FINANCE SCHOLARS
2023-2024 Annual Report
Workshops & Meetings
Trainings & Competitions
A Note from the Director
When the Gates Capital Management Center for Financial Analysis was first established, our primary mission was to elevate the knowledge, skills, and career outcomes of our students. We continue to serve this mission within the K-State Finance Scholars Program by identifying highly ambitious students who aspire to competitive finance careers typically recruited at “target” universities. We support these students through career development, technical training, soft skills enhancement, industry connections, and a solid academic foundation. Additionally, we create a supportive yet rigorous learning environment aimed at preparing them for internships and fulltime roles in investment banking, asset management, private equity, and management consulting.
The 2023-2024 academic year was a busy but rewarding journey for us. We hosted nineteen industry professionals for on-campus visits and conducted twelve workshops on technical content during our 7:30am Friday meetings. Five of these workshops were led by VPs who are leaders of the program and have internship experience in their target sectors. Additionally, we continued our partnership with Training the Street, which helps train students in technical interviewing skills through two workshops each academic year. Scholars also participated in finance competitions, including two internal competitions: the Gates Capital Management Stock Pitch Competition and the 24-hour Security Analysis Challenge.
This year, we increased the amount of travel with eight group trips. After last year’s London trip, we committed to making one international trip per year, and this year we traveled to Singapore over the winter break. These trips are essential for connecting with industry supporters and friends, building relationships with alumni and industry leaders, and inspiring our students by exposing them to various sectors within finance. Scholars also have opportunities to take individual trips to deepen their connections with alumni and friends.
Our students’ hard work was rewarded with excellent placements in our target sectors this year. Eleven of our scholars graduated, all having accepted offers several months before their graduation date. We observed a significant increase in average starting salaries for this cohort, reaching the highest level since the inception of the program. Additionally, all juniors and nearly all sophomores secured summer internships at prestigious firms such as Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Magnetar Capital, and Deloitte Consulting.
We are pleased with the program outcomes this year, but our goals remain higher. The results achieved to date are due to the grit and determination of our students and the generous support our alumni continue to invest in our vision. This includes everyone who travels to our workshops, hosts us for on-site visits, helps us make industry connections, mentors our students, and financially supports our activities. I am constantly humbled by the level of support K-State alumni provide to their fellow Cats. If this report is your first introduction to our program and you would like to become more involved, please reach out to me or our program coordinator, Julia Parcell.
Dr. Sabuhi Sardarli
Associate Professor of Finance Director, Gates Capital Management Center for Financial Analysis
DALLAS
g Neuberger Berman
g Wingstop Restaurants, Inc.
g Canyon Partners, LLC
g BNSF Railway
g Trinity Hunt Partners
g Riveron
BOSTON
g Bain Capital:
- Tech Ops - Life Sciences
- Real Estate - Portfolio - Credit - Private Equity - Ventures - New Profit - Double Impact
g Fidelity Investments
g Adage Capital Management
g Goldman Sachs
g Bank of America
g Harvard Business School
CHICAGO
g Magnetar Capital
g Solomon Partners
g LSV Asset Management
g Chicago Booth BPOC Private Equity Conference
COMPANY TRIPS & TRAVEL
Scholars in our program have been capitalizing on valuable networking opportunities this year! We embarked on exciting trips to eight cities.
IN THE FALL, Finance Scholars visited Kansas City and Dallas and were able to learn about several finance careers. A group of students visited Boston and connected with several divisions of Bain Capital, where they gained an in-depth knowledge of private markets landscape in the city. Thanks to the support of Paul Edgerley and the incredible planning capacity of Liz Milch, we not only had amazing site visits, we were treated to a Celtics game, an art tour at the ‘Quin, and a case discussion at Harvard Business School with Senior Lecturer John F. Baxter III. Each experience was unique and wonderfully captured the best of Boston.
“Even as a senior, the trip to Boston was incredibly impactful. Engaging with leaders in their respective fields was thoughtprovoking, and meeting with executives from an MBB firm provided invaluable advice as I prepare to launch my career in consulting full-time. Exploring Boston with friends and trying fresh seafood was amazing.”
Emma
Stegman
, Vice-President
“It’s always nice to have an opportunity to get together with other K-State alumni and students in a dinner setting. So appreciative to Jeff Gates for hosting us. I’m constantly amazed at the success our alumni are having within the broader financial industry and am even more amazed by the talented students coming out of the college of business today. It makes it so easy to be an advocate within my organization when it comes to recruiting K-State students.”
