Gain perspective through two core courses and a wide range of electives.
Industry connections
Capital Markets Center: Access real-world industry tools through a facility that replicates experience and technology of a Wall Street trading room.
Financial Management Association: Learn about corporate finance, banking and investment through dynamic speakers, educational trips and networking events.
Student Managed Investment Portfolio: Gain real-world investment experience through management of an equity portfolio for the School of Business Foundation.
STUDENT DEPARTMENT AWARDS
Student of the Year: The Student of the Year Award is presented to a senior or graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in scholarship and leadership.
Distinguished Service Award: The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a student who has provided distinguished service to the department, university and community.
Student of the Year: Adam Leathers
Adam Leathers is from Keswick, Virginia, and graduated (December 2022, GPA 4.0) with a degree in Finance and a minor in Risk Management and Insurance. During his time at VCU, he was grateful for the opportunity to be a teaching assistant for FIRE 312 Financial Modeling. During his senior year, he was selected for the Market Regulation Intern position at the State Corporation Commission (SCC). Following graduation, he landed a full-time position as a Market Examiner in the Life & Health division inside the Bureau of Insurance at the SCC. He appreciates his family’s sacrifices to get him where he is.
Distinguished Service Award: Jeffrey Metts
Jeffrey Metts has participated in the Student Managed Investment Portfolio (SMIP) for 7 semesters and currently serves as President. Jeffrey has been an investment intern at VCU Investment Management Company (VCIMCO) since June 2021. During his senior year, Jeffrey was on VCU’s CFA research team, which engaged in a financial case study competition against other universities. Currently, Jeffrey serves as a Robinhood fellow conducting intensive research on exchange-traded funds, holds a leadership role within VCU’s Student Economics Association, and serves on the School of Business’s strategic planning committee. Post-graduation, Jeffrey will continue at VCIMCO as a full-time Investment Analyst.
Student of the Year: Gautam Ravandur
Gautam is an outstanding honors student, with a GPA of 3.85 and continued accolades from his instructors. In addition to his exceptional academic performance, he is actively involved in VCU’s chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi) Business Fraternity. As Vice President of Finance for AKPsi, he has managed the organization’s operating budget and developed videos to aid in learning about financial topics. Gautam also currently serves as a Financial Analyst for Tech Sector in the Student Managed Investment Portfolio (SMIP) at VCU. Because of what he has learned in this role, he has been able to help his fellow students begin investing and the stock market. Upon graduation, Gautam is looking forward to entering the corporate finance arena.
Distinguished Service Award: Connor Riely
Connor demonstrates excellence in the classroom and beyond. He is extremely proud of the work he has done to found and lead the VCU Blockchain club as President. Connor is also very active in helping grow the cryptocurrency community in Richmond, VA. Upon graduation, he plans to delve deeper into his work within the crypto community by finding different opportunities to capitalize on, helping others to learn more about the arena, and by networking at crypto conferences. Overall, Connor’s plan is to “stay curious” and continue to learn!
Student of the Year: Derrick Gachago
Through his studies in the School of Business, Derrick has honed his problem-solving skills and exemplified true ownership of learning, all while maintaining an excellent GPA. Derrick helped launch the Actuarial Club in Fall 2020 and currently serves as Chairman. Derrick also serves as one of four analysts in the financial sector of the Student Managed Investment Portfolio, where he has been a member since the Fall 2019. He is also a member of Gamma Iota Sigma Fraternity. Derrick successfully passed his Financial Mathematics Actuarial exam in 2020 and will be sitting for his Probability exam later this spring. Derrick has accepted a 12-week Actuarial Internship with Genworth Financial for Summer 2021.
Distinguished Service Award: Nicoleta Gavris
Nicoleta has an excellent GPA and is engaged with the Finance Department and the larger VCU community in a multitude of ways. Nicoleta is a recipient of the Arconic Foundation Community Scholarship for Business and Engineering and was offered full tuition and fees for all four years at VCU. Nicoleta is a Level IV tutor for the Campus Learning Center and has been a teaching assistant for FIRE 311 for the past three semesters. Serving as a Pearson Campus Ambassador, Nicoleta manages the accounts for the entire VCU campus. Not only is Nicoleta a Board member for the Student Managed Investment Portfolio, but she will also begin a new position soon where she will manage social media, outreach, and Alumni relations. She accepted an Accounting Internship with CarMax, to be completed during Summer 2021. She plans to work in accounting, finance, or analytics upon her graduation.
Student of the Year: John Kruchten
Graduating with a major GPA of 4.0, John concentrated his studies in Finance with a minor in Economics. During his academic career, John was a member of the Student Managed Investment Portfolio (SMIP), interned with Normandy Real Estate Partners, and Vector Scorecard in Singapore. He was a Team Leader at the UVA Venture Capital Cup Competition. John will begin his career with Capital One shortly after graduation.
Distinguished Service Award: Elisa Maurice
Elisa has a Cumulative GPA of 4.0 and is recognized as a Dean’s Scholar. She is very active in the School’s community and has taken many leadership roles. She served as President of the Financial Management Association (FMA) at VCU; as Vice President of recruitment for VCU Student Managed Investment Portfolio (SMIP). Elisa is a member of the Student Advisory Council with the Senior Vice Provost of Student Affairs. She was also one of two appointees on the State Policy for College Affordability, where she contributed to a policy council for college affordability.
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