In 2001, Mr. Ross Whipple, CEO of Summit Bank, became the generous benefactor to a new finance class. The Henderson State University Board of Trustees approved the donated $250,000 endowment to be managed by the members of the Henderson State University Student Management Fund. Mr. Ross Whipple, being a graduate of Henderson and a member of the Board of Trustees, saw an opportunity to better learning opportunities and experiences for Henderson students.
The student management fund was created for acquiring hands-on experience in finance; developing research, analytical, writing, presentations, and teamwork skills; developing responsibility and accountability for decisions; gaining attractiveness to employers --particularly in prestigious finance positions; and fostering relationships between students, faculty, alumni, and the business community. The interdisciplinary nature of the class enables each student to make unique and important contributions based upon their varied backgrounds. Overall, students learn how to become better investors.
Returns on the fund once it exceeds $1 million, will support the ongoing activities of the class, as well as finance internships, scholarships. A highlight of the course will be annual trips to New York City, including meetings with major New York investment firms, former class alumni, and visiting the New York Stock Exchange. While we are still growing, regional trips to Dallas/Ft. Worth and Chicago will be planned, and taken, subject to the raising of additional funds. This year, the student management team competed and was successful at the regional conference. This gave some students the opportunity to attend the conference in New York City in March 2009.Methods Used