Alumni&FRIENDS Steve Novik Retired Edward Jones executive writes UM–St. Louis into next chapter of life By Linda Tracy
Steve Novik isn’t the type of guy to lounge around in his bathrobe just because he’s retired. He‘s a man with a plan, despite bidding farewell to his 26-year career at Edward Jones in January.
“I was very surprised and touched by this generous gesture,” he said.
In addition to recently leasing an office so he has a “place to call his own,” Novik, BSBA 1972, serves on the board of directors for several corporations. He’s heading a fundraising committee at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. He’s made numerous travel plans with his wife, and he said he hopes to take up digital photography as a hobby.
Novik’s pride for UM–St. Louis goes back to 1970. He was a transfer
“In the past, a group of us had contributed to the university’s Edward Jones Alumni Scholarship, but [the scholarship] was a complete shock.”
student from a local community college when he began attending classes at the university. He said UM–St. Louis provided a great background and education for him. “I didn’t have the money to attend a private college or go away to school, so UM–St. Louis was a logical transition
Preparation and organization are simply in his nature.
for me,“ he said. “I’d already discovered
“All my post-retirement plans were made in anticipation of suddenly not having any structure, and that can be pretty unsettling,” he said. “I’m accustomed to being busy with my job, but now I’ll be pursuing new projects.”
and I found the university’s courses
my interest in accounting and finance, and professors to be very good.” He went on to earn a master’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1974. Novik said UM–St. Louis is an important part of his new life. In his role as a fund-
Novik began working as a general partner at Edward Jones in 1983. He served on the firm’s management committee and executive committee, and for the last 14 years of his career, he was the company’s chief financial officer. Novik’s contributions to Edward Jones will be remembered long past his retirement. At the company’s annual partners meeting in January, the firm recognized him with a $100,000 scholarship in his name benefiting the College of Business Administration at UM–St. Louis.
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raiser, he’s helping the university establish a presence in Grand Center, an arts and entertainment district in St. Louis. The fundraising committee he’s leading is raising money to construct a building in the district. The structure will be the new home of the university’s radio station, 90.7 KWMU-FM. Photo by August Jennewein
“The committee ties in well with the Steve Novik, BSBA 1972, retired in January after a 26-year career at Edward Jones in St. Louis County.
arts and entertainment interests my wife and I share, so I know this will be a great fit,” Novik said. “I’m really enjoying the start of this new chapter of my life.”