Student Investment Fund

Through a generous donation from Robert and Doris O'Neill, the Willamette MBA established the O'Neill Student Investment Fund (OSIF). The OSIF is managed by Willamette MBA students under the guidance of Professor Michael Dothan and an advisory board made up of outside investment professionals. 

The investment process at OSIF begins with a design of a global benchmark for the following year. Students analyze economic, financial, and political developments and trends, and design an asset allocation model that combines U.S. industry sector view, a global regional view, and a risk model that represents the risk tolerance of the University and the students, and which is appropriate for the circumstances.

Students have managed the fund very well over the years. In fact, as of 2010-2011 students are managing a portfolio of more than $400,000.

By fall semester 2011, students will have a dedicated trading floor, with computer workstations and large display TVs, to bring the latest data and news to Willamette MBA finance students. The trading floor will also have a large conference table for student brainstorming sessions and presentations and other amenities, just like real trading floors.

To date, the fund has retained earnings of 17.7%. Earnings are being spent on professional level global financial and economic data and breaking news service, including company data, deals, and credit market analysis. The data subscriptions are already in place and being used by Willamette MBA students. In addition, some of the profits from the investment fund support scholarships for students.