The Bulldog Investment Fund in Samford University’s Brock School of Business teaches students the intricate art of investment management by collaborating and tackling real market issues. Housed in the Stifel/Merchant Capital Portfolio Management Room in Cooney Hall, the Bulldog Investment Fund allows students to analyze real stocks and invest real dollars from the $3.6 million student-managed investment fund.
Launched in spring 2008, the Bulldog Investment Fund consists of one faculty adviser, one co-facilitator and a group of students - the fund managers. The goal of the investment fund is to maximize the long-term rate of return consistent with prudent risk limits. The fund's objectives are to deliver experiential education in securities analysis and portfolio management and to generate an investment return that consistently exceeds the benchmark's total return. More than 15 years later, current students are continuing the success and legacy of the program and broadening their personal and professional horizons.
As fund managers, students make regular presentations to members of the investment committee of the Samford University Board of Trustees, participate in community outreach projects and hear from industry professionals who provide an outlook on the current economy.
Abbie Liddell, sector manager for the fund, reflected on her experience saying, “Opportunities such as the Bulldog Investment Fund allow for the knowledge to hit reality in a very tangible way in which we can learn to react to current circumstances yet apply the constants which we are taught. This has taught me too many skills to count but largely the ability to sort through the wealth of information that is out in the world and find what is truly important and applicable. Brock School of Business has equipped me with both knowledge and experience which has established a foundation on which I can confidently build moving forward.”
With the help of 12 Bloomberg terminals in the portfolio management room, students have access to comprehensive research capabilities and financial data worldwide. Screens display information on global financial markets such as stocks, indices, bonds, economic data, commodities and currencies. The ticker outside the portfolio room is programmed to rotate updated NASDAQ or NYSE data 24 hours a day. Students also have the opportunity to travel to local and national conferences where they can engage with top economic strategists, present their findings to investment professionals and teach others about investing.
Senior Luna Mora, the Bulldog Investment Fund president for the spring 2024 semester, recounts her experience and professional growth in the program. She said, “Overseeing the information tech sector has given me practical experience in equity asset management, and portfolio construction and allocation, providing me with essential skills as I embark on my career journey. Furthermore, serving as president has strengthened my leadership skills in providing support to the team, ensuring our collective focus on the overarching goal, and communicating professionally both internally and externally. This has been one of my favorite experiences while at Samford.”
The Bulldog Investment Fund offers a completely immersive experience for students who are passionate about financial management. Alumni of the program have become revenue analysts, development directors and sales representatives with companies around the world.
