Milton Hillegass ’26 | Portland, Oregon
Majors: Accounting, Finance
Minors: English Writing, Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Please tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and I went to high school in Stillwater, Minnesota. I like to downhill mountain bike, play pickleball, golf, and pool. I love road trips. After a trip to New Mexico, there will only be four states left for me to visit.

How did you hear about Concordia and why did you choose to attend college here?

I heard of Concordia from my high school choir teacher and my mother. I chose to attend Concordia because it allowed me to continue to be involved in the things I enjoyed while still acquiring the majors I wanted.

Was there a defining moment in your college search?

The tours. I did my college search while it was still in the pandemic lockdown. Most schools I toured made little effort to work with the regulations and still connect. Concordia went out of their way to call, Zoom, and connect with me as a person. They showed me the welcoming culture of Concordia even when everything was closed down due to COVID-19.

What do you enjoy about the Fargo-Moorhead area?

Even though it is a small metro area, it has plenty of amenities and entertainment. Additionally, because Fargo-Moorhead is small, it’s at most a 10-minute drive to wherever you are going.

What campus activities are you involved in?

I am the chief of operations for the Student Government Association (SGA), business manager for newspaper, a board member for , a member of , and treasurer of .

What organization do you most enjoy being involved in and why? How could new students become involved?

because I get to utilize a lot of my accounting skills and problem solve frequently. Students can get involved by stopping by our office, attending SGA Senate meetings, and applying/running for available positions.

How did you decide on your area of study?

I took an accounting class when I was a business major and really enjoyed it.

Do you have a favorite course in your major? Why is it your favorite?

(Principles of Accounting) because this class introduced me to accounting and showed me how much I enjoyed the subject. Initially, I struggled in the class because I wasn’t catching on to the material. But as time went on, it eventually clicked.

What are the benefits of taking classes in the Offutt School of Business?

The professors are really helpful, professional, and kind. Also, OSB is a very nice building with a lot of amenities and study spots.

If you were talking to a prospective student, what would you tell them is a reason to study at Concordia?

Faculty support. I took an accounting course at a state school, and you’re on your own. There is no help to be found. At Concordia, the classes are an ideal size so you can talk to your professor one on one during office hours and ask questions.

Have you had any internships? If so, what were your responsibilities and key takeaways?

I had a summer sales internship a few years back. One lesson that stood out the most was to try even when you know the odds are stacked against you. If you think you’re going to fail, you might as well try because you’ll gain the experience for the next time. My key responsibilities included time management, customer qualification, and closing sales.

What do you value most about being a Cobber?

The community. There is a culture of always being there to help your peers, and I know if I ever need help with anything I’m covered.

What advice would you give to a high school student who is considering Concordia?

Consider the culture before you make your college decision. College is more than a degree. It’s your home for the next four years. Make sure the school you are considering makes a significant effort to support its students’ academics and mental health, like Concordia.

Concordia gave me the ability to discover what I was interested in.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your Cobber experience?

Concordia gave me the ability to discover what I was interested in. I started as an English major, then switched to business, then explored a few more fields. Finally, I was able to declare my majors in accounting and finance with confidence.

What are your postgraduation plans?

After graduation, I want to pass the CPA exams and work in audit. I have a summer internship as an auditor at Widmer Roel that I learned about from my tax professor, Ron Twedt. I’m most excited to learn about audit workflows. 

^{Published April 2025}