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 due to its double AACSB accreditation in business and accounting.
Housed in the award-winning building, Woolsey Hall, features artwork, sculptures,
gardens, and The Promise Bridge – a 300-foot-long pedestrian bridge over the water
in front of the building.
Eight students from the Erin and Kyle Cummings Student Managed Investment Fund (CSMIF)
at the Barton School of Business recently traveled to New York City for a transformative
learning experience. Representing Wichita State University at Quinnipiac University’s
Global Asset Management Education (GAME) Forum—the world’s largest student-run financial
conference—students engaged directly with global finance leaders, explored top investment
firms, and strengthened their understanding of capital markets through immersive,
real-world exposure.
“This opportunity was incredible,” said Adam Key, student president of CSMIF and GAME
Forum attendee. “It allowed us to take what we’ve learned in the classroom and through
managing our fund and apply it in a real-world context. We toured world-class financial
institutions, met inspiring professionals, and got a behind-the-scenes look at the
world of investment banking.”
The three-day GAME Forum brought together more than 1,000 students from over 125 universities.
The agenda included keynote addresses, fireside chats, and breakout sessions covering
a wide range of topics, including the U.S. and global economies, leadership, venture
capital, portfolio strategies, the future of financial technology, and career readiness.
While in New York, CSMIF students toured the trading floors of both Morgan Stanley
and RBC Capital Markets—gaining rare, firsthand insight into high-level operations.
At RBC, they met with Barton alum Justin Condreay, Vice President of Real Estate &
FIG, who also serves on the Barton School Alumni Advisory Board. Condreay offered
valuable career guidance and insight into the evolving landscape of investment banking.
“My favorite part was hearing from a panel of financial leaders and media professionals
about their outlook on the market and the global economy,” said Key. “It was especially
fascinating because the tariffs were announced while we were there, so we heard reactions
and analysis firsthand, in real time.”
In addition to opportunities like the GAME Forum, CSMIF provides students with hands-on
experience managing real investment portfolios that include stocks, bonds, and other
financial instruments. Earnings from the portfolio are reinvested into the program,
with a portion allocated to enhance student experience and success initiatives.
