Since its launch in 2013, the University of Dallas Student Managed Investment Fund has become a signature program within the Satish and Yasmin Gupta College of Business. What began with a 100,000 dollar founding gift has grown into a high impact, student led investment program that connects classroom learning with real world financial decision making.
From the beginning, the SMIF was designed with a clear purpose. It enhances students’ academic experience by immersing them in the realities of portfolio management. Students are not only studying markets. They are actively managing capital, conducting equity research, and making investment decisions within a live portfolio.
“The Student Managed Investment Fund provides invaluable hands on experience for students, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to real world investing,” said Associate Professor of Finance Jenny Gu, PhD. “Managing the fund not only enhances practical skills in financial analysis and decision making but also gives students a significant edge when pursuing professional certifications like the CFA or CFP by providing them with real world investment experience that is highly relevant to these credentials.”
A Proven Record of Performance and Growth
The results are compelling. As of April 2026, the fund has grown from its initial 75,000 dollar investment pool to more than 250,000 dollars in total value, representing a cumulative return of approximately 238 percent since inception.
Even in the current year, student managers have delivered strong results, outperforming the broader market with a year to date return that exceeds the S and P 500. This sustained performance reflects disciplined investment strategies and the rigor of the program itself. Students follow a structured process that includes weekly monitoring reports, sector based analysis, and formal investment recommendations supported by fundamental research.
Developing Career Ready Leaders in Finance
The SMIF provides a meaningful competitive advantage for University of Dallas students. Participants gain hands on experience that aligns with industry expectations while preparing for professional certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
The greatest success the SMIF has provided the University of Dallas, however, is the career advantage it delivers to finance graduates. Many participants have secured roles and internships at major finance firms, achieved CFA scholarships, and passed CFA exams. These students gained valuable experience managing and investing in a live fund while also benefiting from scholarship support generated through the fund itself.
The program is closely integrated with the Master of Science in Finance curriculum, ensuring that students graduate with both theoretical grounding and applied expertise. In addition, a portion of the fund’s returns supports student scholarships, reinforcing the program’s commitment to access and excellence.
A Collaborative and Rigorous Learning Environment
Each year, a select group of undergraduate and graduate students is chosen through a competitive process to serve as fund managers. Working in sector teams, students analyze industries such as technology, healthcare, energy, and consumer markets using professional grade resources.
Their work is guided by faculty advisors and supported by an engaged advisory board, creating an environment that mirrors the structure and expectations of professional investment firms. The program has been further strengthened by support from the Bloomberg Foundation, whose gift has advanced investment training capabilities and expanded student access to industry standard tools and data.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Impact
With the continued development of the trading room in SB Hall and ongoing investment in advanced financial tools, the SMIF is well positioned for its next phase of growth. These resources strengthen students’ analytical capabilities and deepen the program’s alignment with industry standards.
The SMIF also represents a compelling opportunity for external partners and donors. Additional investment will expand student participation, enhance research capabilities, and increase the scale of scholarship support generated by the fund’s success.
A Signature Program of the University of Dallas
More than a decade after its founding, the Student Managed Investment Fund reflects the University of Dallas commitment to rigorous, applied, and values centered business education. It is a program where students learn through experience, where performance is measurable, and where outcomes continue to build over time.
For students, it is a launchpad.
For donors, it is an investment in future leaders.
For the University of Dallas, it is a defining point of distinction.