Darin Mainquist, Director, Real Estate Corporate Banking, BMO Capital Markets
IN THE SPRING, Scholars traveled to Chicago, New York and Topeka to focus on firms in asset management and investment banking. Alumni dinners were a highlight of the Chicago and New York trips where we connected with K-Staters in the area. Thanks to program supporters, Jeff Gates and Randall Stuewe, our group had the honor of touring the NYSE on the day of the Reddit IPO. Special thanks to Paul Dorfman, Head of Listings, NYSE, for a personalized tour of the building and an incredible educational opportunity.
“The opportunity to travel to finance hubs and expand my network outside of Kansas has been a huge resource for me the last two years. Trips have broadened my view of opportunities I could have after graduation.”
Michael Tumberger, Associate
“It is exciting to see the continued progress the business school is making and the corresponding growth and professionalism of the students coming out of the Finance Scholars Program. It’s always great to connect with the students when they come to Chicago.”
Austin May, Vice President, Solomon Partners
SINGAPORE
Finance Scholars embarked on their second international trip, led by Finance faculty Sabuhi Sardarli and Tareque Nasser, alongside Program Administrator Julia Parcell. 13 students delved into the vibrant finance landscape of Singapore. The itinerary included visits to firms specializing in investment banking, asset management, trading, and consulting sectors. This immersive experience offered valuable insights into the global dynamics of finance.
We visited 14 firms over a three-day period. During free time we visited Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Zoo’s Night Safari, mosques and temples, as well as several Hawker Centers.
g JP Morgan Asset Management
g KKR
g DBS Bank
g Capula Investment Management
Conferences
g Global X ETFs
g Deloitte Consulting
g Ernst & Young
g Stone X
g K3 Ventures
g British Petroleum
g Axiom Asia Private Capital
g Wells Fargo
g CBC Group
g Rabobank
NEW YORK CITY
g Gates Capital Management
g JP Morgan Asset Management
g Stone Harbor Investments
g Prime Finance
g Protiviti
g Global X ETFs
g BMO Capital Markets
g Bloomberg
g NYSE
Individual Trips
Finance Scholars also took individual trips to network in cities and attend Super Days. These trips are supported by the program as they are an important piece of securing internships.
In the spring, Finance Scholars attended a conference hosted by the Chicago Booth Private Equity Group and the Polsky Center. The conference provides a platform for investors, students, and entrepreneurs to network and share valuable insights into investing in a dynamic economy. Also, a group of scholars traveled to Kansas City for the DeMarche Investor conference and to Columbia, MO for the Main Street Summit.
“I had the privilege of joining the KSU Finance Scholar Chicago trip, where I attended the Booth Private Equity Conference. This conference marked my inaugural trip with the Scholars, and my very last trip. This year was exceptionally beneficial as I applied my evolving comprehension of financial markets to gain deeper insights.”
Reese
Kuzniakowski, Vice-President
“An individual trip to New York provided me the opportunity to meet incredible people and hear about their stories and respective industries. I was fortunate to build relationships with eleven individuals over two days, whose advice helped me better understand my own career goals. I’m grateful for the Scholars Program and mentors like Darin Mainquist and Jim Kennedy, whose guidance made these visits possible.”
Max Roberts, Analyst
WORKSHOPS & MEETINGS
At 7:30am on Fridays, Finance Scholars meet and hold workshops featuring alumni, faculty, and industry professionals.
2023-2024 On-Campus Meetings
VantEdge
• Amy Christie, Executive Assistant
• Trevor Lott, Managing Director
• Tommy Trueblood, Senior Associate
Shell
• Jeremy Lutz, Senior Finance Advisor
Magnetar Capital Tailgate
• Ernie Rogers, COO/Partner
• Siobhan Morrissey, HR Associate
• Sydney Johnson, Portfolio Finance, Alternative Credit and Fixed Income
• Lavonne Harris, CFO
Koch Distruptive Technologies/ Koch Equity Development:
• Keaton Goedert, Director
• Weston Hack, Koch Equity Development
Pandi Capital
• Michael Emley, Investment Analyst
Jones Day
• Bill Zawrotny, M&A, Technology and Life Sciences Partner
Principal Financial
• Elizabeth Snodgrass, Senior Managing Director
Equity Methods
• Josh Schaeffer, Managing Director
DC Advisory
• Cooper Kinley, Associate
Lateral Investment Management, LLC
• Ashley Ebeck, Growth Equity Senior Associate
University Venture Fund-Crossroads
• Jeffrey Stowell, Managing Director at Royal Street Ventures
CC Capital Advisors
• Stephanie Siders, Managing Director
• Hayden Merritt, Senior Analyst
Prairie Capital Management Group, LLC
• Rob Schneider, Managing Director
KC Current
• Don Haas, Vice-President, Finance and Accounting
CIBC Middle Market Investment Banking
• Rollie Gomez, Analyst
Maclura Investments
• Clay Brethour, President and CIO
UMB Asset Management
• Jacquie Ward, Director of Private Investments
VP Workshops
Vice-President is our highest title in the program. These leaders are expected to help train younger scholars in their target areas. They also prepare newletters for larger audiences. This year they offered several workshops.
