Above: The UAF SIF team brings home top honors from a national field. (Left to right: Amber Bratlie, Felicia Alexander, Hope Minnema, Dr. Kim McGinnis, Lars Bernhoft-Osa, Adam Cordona, and Sean Williams) This spring, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Student Investment Fund (SIF) class traveled to New York to attend the Global Asset Management Education (GAME) Forum, the largest student-run finance conference. The group went head-to-head with over 80 other schools, demonstrating their investment management and communication acumen in a portfolio competition, as well as participating in numerous presentations and workshops led by investment professionals. By stepping outside the classroom, student attendees were able to see how macroeconomic trends and investment themes play out in the real world, and gain insight into the day-to-day work of finance professionals.
CBSM students arrived in New York near Times Square, a long way from Fairbanks. Students Felicia Alexander and Amber Bratlie offer their parallel perspectives on the experience. Together, their reflections highlight the impact of such a unique educational experience. Getting from Alaska to New York is never exactly a casual trip, but the group made it with zero delays, a small win that set a positive tone for the days ahead. The group landed with time to explore before the conference began, and after a good night’s rest, GAME kicked off with energy that filled the crowd with adrenaline.
The first day, economists, portfolio managers, and market commentators shared insights from their professional experience. One speaker who stood out to Felicia was Marti Marache, CEO of Harbor Private Wealth, who made a strong case for real estate as a long-term wealth tool. She shared how strategies like cost segregation can create major tax advantages, including a story about saving a client $3.2 million.Marache’s approach was direct and relationship-focused, describing her firm as a fractional CFO rather than just an advisor. Felicia noted that speakers focused on equity markets emphasized selecting stocks with lasting advantages and consistent performance. One tool mentioned was the reverse DCF (Discount Cash Flow), which works backward from a stock’s price to estimate expected growth. It was also noted that cyclical stocks can be risky, since “cheap” often means a low point in the cycle.
There was so much to take in that it was almost easy to forget the SIF class was there to compete. With so many interesting topics and sessions available, students had to be intentional about where they spent their time. For Amber, one of the most impactful parts of the conference was the career advice shared by industry professionals. Samantha Merwin, US Head of Market Development at BlackRock, said, “Even when you’re belittled, work the hardest and show why you belong.” Marti Marache further shared, “find something you’re passionate about that is also sustainable for your career, health, and soul,” which strongly resonated. As students prepare to enter the job market, finding that balance can feel daunting, but hearing it emphasized by experienced professionals makes it feel more realistic and attainable. Oil and gas also came up frequently, highlighting how current global events continue to influence investment decisions. Amber noted the critical role of the media. Panelists explored how media shapes market behavior and influences everyday decision-making, often creating a snowball effect. The discussion emphasized how important it is to be conscious about what media is consumed, to evaluate sources carefully, and to recognize bias. Media has a powerful impact, and approaching it critically is essential.
CBSM Students Adam Cordona and Hope Minnema presenting the UAF SIF Portfolio at the Portfolio Competition. The portfolio competition was a standout moment, with students Hope Minnema and Adam Cardona representing the UAF SIF team. The fund proudly earned third place in the growth portfolio category and 2nd place for the poster presentation. This marks the second year in a row that the class has outperformed more than 1,200 students from over 80 institutions.
Fund Snapshot: The Student Investment Fund currently manages a portfolio of approximately $3.6 million and has distributed more than $250,000 over its lifetime to support scholarships and student opportunities, including software and travel.
As the conference came to a close, it became clear that the experience was about much more than a single strategy or takeaway. It changed how Felicia and Amber see the world. Concepts that once lived only in textbooks now felt real, relevant, and within reach. Competing alongside top students and engaging with industry leaders was both humbling and energizing. It reinforced how much there is still to learn, but also how far they have already come. Traveling from Fairbanks to the center of global finance, they proved something important, not just to others, but to themselves.
This article was developed with the assistance of AI for content organization and refinement. The University of Alaska is an equal opportunity/equal access employer and educational institution. The university is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status. UA is committed to providing accessible websites. Learn more about UA’s notice of web accessibility.
Edited By: Stacey Currie and Dr. Kim McGinnis
Credits:
Written by: Felicia Alexander and Amber Bratlie Edited by: Stacey Currie and Dr. Kim McGinnis