MBA Students Manage $5 Million through the Aristotle Fund"For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them." - Aristotle Since 1999, the Aristotle Fund has provided Full-time and Evening MBA candidates at the Opus College of Business with an opportunity to manage a $5 million anonymous gift, while at the same time, gain real-world market wisdom. The Fund provides students the chance to develop their skills as portfolio managers and analysts in a real-world context. Professor James Shovein leads the Aristotle Fund along with a 12 member board of advisors made up of well-respected local industry veterans, many of whom serve as mentors to the fund managers. The board of advisors consists of the dean of the graduate school, the director of the MBA program, the treasurer, the academic vice president, the professor teaching the course and nine investment professionals. The board of advisors provides guidance, wisdom, and advice to students. Shovein noted, "The Artistotle Fund makes continuous improvements each year. Just this year an alumni network of former Aristotle students was developed and has been participating in the classes each week. These alumni, many of who are in the investing profession, provide great feedback and advice for the current students on everything from detailed equity analysis to job search contacts and placement. With the significant number of mentors and alumni, the Aristotle community continues to grow and develop into a powerful resource for the University of St. Thomas and its students." Although the Fund is a for-credit course it functions somewhat like a club. Students participating in the Aristotle Fund commit nine months to the management of the Fund from September through May. The class meets weekly but students maintain contact outside of class through phone and email correspondence. Full-time UST MBA Candidate 2007, Cameron Zuege commented, "The Aristotle Fund provides an intense learning environment unlike any other class at St. Thomas. The class is designed for practical, hands-on investment management. Not only do we act as equity analyst researching undervalued stocks but also as portfolio managers responsible for making actual buy and sell decisions. The class is a tremendous amount of work but is also one of the best experiences I have had at the University of St. Thomas." The Aristotle Fund is distinguished from many other student-managed 'real money' funds in that students not only make investment recommendations; they make the final investment decisions. Other institutions have similar programs, but the final decision is never left up to the students. The goal for students is not only to have a hand in the decisions of the stock, but to learn about the markets, analyze stock, and develop the skills necessary to work together as portfolio managers. For seven years, the Aristotle Fund at the University of St. Thomas, Opus College of Business has prepared students for careers as equity analysts and portfolio managers. "The means by which the Aristotle Fund accomplishes this objective is what makes it so unique and value added. While most 'student run' funds have the students do the equity research and make recommendations for the schools to buy or sell stock - the Aristotle students managers have actual fiduciary responsibility for the complete process." Professor Shovein explained. 
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Other Stories in This Issue
» Retired Toro CEO to Hold New Chair in Ethics at the Opus College of Business » Improving Job Market for MBAs » Alumni Spotlight with Tammy Lee » MBA Scholarship Opportunities » Let's Go Head-to-Head! Fall 2007 Admissions Deadlines Visit Us MBA Tips First Friday Luncheon, May 4 Helpful Links |
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