GSIF continues strong growth
The Gator Student Investment Fund (GSIF) had another strong year that saw the fund increase and students grow deeper in their investment knowledge.
GSIF is a student-managed investment fund that gives members a realistic asset management experience. As of April 2024, the value of the fund sat at $1,245,747. In May 2023, the fund was worth $1,108,100.
The fund also gives annual donations to the Warrington College of Business and the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Program, which assists historically low-income, first-generation college students in meeting their college costs.
In early 2024, GSIF distributed $31,500 to the Machen Florida Opportunities Scholars Program and $10,500 to Warrington.
Growth of the assets under management is an important part of GSIF, but the realistic asset management experience is also integral in preparing students for life after graduation. James Donnelly (MSF ’24) came into GSIF with a strong interest in investing, and his growth in the program turned into a full-time role in equity research at Evercore ISI after graduation.
“The fund demands a lot from students, and the students in it demand a lot from each other,” Donnelly said. “The students have a wonderful advantage early in their careers due to the high level of responsibility and the real-world application of corporate and behavioral finance concepts.”
GSIF also allows younger students to work directly with older, more experienced students. This mentorship plays an important role in their growth, and it ensures GSIF will continue to be an impactful experience in the future.
“My favorite part has been seeing younger students finally wrap their heads around fundamental investing concepts,” Donnelly said. “These moments of realization encouraged me when I first had them, and they made me even more interested in investing. I loved watching that same pattern of development in others while running training sessions for new members.”
