JWU Students Step Up Their (Financial) Game at G.A.M.E. Forum IX

Twelve JWU students headed to NYC on March 27 to take part in the Quinnipiac Global Asset Management Educational (G.A.M.E.) IX Forum. The three-day program is a student-managed fund portfolio competition that allows students to discuss and debate the best financial practices with industry leaders from around the world.

Students from both the Wildcat Investment Value Fund (WIVF) and Finance and Investment Academy (FIA) represented JWU in the competition. They also attended panels and workshops to hear from some of the industry’s top chartered financial analysts (CFAs) and other professionals from companies like Bloomberg News, Goldman Sachs, TD Ameritrade and more.

“It’s not every day you’re in the same room with people who are managing millions, and in some cases billions, in assets,” said Brandon Kauffman ’19. “The best part about the events was how approachable all of the speakers were. I had the opportunity to talk to them one-on-one, which isn’t something I’d normally be able to do.”

Kauffman not only got to chat with industry professionals, he also got the chance to fulfill his dream of participating in the NASDAQ closing bell ceremony. “It was something I’ll never forget. Being able to see behind the scenes how that happens and meet the people that are responsible for it was amazing,” Kauffman said. “I was able to take a tour of the NASDAQ building and see how they perform every day. The atmosphere in that building was so energetic and everyone was so enthusiastic. It was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had.”

Only one student from JWU could be selected to attend the bell ceremony, and according to Assistant Professor Viviana Vilacha, Kauffman was the perfect choice. “It was Brandon’s dream to participate in the NASDAQ ceremony to commemorate his whole academic career and progress,” she said.

Vilacha and Associate Professor Carlos Diaz were the faculty leaders for the team of students, and they were very happy with how the whole competition went. “The students dedicated so much work to preparing for G.A.M.E. Forum, the portfolio competition and Social Networking event with our WIVF Poster," Vilacha said. "Many of the students interacted with other universities' student-managed funds, and the audience appeared really impressed with our students, poster and professionalism. I couldn’t be any prouder of the team representing JWU!”

JWU's portfolio took fourth place out of 75 competitors in their category. This year, there were 1,500 college students participating, representing 50 countries and 154 colleges and universities. 

"To come in fourth place in only our second year of competition is really amazing," said Associate Professor Jean Holt, who has also worked closely with WIVF. "The team is fired up for next year and aim to WIN in 2020!”