Throughout the year the University Relations has made significant accomplishments which impacted students, faculty members, and other CFA Societies. After approximately 2 ½ years the co-sponsored Sacred Heart University/SCFAS Investment Management Program (IMP) was successfully launched last September with the acceptance of seven students. Epitomizing the IMP is the comprehensive structural definition which integrates corporate sponsorship and local CFA society’s activities. Culminating the SHU-IMP was a dinner event to meet SCFAS board members, students, parents, and faculty. I am happy to report that, not only did all students get placed with internships, but some had multiple offers. Each internship interview was followed up by calls with employers for feedback. All students were assigned mentors. Providence College will be the next institution to partner with the SCFAS with the launch of the Investment Management Option (IMO) which is a replication of the IMP and will officially launch in September with approximately 10 students. Joining the SCFAS will be the Providence CFA Society (PCFAS). The University Relations has worked closely in collaborating with both Providence College faculty and the PCFAS board. For example, I participated in two PCFAS board conference calls and attended their Forecast dinner along with Providence College faculty. PCFAS will provide mentors and assist in providing guest speakers.
During the current year the University Relations provided a mock-CFA exam in November plus nine campus lectures which included two repeat guest speakers back to Sacred Heart University and Providence College plus one speaker from the PCFAS. The University Relations team developed a proprietary list of guest speakers available exclusively to partnered universities only. Expanding on the campus lecture circuit included developing and solidifying corporate contacts for recruiting interns along with full-time positions for graduating seniors. Cultivating each corporate relationship entailed a total of six company visits and four conference calls. Very strong positive feedback was received from six major investment firms that interviewed, and accepted some of the SHU-IMP and Providence College students. Coupled with the six corporate firms, I was able to meet with several local high school guidance councilors, the NYC school chancellor, New York Diocese (Cardinal Egan), Bridgeport Diocese and the Providence Diocese to introduce our IMP profile and gain endorsements. Early IMP results included eight new student members, two faculty members, a Sacred Heart University sponsored table at our Forecast Dinner, a working relationship with PCFAS, a credible program and product for outside employers, a new membership channel and a unique branding product for the SCFAS.
The University Relations had two team dinners and was able to redesign our website to a more attractive and informative format. The year ahead will be equally productive. Our focus will be the successful IMO launch at Providence College with the PCFAS and attracting more student and faculty members. Also, we are working with two hedge funds to develop a Risk Management program for universities. The IMP will be expanded at SHU to the Graduate level and possibly incorporated at their Luxembourg campus. This should necessitate opening a relationship, similar with PCFAS, to the Luxembourg CFA Society. On-going dialogues with our corporate relations, faculty and greatly appreciated guest speakers will continue to be imperative. The success of the University Relations program to-date is built on a foundation of generosity from SCFAS & PCFAS board members, visionary faculty, fantastic guest speakers, mentors and cooperative corporate relationships.