The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has finalized the inaugural group for the Erin and Kyle Cummings $500,000 Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF). The class consists of 30 students from across the world representing 10 majors.
“This represents the epitome of applied learning. The unmatched experiences and opportunities to invest real money will be a substantial asset, fostering the growth and knowledge of each participant.” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School.
In February, SMIF students will embark on a historic venture, collaboratively investing $250,000 in stocks, bonds, and more—the first opportunity of its kind in school history. Guiding and inspiring them will be Paul Attwater, a seasoned industry executive boasting over 40 years of experience in investing and wealth management.
The proceeds from the portfolio will be reinvested into the program, allocating a percentage to bolster Barton School's student experience and support initiatives aimed at enhancing their success.
"I'm thrilled to embark on this exciting journey and immerse myself in the dynamic world of investing alongside this exceptional group of intelligent and talented young individuals," expressed Attwater. "There's no substitute for hands-on experience where the stakes are real. It's time to back our words with action and truly invest in the future."
In preparation for the Spring 2024 semester, the class nominated individuals for crucial positions within the organization. After considering nominations, interviews were held in order to establish the first ever leadership team. This newly elected leadership team, alongside other members, will collaborate with Attwater, collectively steering the mission and goals of the group throughout the semester and beyond. The inaugural SMIF student group will gather regularly, embracing the structure of an investment management group. Their sessions will encompass discussions on investments, hosting experts in various investment-related topics, attending conferences, and engaging in other opportunities aimed at maximizing the growth of the fund.
Meet the Cummings SMIF founding group of students:
- President
James Grice
Major: Finance
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas - Vice President
George Giem
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Overland Park, Kansas - Secretary
Diego Martinez
Major: Economics
Hometown: Asuncion, Paraguay - Chief Investment Officer/Treasurer
Christopher Norton
Major: Finance
Hometown: Dallas, Texas - VP of Recruitment and Membership
Uriah Veach
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO - VP of Marketing and Communications
Kyle Sutton
Major: Business
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma - Members At-Large
Mason Albers
Major: Accounting, Finance minor
Hometown: Cheney, Kansas
Rafael Aviles
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Park City, Kansas
Christopher Barnes
Major: Economics
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Juan Barraza
Major: Finance – Real Estate
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Tyler Bushnell
Major: Information Technology and Management Information Systems
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Camden Clure
Major: Finance Real Estate
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Simon Deaver
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
Brayden Elmer
Major: Finance
Hometown: Warsaw, Missouri
Michael Goldberg
Major: Economics and Finance, Business Analytics minor
Hometown: Walnut Creek, California
Shiva Kumar Gundeboyena
Major: Engineering Management
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Gannon Hall
Major: Finance
Hometown: Spring Hill, Kansas
Adam Key
Major: Entrepreneurship and Honors Baccalaureate
Hometown: Marthasville, Missouri
Mercedes Lubbers
Major: Human Resources Management
Hometown: Goddard, Kansas
Maria Lucas
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Nicole Macias
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Manas Madanambedu
Major: Economics and Finance
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
James Peterson
Major: Finance – Real Estate
Hometown: Overland Park, Kansas
Kasey Pham
Major: Finance
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Patrick Roell
Major: Information Technology and Management Information Systems
Hometown: Rose Hill, Kansas
Dudley Thomas
Major: International Business
Hometown: Shawnee, Kansas
Kenny Truong
Major: Finance
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Karthik Sai Twarakavi
Major: Business Analytics
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Justin Van
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Tanner Williams
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Derby, Kansas
To learn more about SMIF, visit: www.wichita.edu/smif