Eleven students majoring in the Investment Accounting Track traveled to Chicago, Illinois, along with faculty members Tim Bryan, instructor in accounting, and Dr. Jill Oeding, assistant professor of business law. The students were Chase Eubanks, Mathew Harris, Austin Leible, Tyler Massa, Abraham Maze, Erica Oberbroeckling, Jonathan Shreves, Allen James Sigler, Eliane Ulrich, Carly Whitesell, and Abbey Winter.
The group was the guest of SS&C Technologies, where the students learned about the evolution of alternative investments and regulatory changes that moved SS&C into more of an accounting provider rather than primarily a software provider. They also had the opportunity to hear from Krista McLeod of Silverpath Capital Management. McLeod told the group about the typical organization and management of a hedge fund.
The group enjoyed a taste of Chicago with pizza at Gino’s where they also met up with two USI alumni. Dr. Michael Williams ’02 is founding partner of Williams Analytics LLC, a quantitative consulting firm. Williams Analytics focuses on valuation, strategy detection, and optimization issues in non-traditional asset markets. Additionally, Williams is an assistant professor of finance in the College of Business at Governors State University and has been actively teaching there since 2012. Rob Hon ‘89 is the managing director of investments at Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. Williams and Hon shared their experiences in the investment world, career insights and their experience as USI students.
At the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago. How often do you get to see what $1 million really looks like!
The students visited the Chicago Board of Options Exchange. They learned about the history and use of options and then toured the floor where they still have an active trading pen – like in the movies! Students also went to the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank where they learned more about the role the Federal Reserve Bank plays in our economy and toured its Money Museum.
Other highlights included visits to Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, and surrounding grounds, Wrigley Field to watch the Chicago Cubs’ home opener, and Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) where some brave students even went out on the Ledge glass platform on the Skydeck.
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The Investment Accounting Track is the only program of its kind in the United States and is one of five tracks available to students who wish to expose themselves to the world of accounting for alternative investments including hedge funds, private equity funds, derivatives, and commodities.
Published April 18, 2016