College of Business Alumni
Meet Cindy WinfordBS Business Administration 1983
AS: Thank you so much for agreeing to be interviewed for our alumni. It is so nice to meet you and get a chance to speak with you about your career. What prompted you to choose UCCS for your degree?
CW: It is local, and I understood that the College of Business was an excellent school.
AS: What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at UCCS?
CW: Having achieved my degree in business.
AS: Is there someone from UCCS you would like to mention as a contributor to your education/professional path?
CW: Kirk Wilcox. His accounting courses were tough and it prepared me for work in the business field.
AS: I also consider Dr. Wilcox to be one of my favorite UCCS professors! Though his courses were very challenging, he really teaches his students to be passionate about what they do. Switching gears a little, will you briefly describe your professional history?
CW: After graduating, I worked in various areas of business. I started preparing income taxes for low-income families, and then went on to work my way up from a bookkeeper, to an accountant, to a secretary to manager in several departments. Finally, my last position was executive secretary to two vice presidents.
AS: What is your current position, and what do you enjoy most about it?
CW: I am currently retired and have become an author, which was my life's dream.
AS: What is your vision for your current role? What would you most like to accomplish?
CW: As an author, I have published my first novel, IRMA'S STORY, based on the lives of the homeless. This novel has put me in the role of a speaker for the homeless, which is exciting.
AS: What has been your biggest obstacle to overcome?
CW: Finding a publisher interested in my story.
AS: What sort of influence did UCCS have on your current professional position?
CW: Through my studies at UCCS, I learned excellence in any work I pursued. My instructors taught me to think analytically and to not come to conclusions without in-depth research.
AS: How has your UCCS education facilitated your professional growth?
CW: My UCCS education taught me to be confident in my work.
AS: What professional and/or personal accomplishment are you most proud of since your graduation?
CW: Since graduation I have had the luxury of working in positions of responsibility and leadership, which I enjoyed. I went on to achieve a master's degree in language and communication with a major in creative writing at Regis University, Denver.
AS: That is amazing. You have achieved a lot during your career, and it’s obvious that you really love your new role as an author. Do you have any suggestions for the UCCS College of Business Alumni Committee? Are there any programs or initiatives that might be especially helpful to you professionally?
CW: I think my business education was well rounded. I don't see where they can improve. The curriculum is excellent.
AS: What suggestions do you have for our new UCCS graduates?
CW: Find work that you enjoy. Life is too short to waste it in an unhappy position or working environment.
AS: Please note any personal accomplishments you would like to include.
CW: I am now a published author and my desire is to continue writing novels which make readers aware of people in difficult circumstances. My second novel will be titled, MRS. GULLIVER'S TRAVAILS, which deals with the conflicts of wealthy women in superficial roles.
AS: Best of luck with your new book, and thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with our alumni.