University of Tulsa’s Student Fund Surpasses $9 Million Milestone
The Student Investment Fund (SIF) at The University of Tulsa has reached a significant milestone, now valued at over $9 million. This initiative, established in collaboration with Friends of Finance, provides students with the opportunity to manage a real investment portfolio, enhancing their practical experience in finance.
Since its inception in 1998, the SIF has evolved from an initial seed funding of nearly $400,000, supplemented by $1.6 million in donations over the subsequent 17 years. Each semester, student teams engage in rigorous market analysis, evaluating risks and making strategic buy-and-sell decisions, which are executed through the university’s controller’s office.
Hands-On Learning in Financial Management
“This is not a hypothetical exercise,” stated Tally Ferguson, Associate Dean and faculty adviser for the fund. “Every one of those trades was made by students trained right here in the Collins College of Business. They are effectively managing a mutual fund for a whole semester, and not many people entering the workforce can say, ‘Yeah, I managed $9 million.’”
Students are organized into committees that reflect the structure of a professional investment firm, allowing them to debate sector allocations, present analyses, and defend their recommendations. This immersive experience is invaluable for students as they prepare for careers in finance.
For Nick Elliott, a senior majoring in applied mathematics, the experience has been transformative. “Every choice matters. One percent of nine million is still a lot of money. It’s neat seeing how much goes into each decision and learning to make those choices as a team,” he remarked.
Similarly, Jonathan Lee, a computer science major, highlighted how the SIF experience merges disciplines. “I’m passionate about quantitative finance; it’s where computer science meets finance. Even if you’re not a finance major, this is a great opportunity to learn from your peers and understand how to manage money.”
Impact Beyond Financial Management
The SIF has not only provided students with practical investment experience but has also contributed significantly to the university community. Since its establishment, the fund has distributed over $1 million in scholarships to business students, funded entirely by portfolio returns.
“Many of our analysts are Friends of Finance scholars, paid for by the very money they’re helping to grow,” Ferguson explained. “One of the best ways to get prepared for the workforce is to do the work before you ever go into the workforce.”
The significant growth and success of the Student Investment Fund underscore the importance of experiential learning in higher education, equipping students with essential skills for their future careers.
