Trailblazers Revealed: The Founding Members of the Barton School's Cummings Student
Managed Investment Fund
Feb. 6, 2024
By Barton School of Business
About the Barton School of Business
The W. Frank Barton School of Business is the home of real and applied learning.
A place where students apply knowledge gained from faculty and business leaders while
developing professional and life skills. The Barton School is among the top 1% of
business schools worldwide, with double AACSB accreditation in business and accounting.
The school is housed in an award-winning building, Woolsey Hall, which serves as a
cornerstone for challenging yet supportive educational opportunities. Woolsey Hall
also features remarkable artwork, sculptures, gardens and The Promise Bridge, a 300-foot-long
pedestrian bridge over the water in front of the building.
“This represents the epitome of applied learning. The unmatched experiences and opportunities
to invest real money will be a substantial asset, fostering the growth and knowledge
of each participant.” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School.
In February, SMIF students will embark on a historic venture, collaboratively investing
$250,000 in stocks, bonds, and more—the first opportunity of its kind in school history.
Guiding and inspiring them will be Paul Attwater, a seasoned industry executive boasting over 40 years of experience in investing
and wealth management.
The proceeds from the portfolio will be reinvested into the program, allocating a
percentage to bolster Barton School's student experience and support initiatives aimed
at enhancing their success.
"I'm thrilled to embark on this exciting journey and immerse myself in the dynamic
world of investing alongside this exceptional group of intelligent and talented young
individuals," expressed Attwater. "There's no substitute for hands-on experience where
the stakes are real. It's time to back our words with action and truly invest in the
future."
In preparation for the Spring 2024 semester, the class nominated individuals for crucial
positions within the organization. After considering nominations, interviews were
held in order to establish the first ever leadership team. This newly elected leadership
team, alongside other members, will collaborate with Attwater, collectively steering
the mission and goals of the group throughout the semester and beyond. The inaugural
SMIF student group will gather regularly, embracing the structure of an investment
management group. Their sessions will encompass discussions on investments, hosting
experts in various investment-related topics, attending conferences, and engaging
in other opportunities aimed at maximizing the growth of the fund.
Meet the Cummings SMIF founding group of students:
President James Grice Major: Finance Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Vice President George Giem Major: Accounting Hometown: Overland Park, Kansas
Secretary Diego Martinez Major: Economics Hometown: Asuncion, Paraguay
Chief Investment Officer/Treasurer Christopher Norton Major: Finance Hometown: Dallas, Texas
VP of Recruitment and Membership Uriah Veach Major: Business Administration Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
VP of Marketing and Communications Kyle Sutton Major: Business Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Members At-Large
Mason Albers Major: Accounting, Finance minor Hometown: Cheney, Kansas
Rafael Aviles Major: Accounting Hometown: Park City, Kansas
Christopher Barnes Major: Economics Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Juan Barraza Major: Finance – Real Estate Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Tyler Bushnell Major: Information Technology and Management Information Systems Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Camden Clure Major: Finance Real Estate Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Simon Deaver Major: Accounting Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
