappa Psi, has served as a pledge educator, helping pledges adjust to the world of Alpha Kappa Psi. Next year she has agreed to continue to work with her fraternity as a chapter advisor because she said she has found the time she spent with Alpha Kappa Psi to be a rewarding experience.

"What I got most from (Alpha Kappa Psi) was public speaking, networking and meeting a lot people in the business school," Patterson said.

While Patterson is leaving UNC, she had some advice for UNC students.

"Get involved, it definitely makes college more fun, more than just taking classes and exams. Try to get a job that relates to your major, get your foot in the door and the job hunt is a lot easier," Patterson said.