SU Students Learn from Wall Street Professionals During Annual FMA New York Trip
SALISBURY, MD---Some 23 students in Salisbury University’s chapter of the Financial Management Association (FMA) recently traveled to New York to visit financial institutions and learn from finance professionals in a variety of roles.
Accompanied by Dr. Ani Mathers, FMA advisor and associate professor of finance in SU’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business, their trip continued a tradition with the organization spanning more than 30 years.
Among the institutions visited were Pantheon, a leading specialist global private markets investor. There, they heard from head of private wealth product Austin Kahler, vice president of private equity investment team Erik Thomas, vice president of private credit investment team Alex Midera, senior associate private credit investment team Jillian Hostetler, vice president of infrastructure investment team Javier De Esteban and senior associate of infrastructure investment team Claire Cummins. All shared insights and advice for students, and answered questions about the careers in private markets. The visit was possible thanks to the support of The Mason Companies.
Students had free time to sightsee that afternoon before reconvening at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), sponsored by Ron McGann’88, vice chairman of J.P. Morgan Private Bank. There, NYSE regional head for the northeast Joe Tama discussed the history of the exchange and escorted the SU group to the trading floor to watch the closing bell.
Afterward, students had the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the role of market makers and the NYSE’s competitive advantages.
Students also visited with SU alumni Michael Gembecki ’10, director at Cushman & Wakefield and Jenna DeLetto ’18, director of financial operations at VaynerMedia. Both visits provided students with the opportunity to learn more about the wide variety of careers in finance and receive valuable advice and networking opportunities.
An SU alumni networking event at The Perfect Pint, organized by Jayme Block’97, M’99, provided opportunities for students and alumni to interact in an informal setting. Students made valuable connections and learned lessons about working and living in New York and transitioning from students to business professionals.
In addition to the annual trip, the student-led FMA provides its members with professional development opportunities, and the ability to learn more about the finance industry and careers in finance. The organization also hosts speaking events throughout the year that help students explore opportunities in finance, network with peers and professionals, and gain additional knowledge prior to starting careers.
Students interested in joining the FMA are encouraged to email Mathers.
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.