• Choosing a Target Area Within Finance: All VPs
• Networking: Shayla Cowin, Emma Stegman, Maddie Rimmer, and special guest Josh Glunt
• Interviewing Techniques and Tips: Reese Kuzniakowski, Jacob Doyle, Hugo Nascimento
• Capital IQ: Blythe Bolar and Hannah Higgins
• Case Interviews: Emma Stegman, Maddie Rimmer, Shayla Cowin
Workshops
• Case Interview Workshop Deloitte
• Event-driven Hedge Fund Security Analysis
Jeff Gates, Managing Partner, Gates Capital Management
• Equity and Inclusion in the Financial Industry American Century Investments
• Python Workshop, Koch Reagan Irvin, Investment Analyst; Suzanne Roggenkamp, Market Risk Analyst
• Gates Capital Management
Speaker Series - Lords of Easy Money
Chris Leonard
• VantEdge PE workshop
• Building a LinkedIn Presence workshop with Julia Parcell
• Risk Perception
Andy Fastow, former Enron CFO
• AI Portfolio Management Ravi Koka, Founder & CEO
Scholars discuss Contract Terms in Private Equity Transactions with Senior Lecturer, John F Batter III at Harvard Business School
Scholars join Clay Brethour, Maclura Investments for a coffee chat.
Stephanie Siders and Hayden Merritt of CC Capital Advisors walked us through a pitch deck.
Jeremy Lutz joined us to share his career journey.
Training the Street / Internal Trainings
A New York based firm, Training the Street, offered an LBO and M&A workshop in the fall, as well as a two-day workshop in the spring on Financial Modeling and Excel Skills. Scholars also engage in internal trainings led by faculty and the program’s VP students. The program mandates additional completion of training packages including Wall Street Prep and Bloomberg Market Concepts certification.
COMPETITIONS
Internal Competitions:
• 24-Hour Security Analysis Challenge
• Gates Capital Management Stock Pitch Competition
External Competitions:
• CFA Research Challenge
• Southeastern Hedge Fund Competition
• Florida Investment Challenge
• CME University Trading Challenge
• CSBS Community Bank Case Study Competition
• Harvard Global Case Competition
Gates Capital Management Stock Pitch Competition
First place:
• Joey Gillette, Nash Bezanson and AJ Lenartowicz pitched a short on MCW.
Second place:
• Maddie Rimmer, Emma Stegman, Hannah Higgins and Blythe Bolar pitched an SEM buy (up 45% since the pitch).
Third place:
• Hugo Nascimento, Jacob Doyle, Reese Kuzniakowski and Landon DiLeonardo pitched a VICI buy (up 11%, with a 5.5% dividend yield since the pitch).
Freshman team honors:
• Sam Baldwin, Max Waren and Andrew Seger
Special thanks to judges:
• Jeff Gates, Andrew Thomas, Taylor Werner, CJ Heinz, and Jonathan Huhn
24-Hour Security Analysis Challenge
The third annual 24-Hour Security Analysis Challenge was held in the fall. Students participated in teams, each assigned to analyze VLTO, with a 24-hour window to make trade recommendations. Following the challenge, Jeff Gates conducted a workshop on campus to review the teams’ findings and suggestions. Check out these photos showcasing the student teams in action during the event.
Spring training for Financial Modeling and Excel Skills
MADISON BROWN ’21
Madison Brown (‘21) is currently working as a Consultant for Deloitte, out of their New York office. After finding an unexpected niche in sourcing and procurement, she enjoys the blend of technical, functional and analytical skills required in management consulting.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Madison is passionate about gaining a breadth of project experience through differing industries and clientele, particularly with the supply chain and finance sectors.
Madison credits her Finance Scholar trips for providing tools required to excel while working in diverse, global project environments. Meeting with companies, networking, bonding with colleagues, and navigating new cities helped her ease into her first full-time role. She remembers honing her presentation skills with Avery Bolar in the Stock Pitch competition. Having the opportunity to apply their skills in real-world scenarios was a challenging, but rewarding experience.
Madison values the humility and diversity of thought that non-target school students, like those at KSU, bring to high finance. She credits K-State with preparing her for her career and believes that the individuality she brought to her role helped her excel.
