Finance Students Learn from World’s Most Influential Investment Leaders

Fourteen members of the BGSU Financial Management Society, along with their faculty advisor Michael Slates, had the unique opportunity to listen to some of the most influential people in the world of investing and finance at the Dayton RISE (Redefining Investment Strategy Education) Conference.

The keynote speaker was Sandra Pianalto, President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.  Roundtable discussions participants included Milton Ezrati, Market Strategist of Lord Abbett & Co, Russ Koestrerich, CFA, Chief Investment Strategist of Blackrock, Bill Miller, Chairman and CIO, Legg Mason Capital Management and Jerry Webman, PH.D., CFA, Chief Economist of Oppenheimerfunds, Inc.

The second and third days of the conference featured breakout sessions dealing with a wide variety of subjects, including Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Constructing a Value Stock Portfolio, and ETF Fundamentals.

BGSU had one of the largest groups at the conference which was sponsored by the University of Dayton in association with The Global Compact. It is one of the largest and longest-running student investment forums in the world.

The BGSU finance students had high praise for their experience at the conference.

“What I found to be most interesting during the event was the first day's panel. During the first day, professionals, who have been in the industry for many years, discussed this year's (2014) economic forecast. After writing my own (amateur) prediction of this year's economic forecast for Dr. Klein's Investment Analysis class, it was a neat experience to hear what these professionals had to say and compare it to my own predictions. During the second and third days, younger professionals and more experienced professionals discussed  what careers were available in finance, what steps they took to get there, and how we can position ourselves to be there someday.”

Ben Ringenberg

“The conference was a great chance to hear speakers like Sandra Pianalto from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and Jim Cramer from Mad Money share their wisdom on where the economy currently is and where they see it going in the future. I am very thankful Bowling Green State University gave me the opportunity to attend.”

Adam Pucella 

“The RISE conference was a wonderful way to interact and learn from professionals in the Finance Industry and students alike.  I walked away from the weekend with more knowledge not only about the Finance Industry but about the United States Economy and the World Economy.

I attended breakout sessions that included: private equity, fixed income portfolio management, the power of moats, understanding and interpreting economic indicators, career strategies for portfolio management, and career strategies for wealth management and private banking.  Each one of these sessions was informative and I feel that I will use the understanding that I gained in my job search and for the rest of my professional career.”

Laura Barnthouse