UConn’s Student Managed Fund is one of the oldest, and most successful, experiential learning programs in the country, and will be featured in a special issue of Managerial Finance, dedicated to SMFs. Professors Chinmoy Ghosh, finance department head, Paul Gilson, and Michel Rakotomavo wrote an article highlighting the history, purpose, performance and the future of the UConn program, and the special features that have contributed to its success.

The UConn program was founded in 2000 and began operation during the 2002-2003 academic year. The total number of students active in the UConn SMF program this year now exceeds 40, and the size of the portfolio exceeds $4.5 million. Most years, the SMF teams outperformed the S&P 500 Index, and the projected long-term performance measured by the SMF benchmark is also superior.

The professors noted that a key objective of the program is to train students in asset selection and portfolio management with a methodical, disciplined approach to investment, with special focus on process, philosophy and style. Another important dimension of the program is to instill the virtues of financial prudence, diligence, team-spirit and professionalism.