When the Loyola Student Investment Fund (SIF) was founded one year ago, it had high expectations for what it could achieve, but it did not think that one year later, it would have become so successful. On Thursday, May 25, it gave its annual presentation to the financial committee of the Loyola Board of Directors. The presentation went off without a hitch, and all recommendations were unanimously approved by the Board, with those on it looking forward to the future results it produces. Max Jacobson ’25, a member of the SIF, said, “The presentation with the board was very well executed, and we came out of it knowing that we had made smart choices.” Henry Fisher ‘25 also said, “I think that the presentation to the board was perfect. With our great returns last year, there is no doubt that we are having success.”
The SIF itself is completely student-run, with help from AP Economics teacher Brian Held ‘93 and Board Member Zachary Levenick ‘96. The SIF was founded last year when a select group of students received funding from the Board of Trustees to begin an investment portfolio that would work to benefit the school. The Board and faculty thought that by giving the students some real, hands-on experience working with money, the school could better set up its students for success.
The SIF is an extension of the Loyola Investment Club, which has been incredibly active over the course of this year, hosting multiple events and speakers, such as the Loyola Investment Competition, the Wharton Stock Competition, and sending students to the Flintridge Stock Pitch Competition. At the competition, the Loyola team placed second out of the more than ten teams present. The team pitched the stock Canadian Pacific, a railroad company that stretches across most of North America. Loyola continues to keep up a trend of placing well in this competition after coming in first place the previous year.
The SIF has been a massive success so far, gaining positive returns and outperforming estimates. Not only has it helped to raise money for Loyola High School, but it is also giving students learning experiences and helping them be better prepared for college and the workplace. Jacobson also said, “I think that SIF helps students who want to learn more about finance get real-world experience,” showing just how beneficial an impact it is having.
The SIF is not just an amazing experience for Cubs; it is also setting them up with skills that go beyond the classroom. With the SIF set to continue its operations, members eagerly await continuing this out-of-the-classroom learning.
