Trailblazers Revealed: The Founding Members of the Barton School's Cummings Student Managed Investment Fund

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 蹤獲扦has finalized the inaugural group for the Erin and Kyle Cummings $500,000 Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF). The class consists of 30 students from across the world representing 10 majors.

This represents the epitome of applied learning. The unmatched experiences and opportunities to invest real money will be a substantial asset, fostering the growth and knowledge of each participant. said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School.

In February, SMIF students will embark on a historic venture, collaboratively investing $250,000 in stocks, bonds, and morethe first opportunity of its kind in school history. Guiding and inspiring them will be Paul Attwater, a seasoned industry executive boasting over 40 years of experience in investing and wealth management.

The proceeds from the portfolio will be reinvested into the program, allocating a percentage to bolster Barton School's student experience and support initiatives aimed at enhancing their success.

"I'm thrilled to embark on this exciting journey and immerse myself in the dynamic world of investing alongside this exceptional group of intelligent and talented young individuals," expressed Attwater. "There's no substitute for hands-on experience where the stakes are real. It's time to back our words with action and truly invest in the future."

In preparation for the Spring 2024 semester, the class nominated individuals for crucial positions within the organization. After considering nominations, interviews were held in order to establish the first ever leadership team. This newly elected leadership team, alongside other members, will collaborate with Attwater, collectively steering the mission and goals of the group throughout the semester and beyond. The inaugural SMIF student group will gather regularly, embracing the structure of an investment management group. Their sessions will encompass discussions on investments, hosting experts in various investment-related topics, attending conferences, and engaging in other opportunities aimed at maximizing the growth of the fund.

Meet the Cummings SMIF founding group of students:

  • President
    James Grice

    Major: Finance
    Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
  • Vice President
    George Giem
    Major: Accounting
    Hometown: Overland Park, Kansas
  • Secretary
    Diego Martinez

    Major: Economics
    Hometown: Asuncion, Paraguay
  • Chief Investment Officer/Treasurer
    Christopher Norton
    Major: Finance
    Hometown: Dallas, Texas
  • VP of Recruitment and Membership
    Uriah Veach

    Major: Business Administration
    Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
  • VP of Marketing and Communications
    Kyle Sutton

    Major: Business
    Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Members At-Large

Mason Albers
Major: Accounting, Finance minor
Hometown: Cheney, Kansas

Rafael Aviles
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Park City, Kansas

Christopher Barnes
Major: Economics
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Juan Barraza
Major: Finance Real Estate
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Tyler Bushnell
Major: Information Technology and Management Information Systems
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Camden Clure
Major: Finance Real Estate
Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Simon Deaver
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri

Brayden Elmer
Major: Finance
Hometown: Warsaw, Missouri

Michael Goldberg
Major: Economics and Finance, Business Analytics minor
Hometown: Walnut Creek, California

Shiva Kumar Gundeboyena
Major: Engineering Management
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Gannon Hall
Major: Finance
Hometown: Spring Hill, Kansas

Adam Key
Major: Entrepreneurship and Honors Baccalaureate
Hometown: Marthasville, Missouri

Mercedes Lubbers
Major: Human Resources Management
Hometown: Goddard, Kansas

Maria Lucas
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Nicole Macias
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Manas Madanambedu
Major: Economics and Finance
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

James Peterson
Major: Finance Real Estate
Hometown: Overland Park, Kansas

Kasey Pham
Major: Finance
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Patrick Roell
Major: Information Technology and Management Information Systems
Hometown: Rose Hill, Kansas

Dudley Thomas
Major: International Business
Hometown: Shawnee, Kansas

Kenny Truong
Major: Finance
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Karthik Sai Twarakavi
Major: Business Analytics
Hometown: Hyderabad, India

Justin Van
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Tanner Williams
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Derby, Kansas

To learn more about SMIF, visit: www.wichita.edu/smif