UNO Students Secure Third Place in Prestigious Investment Fund Contest
2025-04-15
Two aspiring finance students from the University of New Orleans have made their mark on the global stage by securing third place in the Consortium-South Student Managed Investment Challenge. Their exceptional presentation and strategic insights into UNO's managed investment fund captured the attention of judges at a recent event in Orlando, Florida.
Empowering Future Leaders in Finance
The competition was fierce, but Ethan Evans and Craig Delaune emerged victorious through their meticulous preparation and deep understanding of financial markets. With an emphasis on performance metrics, presentation quality, and real-time responses to challenging questions, the duo showcased their ability to manage assets effectively while adhering to rigorous academic standards.
Pioneering Success Through Strategic Planning
Ethan Evans, currently pursuing his master’s degree in finance, and Craig Delaune, a participant in the accelerated master’s program, enrolled in the course "FIN4332: Student Managed Management Fund." This unique offering allowed them to delve into the intricacies of stock and bond investments with the ultimate goal of surpassing the S&P 500 index. Under the guidance of esteemed faculty members, these students not only honed their analytical skills but also developed a keen sense of market dynamics.In addition to theoretical knowledge, practical experience played a pivotal role in shaping their approach. By leveraging historical data and current trends, they crafted an investment strategy that prioritized both growth and stability. The evaluation criteria for the competition included assessing each team’s 2024 investment outcomes, evaluating the clarity and persuasiveness of their presentations, and scrutinizing their ability to address complex queries during Q&A sessions.
Innovative Teaching Methods Fuel Achievement
Donald Hensel, instructor of the FIN4332 course, emphasized the importance of collaborative learning and hands-on engagement. Within this framework, students were divided into groups tasked with conducting comprehensive analyses of the market landscape. These teams subsequently delivered recommendations concerning potential new ventures and necessary adjustments to existing portfolios.One key aspect of their policy involved restricting allocations to unconventional assets like cryptocurrencies and precious metals. Instead, the focus remained firmly on identifying undervalued stocks exhibiting robust upside potential coupled with acceptable levels of risk. Furthermore, diversification strategies incorporated Treasury bond ETFs as a means of mitigating equity exposure risks. Such prudent measures contributed significantly to UNO’s remarkable achievement of outperforming the S&P 500 benchmark by 98 basis points in 2024.
A generous bequest from the late finance professor Tarun Mukherjee injected $100,000 into the program, enabling the establishment of the Kali and Sushila Mukherjee Trading Lab. This invaluable resource provided the foundational capital required to initiate impactful investments. As testament to its enduring influence, the lab continues to inspire generations of learners striving to excel in the competitive world of finance.Delaune expressed pride in the accomplishments attained throughout the year, noting that such milestones would not have been possible without collective effort and unwavering dedication. His remarks highlighted the significance of maintaining high-quality asset selection while ensuring appropriate diversification across various sectors. Such principles underscore the commitment shared by all participants towards fostering sustainable success within the realm of investment management.