Reaping Rewards: Alaska Pacific University's Student-Managed Investment Fund Fuels Scholarships

In a sunny March morning in Anchorage, Alaska, the sign marking the entrance to Alaska Pacific University stands out against the pillowy snow, hinting at the institution's innovative approach to education. At the heart of this story lies a student-managed investment fund that has grown from a modest 0,000 seed money to nearly million over the past two decades, and is now providing life-changing scholarships for aspiring business and MBA students.

Unlocking Opportunities Through Financial Acumen

A Fund with a Purpose

Over 20 years ago, Alaska Pacific University received a generous 0,000 donation from Robert B. Gillam, which the university then matched to establish a student-managed investment fund. Since its inception in 2001, this fund has become a unique and dynamic learning experience for APU students, providing them with hands-on experience in portfolio management, stock selection, and financial analysis.The fund's remarkable growth, from the initial 0,000 to its current value of nearly million, has enabled the university to take a bold step forward. Rather than simply maintaining the fund, APU has decided to allocate a portion of the unrealized gains to create a new scholarship program, offering eligible business and MBA students up to ,000 per semester.

Bridging the Gap: Scholarships for Financial Aspirations

The decision to establish this scholarship program was driven by a desire to open doors for students who may have the passion and aptitude for finance and business, but lack the financial means to pursue their dreams. Lincoln Garrick, the MBA Director and an assistant professor of business at APU, explains, "One of the big inspirations here in creating this scholarship fund was to open up doors for folks who have interest in finance and have interest in business areas, but maybe don't have the funds to make that happen in their lives."This innovative approach not only provides financial assistance to deserving students but also serves as a testament to the transformative power of hands-on learning and the tangible impact it can have on individual lives and the wider community.

A Unique Learning Experience

The student-managed investment fund at APU is more than just a theoretical exercise; it is a real-world laboratory where students can apply their knowledge and hone their skills. Garrick, who has personally experienced the class, describes it as a "stock picking class" where students are tasked with managing a diversified portfolio, mitigating risks, and seeking to maximize returns.The class is structured to provide a safe and supportive environment for students to learn and grow. While mistakes are inevitable, Garrick emphasizes that the goal is not to "torpedo the fund" but to use the experience as a learning opportunity. Students are guided to identify the best investment options within their designated industry, with parameters in place to ensure the fund's stability and long-term sustainability.

Rippling Impact: From Seed Money to Scholarships

The journey of the APU student-managed investment fund is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and financial acumen. What started as a 0,000 seed money has blossomed into a million fund, and now, the dividends of this success are being reinvested into the lives of future students.Garrick reflects on the profound impact of this endeavor, saying, "Being able to take some seed money, invest it in companies based on sound financials, and then have those realized gains turn into opportunities for folks that come after you, 10 or 20, years later. I think [that's] something poetic and remarkable."The APU student-managed investment fund has not only provided students with invaluable hands-on experience in portfolio management but has also transformed the lives of future generations through the creation of a transformative scholarship program. This innovative approach to learning and giving back serves as a shining example of how educational institutions can empower students, foster financial literacy, and create lasting positive change in their communities.