ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ Investment Club Excels at National SMIFC Conference in Miami
Published: April 14, 2026.
The ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ Student Managed Investment Fund team earned fourth-place honors in two competitions at the 2026 Student Managed Investment Fund Consortium Conference, held April 10–11 in Miami, Florida.
The team distinguished itself as a top overall performer across both competitions, achieving fourth place in both the Financial Analysis Research Report and Portfolio Poster Competition. The equity research report stood out for its innovative use of artificial intelligence and Refinitiv tools, showcasing the program’s forward-thinking approach to financial analysis.
Representing ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ were students Daniel Baumhart, Adrian Abram, Zachary Lenz, and Marc Kirby.
Beyond competition, students engaged in extensive networking with peer institutions, exchanging insights on portfolio strategies, investment approaches, and fund management techniques.
Throughout the national conference of about 30 universities, the ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ delegation attended expert-led sessions, participated in live discussions, and confidently engaged with speakers by asking questions in front of the full audience. These experiences enhanced both their technical expertise and their ability to represent the university on a national stage.
“The conference was a fantastic experience, and our students gained tremendous knowledge and confidence,” said Dr. David Townsend, faculty advisor for the Investment Club.
The assistant professor of finance in the College of Business also expressed gratitude toward Bryan and Mary Durkin for their support.
The team is already building on this momentum as they prepare for the upcoming Chicago Investment Conference this fall.
ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.
