NEWS

Where ambition meets the market

Inside CMU’s Student Managed Funds and Michigan Finance Scholars—where finance students trade theory for action

Some students study finance. Others live it. At Central Michigan University, the Student Managed Funds and Michigan Finance Scholars program offer driven students a front-row seat to the world of investing, decision-making, and high-stakes analysis.

“It’s getting up towards $4 million. We have an attendance requirement, we require voting members to pass a quiz. It’s real money at risk,” said finance faculty mentor Brad Taylor. “Students that participate in the funds, that actually do the presentations, those are the ones going on trips. I don’t want tourism. I want students who are totally interested and totally committed.”

And they are. From Monday night meetings that mimic real investment boards to presentations that could hold their own in corporate finance circles, students are applying classroom knowledge in high-impact ways. They pitch investment ideas, debate strategies, and make real decisions with real money.

CMU’s Student Managed Funds program includes three unique, student-run endowments totaling more than $3.8 million in assets:

The Celani Fund, launched in 2005 by alumnus Tom Celani, focuses on large-cap equities. With 32 equity positions and over $3.1 million under management, students learn valuation strategy, risk analysis, and portfolio management techniques.
The Oros Fund, created in 2021 by alumnus Bob Oros, gives students a rare opportunity to work with fixed income and alternative investments. The $415,000 portfolio includes municipal securities, bonds, and other non-traditional assets.
The Seger Fund, named in honor of former Federal Reserve Governor Martha Seger, targets mid- and small-cap equities. Students manage the $360,000 fund against the Russell 2000 benchmark, exploring volatility and growth potential.

As students advance in their involvement, many apply for the Michigan Finance Scholars program—an elite experience designed for high-achieving students preparing for careers in investment banking, asset management, commercial banking, or corporate finance.

“The scholars are the more senior, most involved students,” Taylor explained. “They do everything—from managing the fund to leading teams. They’re doing more than probably your local personal financial planning advisor, that’s for sure.”

Scholars meet for Saturday workshops on topics like mergers and acquisitions, capital budgeting, and financial modeling. They compete in national challenges like the CFA Research Challenge, the ACG Cup, the Risk Management Association Commercial Lending Challenge and the National Investment Banking Competition. They also gain access to alumni networks and exclusive trips to global financial hubs—including a visit to the New York Stock Exchange.

Corinne Sleeter, a recent finance graduate from Edwardsville, Ill., said the program helped her bridge the gap between college and career.

“I go to meetings, we trade stocks, I go to competitions, I go on trips. Being able to do more than just sit in a classroom has broadened my horizons and given me a lot more experience to talk about,” she said. “It’s definitely helped in job interviews and internships.”

Kylea James, another recent finance graduate from Ann Arbor, Mich., agrees. “We manage a nearly $4 million portfolio. We analyze stocks and pitch whether to invest or divest. It’s been extremely rewarding and a great way to meet people with similar interests,” she said. “These are classmates now, but potentially professional connections later.”

To strengthen learning even further, students now receive feedback from the Student Managed Funds Advisory Board, established in 2024. Composed of alumni and financial industry leaders, the board provides mentorship and strategic insights that help shape investment decisions and long-term fund performance.

“The important thing in finance is there’s no right answer,” Taylor said. “But how do you defend your position? That’s what these students are learning—and that’s what sets them apart.”

From case-based classes to national competitions, CMU’s finance students aren’t waiting to graduate to get experience. They’re already in the game—and for many, it’s just the beginning.