She appreciates her mentors at Deloitte, believing mentoring is a two-way street. Older scholars that had a positive influence on her include Morgan Krusoe, Reagan Swank (Irvin), and Kyle Fleming. She greatly benefited from mentoring Ally Klaudt as well, finding she gained as much insight from the role of mentor as she did from being a mentee.
In her spare time Madison enjoys throwing pottery, Broadway shows, attending concerts and enjoying a good cup of coffee at Irving Farm. She loves that Deloitte provides opportunities to explore different initiatives allowing her to pursue her interest in Sustainability, which has allowed her to delve into areas such as corporate social responsibility, electric vehicles, and sustainable procurement.
ROLLIE GOMEZ ’22
Upon arriving at K-State, Rollie Gomez (’22) was not entirely sure of his career path, but attributes the help of the Finance Scholars Program as well as his Executive Mentor, KSU Alumni David Glenski, with exposing and preparing him to succeed as an Investment Banking Analyst at CIBC in their Milwaukee office.
He recalls the intense GCM 24-hour Security Analysis Challenge, as a competitive experience during his senior year that honed his ability to thrive in high-pressure, mentally demanding environments—a skill set integral to his career today.
Reflecting on his career journey, a highlight of his career was his pivotal role as the sole junior member in the highstakes advisory team for Merlot Vango’s sale to Safe Fleet. He credits his success to the invaluable guidance of Kansas State faculty and staff members like Sabuhi Sardarli, Tip Bui, Eric Higgins, Chairat Chuwonganant, Ansley Chua, and the late Scott Hendrix, who challenged him in unique ways.
For aspiring scholars, Rollie’s best advice is to network extensively with alumni and professionals across various cities and industries. Outside of work, Rollie enjoys reigniting his passion for golf and indulging in video games.
EXECUTIVE MENTORS
Executive Mentors meet monthly with mentees to hone professional skills, identify career opportunities and build a professional network.
If you're ready to serve as a mentor, visit https://wildcatlink.ksu.edu and contact us to be matched with one of our finance scholars.
FINANCE CAREER COACH
MATT MCCLAIN ’15
Matt McClain (’15, Economics) served 7 years in the insurance industry (4 in management) before joining K-State as the Finance Career Coach. Working specifically with Finance Scholars, Matt is committed to equipping high-achieving finance students with the skills they need to excel by enhancing their resumes and soft skills through personalized training, resume building, and interview coaching. “My goal is to ensure K-State Finance Scholars are confident, competitive, and ready to secure rewarding careers in the finance industry.” Matt enjoys spending time with his wife, Kelly, also a KSU grad, and two sons Archer and Dax, watching basketball games and fishing.
Academic Component
g Dedicated academic advisor
g Coursework:
• Financial Modeling
• Security & Portfolio Analysis
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Advanced Portfolio Management
• Intermediate Accounting & Analytics II
• Derivatives 0r Fixed Income
g Scholarships:
$1,500/year - Interns
$2000/year - Analysts
$3000/year - Associates
$4000/year - Vice Presidents
Industry Component
g Weekly Meetings
• Alumni workshops & networking
• Industry discussions
g Industry Courses & Certifications
• Wall Street Prep
• Bloomberg Market Concepts
• Training The Street
g Competitions
g Group and Individual Networking Trips
PROGRAM BENEFITS
g Challenging yet supportive environment for high achieving students
g Housing support for summer internships in higher cost of living areas
Career Development
g Dedicated Finance Career Coach
• Resume Reviews
• Mock Interviews
• Internship & Career Database
• Resume Book
g Executive Mentor Program
g Semesterly Performance Evaluations
g Group and individual networking trips
g Industry subscriptions, books and training programs to enhance learning
Coordinate Meetings & Events
average starting salary significantly higher than the department and college average $92,000
3.81
FULL TIME POSITIONS
Lazard (IB)
Magnetar Capital (AM)
Guggenheim Partners (IB)
Five Elms Capital (PE)
Deloitte Consulting (SC)
Riveron Consulting (SC)
Momentum Capital Partners (PE)
Invista (O)
IB=Investment
10 out of 11 SENIORS graduated with jobs in
JP Morgan (AM)
Goldman Sachs (IB)
Magnetar Capital (AM)
VantEdge Partners (PE)
Deloitte Consulting (SC)
Great Range Capital (PE)
Capstone Partners (IB)
Vantage Inv. Partners (PE)
Blueprint Equity (PE)
KSU Foundation (AM)
Security Benefit (AM)
Koch (O)
KPMG Consulting (SC)
CBIZ (O)
Special Thanks
Paul and Sandra Edgerley
In addition to hosting a group of Finance Scholars in Boston this year, Paul and Sandra also funded the opportunity for scholars to receive professional dress and luggage via a partnership with JCPenney, so scholars can put their best foot forward on our trips and at interviews.
