Student Managed Investment Fund wins for second year

Areas of Study , Business Economics , Finance Students | Apr 10, 2013 | Nicole Gesualdo

Last year, our Student Managed Investment Fund participants took home “Best Hybrid Fund” honors at the Global Asset Management Education Forum, sponsored by Quinnipiac University.

This past weekend, they did it again!

Congratulations to all 24 SMIF students, whose sharp work as managers or analysts put them over the top. Taught by Professor James R. Kelly, SMIF is one of the greatest hands-on finance opportunities the Gabelli School offers: a chance to manage $1 million of Fordham’s real endowment.

“We have only entered the contest for two years and have won both times, so batting 1000 is a good thing,” said Domenick Ferrera (GSB ’13). “The award speaks to the dedication and insight of not only the students, but Professor Kelly as well. The students put in way more than normal class hours for this course, and it definitely pays off.”

Domenick pointed out that the Gabelli School is competing in a complex category because the fund is a so-called “hybrid fund.”

“We not only cover equities, but also fixed income, commodities, currencies, derivatives and real estate,” he explained. “To add to this, we are a global fund, so we cover different investment areas around the world. All of this translates to a lot of time and work, but obviously we have enjoyed it and have put the effort in to do extremely well.”

More than 115 colleges and universities competed in various categories at the Quinnipiac conference, held at the New York Hilton hotel in Manhattan. SMIF managing directors Bridget Dalton (GSB ’13) and Rebecca Horne (GSB ’13) expressed pride in the fund’s strong showing in front of such a large group.

“We have dedicated and intelligent student managers running the fund,” Bridget said. “All of the research and decisions are done by the students, and everyone plays an integral role in making the fund a success. I would say the two most important factors contributing to the success of the fund are teamwork and discipline.”

Rebecca added that “these types of events remind SMIF portfolio managers and analysts why we joined SMIF and why we want to be in the finance industry.”

“We have been given a new boost of confidence and encouragement, and we are better equipped with the knowledge to continue in our outperformance,” she said.

The SMIF team extends a special thanks to Dean Rapaccioli for sponsoring its participation in the Quinnipiac conference.