Buena Vista University finance students gained national exposure and industry insight while representing the university at the Student Managed Investment Fund Consortium–South (SMIFC–South) conference, held this past weekend in Miami, Florida. The event brought together universities from across the country with student‑run investment portfolios.

BVU students participated alongside peer institutions that operate student‑managed funds, reflecting the continued growth of the university’s Cramer Student Managed Investment Fund. Established about two years ago, the fund provides students with hands‑on investment experience and real‑world decision‑making opportunities with real money.

During the conference, students attended sessions led by industry leaders, including representatives from the Federal Reserve, the Chartered Financial Analyst Society, and experienced fund managers. These sessions offered insight into real‑world market strategies and emerging trends.

BVU students also competed in the conference’s poster competition, where they presented the history, investment strategy, and performance of the Cramer fund. The team received an honorable mention for both their poster presentation and fund performance, earning recognition among a competitive national field.

“Every student fund is different,” said Assistant Professor of Finance Kyle Jones, who accompanied the students to Miami. “At Buena Vista, the students do all the research and make all the decisions, so they should be especially proud to have done so well.”

The experience is one of many ways the Cramer fund combines applied learning, professional feedback, and networking opportunities, reinforcing classroom concepts through real‑world application. The fund was established through a donation from former Fareway President and COO Robert L. Cramer, who is a retired member of the BVU Board of Trustees and a generous donor to the university.