SSIF

The Saluki Student Investment Fund (SSIF) is an elite program that provides students with hands-on experience in portfolio management and investment research. Modeled after a real investment firm, the work student members perform through the Fund increases their knowledge of the markets and appeal to potential employers.

This year, the SSIF marks its 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter century of enhancing the student learning experience and connecting them with industry leaders. Now, this revolutionary program aims to enter a new phase, providing unmatched opportunities to the next generation of student investors.

Beginning with a generous donation of $25,000 from alumni Omar and Carol Winter, the SIU Foundation has since injected hundreds of thousands of dollars into the Fund. Students have delivered with an impressive track record with an annualized return of approximately 10% since inception. With this funding and long-term outperformance, SSIF students now manage over $4 million on behalf of the Foundation.

Why Support the SSIF?

The SSIF has engaged over 500 students across 25 years, most from the College of Business and Analytics (COBA), but also students from diverse disciplines who help contribute unique perspectives to the fund’s management. Each year, about 50 students immerse themselves in this program, gaining unparalleled real-world experience and significantly enhancing their marketability in the workforce.

Since 2000, numerous members have gone on to be employed at firms such as ADM, Amazon, Bank of America, Caterpillar, Edward Jones, Fitch Ratings, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, NISA Investment Advisors, Reinsurance Group of America and Stifel.

Through focused research and unbiased student perspective, the SSIF has capitalized on unique investment opportunities. Not only does the SSIF set our students apart, but it also separates our college from the pack. COBA and the SSIF have become the models that others try to replicate. Students who want professional investment experience, choose SIU and the College of Business and Analytics so they can take advantage of this elite program.

As SSIF celebrates its 25th anniversary, your support is crucial for maintaining its excellence and broadening its reach. Together, we can continue empowering students with hands-on experience, financial acumen, and professional connections that position them for lifelong success in the finance industry.

Funding Needs and Opportunities

To maintain and enhance the SSIF’s impact, we earnestly seek your support to meet the following critical funding needs over the next five years:

• Operational Expenses/Student Support – $20,000 per year
  Supporting a range of activities essential to fostering student success in an active investment environment, these funds cover training resources, workshops, and travel expenses for opportunities like company visits (e.g., Berkshire Hathaway) and attendance at industry-leading conferences such as Morningstar. These experiences provide invaluable professional development, networking, and hands-on learning to equip students for careers in investment and finance.
• SSIF Advisor’s Stipend – $20,000 per year
  The SSIF Advisor dedicates significant time to the program, guiding students through portfolio management, analysis, and industry insights. To recognize this substantial commitment, we seek an annual stipend that reflects the value of their contributions and expertise.
• Bloomberg Terminals and Subscriptions – $50,000 per year
  Access to Bloomberg terminals is essential for students to gain real-time market data and analytical capabilities, mirroring the tools used by leading finance professionals. Funding for continuing Bloomberg access allows our students to make informed investment decisions with professional-grade resources.

Success Continues for the SSIF team

In February, members of the SSIF won the St. Louis Regional CFA Institute Research Challenge for the second time in the fund's history. SIU's team of undergraduates took on teams of undergraduate and graduate students from Washington University, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri - St. Louis, Truman State University and Lindenwood University. The next step is a sub-regional competition this spring, which is one step away from the global competition.

The contest provides students with hands-on mentoring from industry experts and intensive training in financial analysis and professional ethics. Teams are evaluated on their analytical, valuation, report-writing and presentation skills.