2019 - 2021 FMA Magazine

2020-2021
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
Letter from
2020-2021 CIO,
KENNEDY
JARVIS
KENNEDY REFLECTS ON A
MOMENTOUS YEAR
No matter which lens through which you
choose to view 2020, the word that comes to
mind is “historic.” From the global pandemic,
to a contentious political election, to a baffling
disconnect between markets and the economy,
it seemed as though each passing day demanded
an increased scrutiny of the way in which we
perceive the world. The result of each of these
macro phenomena, as it relates to the Auburn
Student Investment Fund, was a heightened
understanding of the interconnectedness of
market-moving factors.
Having their oversight and decades of experience
was particularly beneficial in guiding the Fund
through uncertain circumstances. They also
provided tasks that challenged students to think
critically about how past trends, people, and
events may influence the current market.
On a personal note, I can confidently say that
ASIF has profoundly impacted my Auburn
experience and amplified a passion for investing
and asset management that I developed in high
school. When I joined the Fund as a junior
analyst in my sophomore year, I had no idea how
much I would learn and grow as a result of my
involvement. It has been an honor and a privilege
to lead the team this year, and I could not be more
excited as we look to the bright future of this
organization.
With gratitude,
Kennedy Jarvis
The integration of ASIF and the Financial
Management Association under the Integrated
Financial Leadership Program umbrella could
not have come at a more perfect time. As a result
of years of foresight and planning, the 2020-2021
academic year kicked off the first iteration of
ASIF coursework. Fund members took Advanced
Financial Statement Analysis in the fall, led by
Kevin Gamble from the Retirement Systems of
Alabama, and continued onto Advanced Portfolio
Management, taught by ASIF advisor Dr. Albert
Wang, in the spring.
66 FMA 2019-2021 MAGAZINE