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Drew University’s The Fund Yields Big Results in Financial and Job Markets

Students manage a five-figure equities portfolio

December 2023 – Drew University’s The Fund provides students with invaluable real-world finance experience through true ownership over an equities portfolio.

The Fund has grown into the largest student club on campus and surpassed the 100-member mark this semester under the leadership of CEO Matt Agudelo C’24, CFO Jack Polvere C’24, COO Kathleen Frazier C’24, and CCO Cameryn Brown C’25, and the guidance of advisor Steve Firestone, associate teaching professor of finance and associate chair of business.

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Club meetings average more than 50 students in attendance.

Members actively engage in stock pitches, macroeconomic analysis, and monthly sector reports. Crucial to the continued success of the club, The Fund fosters an environment where younger members interact with juniors and seniors, establishing mentor-mentee relationships that expose new members to internships, networking strategies, interview prep, and referrals.

“The Fund, with its remarkable achievements and inclusive culture, stands as a beacon at Drew University, welcoming undergraduate students from all majors and backgrounds to join this dynamic community of finance enthusiasts and aspiring professionals,” said Agudelo.

With leadership positions spanning across a series of verticals, The Fund emphasizes an educational platform to students, while also yielding positive returns from its portfolio.

The Fund recently achieved its highest unrealized Profit/Loss (P/L), and surpassed the $40,000 mark in portfolio value—a testament to the strategic acumen and dedication of its members. Since the start of the fall 2023 semester, The Fund achieved a commendable 10.69% return (as of December 14), outperforming the benchmarked 3.52% increase, during the same time frame—showcasing The Fund’s ability to outperform the market by a strong margin and take lessons learned from the classroom and applying them to the market.

In addition to the success of the portfolio, the club has seen other real-world wins—placing its talented members in internship and post-graduate positions at top financial firms like RBC, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, and Ares Management. 

In collaboration with Drew’s Center for Career Development, The Fund organized two impactful workshops this semester, one on internships and one on interview preparation.

“This dual initiative ensures that members receive comprehensive guidance and resources for their professional development,” said Agudelo.

Whether in the market, at Drew, or beyond, The Fund has yielded big results.

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