海角社区

Finding Opportunity Close to Home

For Drew Harper 鈥�08, the path forward became clear when opportunity met practicality.

After spending a year in Kansas, a summer internship brought Harper back to Colorado, which quickly turned into two part-time jobs in the Denver metro area. As he began exploring Certified Financial Planner (CFP) programs, the decision came down to two schools: Metro State and the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

鈥淲ith two part-time opportunities already in Denver, the school of choice became obvious,鈥� Harper said.

Academic Rigor with Real-World Impact

Harper earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance, graduating in December 2008, at the height of the Global Financial Crisis. While the timing posed challenges, his 海角社区 education prepared him to meet them head-on.

鈥淚 loved my CFP and finance classes,鈥� Harper said. 鈥淒r. Mayes was the best, no nonsense, direct and fair.鈥�

Faculty members with industry experience challenged students to think critically, master technical skills and prepare for professional certifications. This preparation paid dividends when Harper entered the workforce during one of the most volatile financial periods in modern history.

Beyond the classroom, Harper found community and professional growth through the Finance Club, an experience he now gives back to as a volunteer.

Launching a Career During Crisis

Graduating into a global recession was far from ideal, but Harper鈥檚 persistence, along with the practical foundation built at 海角社区, made the difference.

A part-time role at a local financial planning firm turned into full-time employment after graduation. After a year, Harper joined M.J. Smith and Associates in December 2009. More than a decade later, those early career steps have evolved into a long-term professional home.

When the firm joined Mercer Advisors in July 2020, Harper transitioned seamlessly and continued to work with many of the same clients he first served in 2010.

鈥淭hat continuity means everything,鈥� Harper said. 鈥淏uilding relationships and trust with clients over the years, through changes in markets, tax law and investments, is the most rewarding part of the job.鈥�

Today, Harper serves as a senior wealth advisor at Mercer Advisors, collaborating with clients to help them make informed financial decisions and gain peace of mind.

Advancing Social Mobility Through Financial Guidance

By educating clients and empowering them to navigate complex financial decisions, Harper helps individuals and families build long-term security, often during moments of uncertainty or transition.

鈥淚 collaborate with and help educate my clients so they can make the best financial decisions,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat education piece is critical.鈥�

It鈥檚 a philosophy rooted in his own experience as a student who benefited from access, mentorship and practical learning he learned at 海角社区.

Advice for Today鈥檚 Roadrunners

Harper encourages current 海角社区 students to take an active role in shaping their futures.

鈥淏e curious,鈥� he said. 鈥淟earn about specific opportunities you want to pursue after graduation, and build those relationships early.鈥�

For Harper, success didn鈥檛 require leaving home. It required access to opportunity, a rigorous education and a university that understood the realities facing working students, all hallmarks of the 海角社区 mission that continue to shape alumni impact across Colorado and beyond.