2008 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

Biography: Tim Najera is a third year, majoring in Business Economics while pursuing a minor in Accounting. He is currently on pace to graduate in three years with College Honors. Tim was born in Southern California to two UCLA alumni. At Reseda Math Science Magnet High School located in the San Fernando Valley he was class valedictorian graduating first overall in his class. In high school, he was captain of the Swim Team, captain of Science Bowl, and president of Alcuins Honor Society. During his time at UCLA, he was the head coach of Cleveland High School’s Varsity Water Polo Team and worked as an Open Water Lifeguard. He just completed a summer internship as a Federal Tax Intern for KPMG. During his free time Tim enjoys swimming, running, working out at the gym and spending time with his girlfriend.

Future Plans: After completing an internship in taxation, Tim plans to continue to his interest and work full time. Within the next year Tim plans to earn his CPA license. In the future Tim hopes to be able to continue his education and earn a degree in either law and or a Master’s in Business Administration.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am honored to have been a recipient of the Harry Simon Scholarship for the 2008-2009 academic year. The money will help ease the financial burden for myself and allow me to fully focus on my studies, pursue other academic interests and sit down and plan my future. The scholarship has reinforced my belief that hard work and effort will pay off in the long run.