For 50 years, Neeley undergraduate finance students have experienced the real risks and rewards of working in the stock market, managing a $1.75 million portfolio through the Educational Investment Fund. This fall, prestigious alumni and leaders returned to campus to celebrate the milestone and the impact.
November 17, 2023
By TCU Neeley School of Business
Alumni of the Educational Investment Fund, faculty, staff and long-time supporters spanning the 1970s to the present gathered on campus this fall to celebrate 50 years of student excellence in real-world finance experience, career advancement and the relationships that connect it all.
The TCU Educational Investment Fund (EIF) was one of the first programs of its kind – a university fund managed entirely by students. It was established in 1973 with a gift valued at $600,000 and consisted entirely of Alcon Laboratories common stock. The EIF beneficiaries include TCU and Baylor College of Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology. Since its inception, the EIF has distributed over $3.5 million to the beneficiaries. The philanthropic component further distinguishes the EIF from student managed investment programs offered at other universities.
To honor 50 years of EIF – a milestone that occurred during the university’s celebration of TCU’s 150th anniversary year, the TCU Neeley School of Business welcome nearly 200 EIF alumni and guests to campus. This was the largest EIF gathering in history and included dinner and programming. Attendees included TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini, Luther King Jr. ’62 ’66, and Halden Conner, the son of EIF donor William C. Connor.
Larry Lockwood, the Stan Block Endowed Professor in Finance and EIF faculty advisor, hosted the anniversary event. While recognizing many of the key leaders in the room, Lockwood also paused to reflect on his former colleague Stan Block, who served as the EIF advisor from 1973 through his retirement in 2011.
A highlight of the evening was a panel discussion consisting of at least one member from each decade of the EIF’s existence, said Lockwood.
“It was awesome to hear each member’s perspective and to hear them talk about events that took place during their EIF tenures,” said Lockwood.
In reflecting on the history of EIF, Lockwood said, “My fondest memories of the EIF revolve around students’ participation in class and witnessing their growth. Those memories become more meaningful when reconnecting with the alumni years or decades later.
“EIF alumni are special. They are successful, kind and humble,” Lockwood said. “I am proud of them and how they have contributed to society.”
To keep EIF strong for the next 50 years, student support is key. For ways to support and more information, go the TCU Neeley Education Investment Fund.
