Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF)
The Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) provides valuable, real-time experiential learning in securities analysis and portfolio management. Managers gain real world experience in topics and theories that are discussed in the classroom. SMIF is the capstone to investment studies in a sequence of courses developed by the finance department.
History
SMIF was created in 1993 to provide a "hands-on" experience in research, investing, portfolio management, and the dynamics of the equity markets. The Board of Trustees started the program with a transfer of funds from the University's endowment.
Managers are chosen through a rigorous selection process that encompasses an application, formal interview, and written research report. The existing managers make all decisions with oversight from SMIF faculty advisors. Once selected, managers take courses in an "investment track" consisting of Financial Management, Fixed Income & Derivatives, Investments and Security Analysis, and Portfolio Management.
The managers also receive one unit of academic credit for their participation in the Fund. Meetings are held at least once a week throughout the entire year to evaluate the status of the portfolios and execute any other administrative duties that are pertinent to its success.
SMIF is completely equity based and is split into a Growth Fund and a Value Fund. The two funds are each comprised of approximately eight managers. A General Manager actively participates in both funds and ensures the professional management of SMIF as a whole."
Managers act as security analysts and portfolio managers. Through many different research sources, information is gathered in an attempt to lead to a buy or sell decision. Practical investment knowledge, exercised through field trips, internships, and a close working relationship with market professionals, has enhanced the educational experience for the fund managers.
The Fund maintains working relationships with alumni and other professionals in the financial services industry, acting as mentors for the managers of the portfolio. The managers work with faculty advisors from the finance department as well as with an advisory board consisting of investment professionals in the Richmond community. Each year, the Fund continues to improve and plays a unique role in the finance curriculum. Through high caliber students, determination, and professional conduct, SMIF will remain one of the most unique and prestigious programs offered at the University of Richmond.
Current Managers
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Payton Van Den Heuvel, General Manager |
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Stephanie Gridley, Head Value Fund Manager |
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Alex Cook, Head Growth Fund Manager |
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Emily Mendelson, ESG Manager |
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Tyler Donsky, Vice President of Recruitment, Value Fund |
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Carter Angelus, Value Fund |
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Danny Coyle, Value Fund |
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Michael Pilkington, Value Fund |
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Buford Reid, Value Fund |
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Ying Zhu, Value Fund |
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Brock Cannon, Growth Fund |
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Mihir Chinai, Growth Fund |
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Erica Grosso, Growth Fund |
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Evan Monfre, Growth Fund |
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David Nadwodny, Growth Fund |
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Jack Phillips, Growth Fund |
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Ryan Silverman, Growth Fund |
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Nicole Willis, Growth Fund |
Advisory Board Members
- Rob Allen, Capstone Financial Partners
- Nancy Bagranoff, University of Richmond
- Perry A. Corsello, CFA, Virginia Retirement System
- Christopher Dion, Lowe, Brockenbrough & Co.
- John Earl, University of Richmond
- Steve Fisher, Virginia Asset Management
- Cederic Fortemps, Matrix Capital Markets
- Patrick Galleher, Boxwood Partners
- Steve Goddard, The London Company
- Chris Haberlin, Davenport & Co.
- Roberta Keller, Alexis Advisors
- Ashley Long, 1607 Capital Partners
- James Mallory, SunTrust Bank
- Jeffrey McNeill, SunTrust Bank
- Pat O'Hara, Agincourt Capital Management
- Chris Pearson, Davenport & Co.
- Matt Rosenthal, Aptimy
- Gregory Sabo, Tone Capital, LLC
- Doug Sandler, Riverfront Investment Group
- Mark Schlegel, CFA, TFS Capital
- John Sherman, Scott & Stringfellow
- George Smith, Davenport & Co.
- Don Steinbrugge, Agecroft Partners, LLC
- Jerry Stevens, University of Richmond
- Cody Tafel, Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley
- Dennis Tarrant, Davenport & Co.
- Dan Whitlock, Virginia Retirement Systems
- Lonnie Whitlock, Lowe, Brockenbrough & Co.
- Brad Young, Altius Associates
Portfolio
Current Growth Portfolio Holdings
Current Value Portfolio Holdings
Application Process
General Timeline:
- The application process typically begins the week after winter break during junior year
- The application involves a few essay questions and submission of a resumé
- Students are screened
- Applicants are given a company to write up an 8-10 page research report along with assignment of a current SMIF manager mentor
- Research reports are submitted
- Interview process is four interview sessions with two people each. Interviews are structured like sales and trading and investment banking interviews
- Managers are chosen
Selection Requirements:
- An overall grade point average of 3.2 or better
- A grade of B or better in FIN 366 – Investments
- FIN 366-Investments must be taken before fall semester of senior year to participate in SMIF
General Manager
Jeremy Lacy
Growth Fund
Christian Berardo
Brad Gibson
Luke Knott
Bobby Piluso
Kate Schlinke
Keenan Shepard
Jack Tierney
Jess Wilson
Ying Wu
Value Fund
Pedro Balaban
Julian Baretta
Casey Begoon
Matt Freda
Chilton Gaines
Rishabh Jain
Ryan McCaffrey
Ryan Pasquali
Dennis Smith
General Manager
Joao Galbier
Growth Fund
Benjamin Barad
Haley Preschutti
Kieran O'Connor
Kylie Regan
Luke Perda
Oliver Merison
Raymond Kanyo
Anthony Faraino
Value Fund
Nelson Baetjer
Doug Butman
Ryan Byrnes
Alexander Cover
Connor Flanagan
Tyler Grosse
Elizabeth Sullivan
Cade von Gal
General Manager
Megan Troy
Growth Fund
Christopher Hartman
Rob Ibarguen
Stathi Kyriakides
Matthew Leto
Rowland Mayor
Michael Walsh
Sean Walsh
Wanli Zhang
Value Fund
Matthew Celona
John Franceski
Han Kweon
Gregory Nodaros
Callie Reis
Dodo Stavrev
Ellie Sullivan
Natalie Swanson
General Manager
Peter Donohue
Growth Fund
Matt Brookman
Connor Cole
Nate Cohen
Jack Clark
Divij Dugar
Tom Fickinger
Peter Ghiorse
Aaron Hamburger
Value Fund
Chris Ahn
Jill Cestaro
Mark Downey
Brian Gramolini
Brad Rigoli
Greg Stern
Kendall Stevenson
Bryce Yoo
General Manager
Jake O'Donnell
Growth Fund
Kevin Alloway
George Appling
George Beck
Kelly Becker
Jared Bloom
Laura Levy
Saifali Shaikh
Michael Vivirito
Value Fund
Sean Baker
Marty Berkowitz
Abby Gilmartin
Connor Koorbusch
Camille Pittman
Skye Samse
Chris Silvey
Jack Stillwagon
Curtis Robbins