Thanks to the generous support of alumni like Fred Tattersall, finance students in the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics, housed at Reynolds Hall, can gain real-world experience trading on the New York Stock Exchange and managing a portfolio through the Student Managed Investment Fund program. (WVU Photo/Derek Artimez)
A $500,000 gift to the West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics from Class of 1970 alumnus Fred Tattersall will provide students with experiential learning opportunities for years to come by helping to sustain and advance the Student Managed Investment Fund.
A longtime benefactor of WVU who has supported causes at the Chambers College and beyond, Tattersall spearheaded efforts by a group of like-minded alumni who came together nearly a decade ago to create SMIF, which allows students in their senior year to invest real money and manage capital markets.
In addition to managing the fund, students also embark on field trips to Wall Street in New York City and network with industry professionals.
SMIF has seen tremendous growth and results since its inception. Thanks to the latest investment by Tattersall, student analysts will continue to prepare for their future careers by managing real-world portfolios and working with real dollars.
“The Student Managed Investment Fund is a great example of the benefits of experiential education,” Milan Puskar Dean of the John Chambers College of Business and Economics Joshua Hall said. “We want Chambers College graduates to go beyond saying what they learned — we want them to tell employers what they did. You can take as many finance classes as you like, but there is no substitute for the experience you get actively managing funds as students do in SMIF.”
Tattersall, who made his mark on the financial world through his work with 1607 Capital Partners, was an early champion of SMIF and said he believes what students learn and do while managing the fund will give them the experience they need to thrive in the business world.
“The SMIF students would learn about stock price volatility throughout the day of trading. Paper portfolios are executed before and after stock markets are open,” Tattersall said of his motivations to support SMIF from day one. “Therefore, students would probably be less sensitive to price movements if they were operating only a paper portfolio.”
SMIF Faculty Advisor Brant Hammer, who also holds the title of Tattersall Excellence in Financial Industry Chair, gets to see firsthand every day how SMIF has educated Chambers College students and given them a chance to navigate markets in real time.
“Fred Tattersall’s generous funding has been the cornerstone of the SMIF program’s success and growth since its inception in 2017,” Hammer said. “His support has enabled us to offer a truly unique educational experience that combines academic rigor with real-world financial management.”
In addition to investing money and managing SMIF, the students involved are also paid for their time, furthering the authenticity the fund seeks to provide. By paying students for their work and allowing them to participate in the market scenarios they will encounter when they leave WVU, SMIF has become popular at the Chambers College and one of the most sought-after experiences available.
“By providing the resources to pay student salaries, Fred has allowed us to attract top talent from within the student body. His contributions have not only sustained the program but have also elevated it to a level where our students are managing a real investment portfolio with professionalism and dedication. This has led to remarkable outcomes, including high job placement rates at top-tier financial institutions. Without Fred’s unwavering commitment, the SMIF program would not have the exceptional reputation and impact it enjoys today,” Hammer said.
“WVU has a large number of students who have to work long hours while a full-time student to make ends meet. Fred’s generosity means that no student has to turn down a great experience that is in line with their career goals because they have to pay the bills. Making it to Wall Street from anywhere, let alone Morgantown, is not easy. Fred’s gift greatly improves our student’s odds.”
Ultimately, the success of SMIF is determined by what happens with the students involved when they leave Morgantown and embark on their future careers. So far, Tattersall has watched proudly as SMIF has continued to grow, and said he is happy to see his investment pay dividends for the students who have participated.
“As someone who spent more than 50 years in the investment world, I’m proud of the progress of SMIF,” Tattersall said. “The proof of its success is the high percentage of our students who find jobs upon graduation.”
Outside of SMIF, Tattersall has financially supported three endowed faculty positions within the Chambers College while also funding three scholarships, as well as additional business funds and programs.
“Having this level of alumni support is transformative for both the program and the students. It exemplifies the powerful impact that engaged alumni can have on current students’ educational and professional journeys,” Hammer said.
“Alumni like Fred Tattersall provide more than just financial backing; they offer mentorship, networking opportunities and a tangible connection between the academic environment and the professional world. This support enriches the student experience, fosters a strong community and creates a legacy of success that inspires future generations. It underscores the value of giving back and reinforces the idea that investing in education yields profound and lasting benefits.”
Donations to SMIF and the Chambers College are made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
-WVU-
sm/10/8/24
MEDIA CONTACT: Cassie Rice
Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Foundation
304-554-0217; crice@wvuf.org
Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.