A key component of the GW Investment Institute is hosting industry guest lecturers so that our students hear different market perspectives and connect with individuals in various aspects of the finance and business world.
Students often tell us that the guest lectures are one of their favorite aspects of the class and some of our students have even secured internships from a guest lecturer.
The last couple of weeks we have had a great line-up of guest lecturers, below are a few examples:
GW Phillips & Ramsey Student Investment Funds – Guest Lecturers
Mark Anfang, BBA ’02, Portfolio Manager at Scopus Asset Management
Prior to Mr. Anfang’s guest lecture he had students analyze a company he had already reviewed. This included examining the company’s business model, financial statements, and management. The students then each developed a valuation model and ultimately whether they would be interested in buying the company. In class, the students and Mr. Anfang discussed their findings and Mr. Anfang shared with students how he constructs valuation models and answered their questions.
Ave Tucker, BBA ’77, CEO and Cofounder of TM Financial Forensics, LLC; GW Board of Trustees member
The students in both our Phillips and Ramsey Student Investment Funds were fortunate to hear from Mr. Tucker about forensic accounting, financial statement frauds, and red flags when analyzing financial statements. He shared with our students key aspects of some important corporate litigation cases that he worked on and showed them the practical applications of what they are learning in class.
GW Real Estate Student Investment Fund – Guest Lecturers
Steve Yalof, BBA ’85, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tanger Factory Outlet Centers (SKT)
This was a unique opportunity for students to speak with the CEO of a publicly traded company. Prior to class, the students listened to Tanger’s most recent earnings call and reviewed the quarterly materials. As student analysts, they came prepared with questions for the CEO about the company’s earnings and future opportunities. Many students had personal experience shopping at a Tanger Outlet, and we learned that Mr. Yalof was familiar with the shopping centers in each student’s hometown.
Keven Lindemann, Senior Director of Global Real Estate at S&P Global Market Intelligence
Mr. Lindemann provided an overview of REITs, spoke about the specifics of different sectors, shared an analysis of market cycles, and reviewed current market conditions. We also discussed how ESG impacts real estate investing. Mr. Lindemann was generous with his time in answering students’ questions as they work to determine how to make good decisions for the GW Real Estate Student Investment Fund.
We hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving. We are grateful for the hard work that students have put in throughout the semester, and everyone who takes the time to speak to one of our classes, mentor a student, and/or donate to GWII (give now).
Thank you all. The success of our program depends on everyone’s help.
Rodney E. Lake
Director, GW Investment Institute