From classroom to Wall Street

Lucy Forlastro, a Central Michigan University finance and accounting major, was recognized for her extensive leadership and involvement in extracurricular finance activities. She was nominated by CMU faculty member Brad Taylor, Ph.D., for the 2025 President's Award for Undergraduate Research and Creative Accomplishments. “Lucy is clearly a leader,” Taylor said. “She has wowed not only our senior alumni but so many finance professionals in Michigan.” 

Forlastro was recognized for her leadership of the team that won the Association of Corporate Growth Cup, which is the largest finance competition in Michigan. Additionally, her teams placed second at the Risk Management Association Commercial Lending Challenge two years in a row. Taylor noted that finance professionals were drawn to Lucy’s competitions just to see her compete. 

She also chaired the Wall Street Journal Club for three years, which meets twice a week. Lucy contacted finance alumni to present as a guest speaker and coordinated with the students in the club. Taylor noted, “I am positive that every senior finance alum of CMU knows Lucy Forlastro.” 

Forlastro appreciates the opportunities she received at CMU, from competitions to clubs, and capstones. She looks forward to making more contributions in the world of finance.    

In her future endeavors, she will be moving to New York City in the summer to take on a role in investment banking. “She will be the first person in recent history to make that giant leap from CMU into such a role,” Taylor said.