<p>Hi Whistle–</p>
<p>It’s a fine point and I’m not hearing “obstreporousness” if that is a word. The student managed investment fund is a good program, but what I think is really important is that the Finance program is a “partner” with the Certified Financial Analyst Institute. I believe there are only about 11-12 institutions in the world that have achieved this distinction. You can read more at the following link. [Finance</a> Department](<a href=“Robins School of Business - University of Richmond”>Robins School of Business - University of Richmond)</p>
<p>Another feature is that our Career Development Center has been working closely with the Wall Street community to become more well known there and to more deliberately bring our students in contact with the powers that be there. </p>
<p>Yes, alumni connections count and I think it is fair to say that their success in placement is at least in some way connected to the quality of their education–of course there are successful people from many schools–no one has a corner on that market–but these things feed on each other. </p>
<p>As for our poor alumni giving rate in the last several years, some where down in one of the older threads our friend Spiders05 wrote very capably on this topic. Our former president, Bill Cooper, had alienated much of the alumni body through a range of decisions and the alumni were clear in communicating their dissatisfaction. He resigned and there was a year and a half long process of searching for his successor. Our new president, Dr. Ed Ayers, took office in July 2007. Thus far he’s done a brilliant job of making himself accessible to students, faculty, staff and alumni and I really believe that we’ll see alumni giving on a significant rebound this year with on-going improvements from there. We’ve already received several significant gifts in Dr. Ayers tenure–$6 Million for a major expansion to the business school included. There was also a $9 million gift for a new international center. So things are looking very good in the advancement area!</p>
<p>Have a good evening!</p>
<p>UR Admissions</p>