Jeff Gates has played an instrumental role in the success of the Finance Scholars program and the establishment of our Center. His dedication is evident through his involvement in various key initiatives such as hosting alumni dinners in New York City, judging the annual Stock Pitch Competition, guiding students through the 24-Hour Security Challenge, and mentoring students in their journey to high finance roles. Mr. Gates’ vast network and guidance continue to shape the future of our program. We would not be where we are today without his support.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Rob Schneider for his generous support of the Finance Scholars Program. Mr. Schneider’s valuable contributions have played a pivotal role in financing student opportunities and facilitating the development of the program. This year Rob and Denise Schneider hosted a group of finance students for a dinner at their home to get to know them better. Mr. Schneider also mentors several students in our program.
Justin Boisseau’s dedication to the Finance Scholars program is notable. Every spring, Justin generously shares his expertise about careers in investment banking with our young students, during our trip to New York City. His involvement goes beyond financial support; he actively engages with students at alumni dinners and returns to Manhattan to judge competitions.
Randall Stuewe
Thanks to Randall Stuewe, Chairman & CEO, Darling Ingredients, Inc, we were able to receive a personalized tour of the New York Stock Exchange the day of the Reddit IPO. Randall, accompanied by Paul Dorfman, Head of Listings, NYSE, provided insights into the day’s activities, showed us how trades are executed and how trade flow keeps markets operating efficiently.
Jeff Gates
Rob Schneider
Justin Boisseau
Major: Finance
Certificate: Investment Management
Major: Finance Minor: Investment Management
Majors: Finance & Economics Certificate: Data Analytics
Major: Finance
Certificate: Integrated Investment Management
Major: Finance
Minor: Management Certificate: Data Analytics
Major: Finance Certificate: Data Analytics
Blythe Bolar
Hugo Nascimento Major: Finance Minor: Entrepreneurship
Shayla Cowin
Maddie Rimmer
Jacob Doyle
Emma Stegman
Hannah Higgins
Reese Kuzniakowski Major: Finance
ASSOCIATES
Leadership Studies, Entrepreneurship, Economics
Janis Asaris
Major: Finance Certificate: Data Analytics
Josh Glunt Majors: Finance & Accounting Certificate: Professional Strategic Selling
Bryson Brown Major: Finance Certificate: Data Analytics
Will Bannister Major: Finance Minors:
Will Hanson Majors: Finance & Mathematics
Abby Colburn Major: Finance Certificate: Professional Strategic Selling
Alex Drone Major: Finance Certificate: Investment Management
Aurora Ortega Majors: Finance & Accounting
Tanner Prock Major: Finance
Brandon Spielman Major: Finance Certificate: Investment Management
Claire Thimgan Major: Finance Minor: Economics
Michael Tumberger Majors: Finance & Accounting
Allerheiligen
Majors: Finance & Accounting Certificate: Investment Management
Bryce Disberger
Major: Finance Certificate: Professional Strategic Selling
ANALYSTS
Finance
Major: Finance
Minor: Computer Science Certificate: Marketing Technology
Finance & Accounting Minors: German & Economics
Caleb Woleben
Major: Finance
Certificates: Professional Strategic Selling & Investment Management
Abby Woods
Major: Finance
Minor: Management Certificate: Investment Management
Majors: Finance & Accounting
Minors: Economics, Statistics
Certificates: Integrated Investment Management, Data Analytics
Major: Finance
Certificate: Investment Management
Sean
Jayden Brethour Major:
Gabriel Mohacsi Majors:
Charlie DeZube
Maxwell Roberts
Landon DiLeonardo
Landyn Luttrell Major: Finance
& Economics
Major: Finance Minor: Entrepreneurship Certificate: Investment Management
One Team
INTERNS
Major: Finance & Accounting Certificate: Integrated Investment Management
The Finance Scholars also participate in team building and social activities. The cohort values communication and relationship building because students know how important connections are to their future careers.
We
saw first hand how good the Boston Celtics were this year!
Some of our newest members enjoyed trying to escape Locked Manhattan.
Our winter reading book, Liar’s Poker, led to a competitive game of the same name during game night. Caleb Woleben was the winner!
We hit the driving range at Colbert Hills Golf Club.
Max Waren Major: Finance
Sam Baldwin Major: Finance Minors: Spanish
John Beemer
Samuel Ralston Major: Finance
Carter Watkins
Introductory
Group
Network
Help
cba.ksu.edu/financescholars
