When you step into the Micron Business and Economics Building, the glow of stock tickers in The Dykman Financial Trading Room immediately catches your eye. But behind the stream of numbers is a story that’s even more impressive: College of Business and Economics students turning market insights into meaningful impact.
The students are part of the Student Managed Investment Fund course and they oversee more than $1.5 million in real investments. They research companies, debate strategies and execute trades all while supporting their fellow students. In 2025 alone, the fund distributed over $54,000 from its returns to student scholarships and the campus food pantry. Along with financial support, the class provides students an unmatched learning opportunity.
“In courses focused on teaching finance concepts, it can be hard to find time to apply that knowledge in a ‘real’ setting,” said Garrett McBrayer, associate professor of finance and course instructor. “The primary purpose of the SMIF is to give students that opportunity. For example, in engineering, students aren’t able to design an actual highway bridge, build it, and see if it works. Students in the SMIF are engaged in the ‘real’ thing. They’re getting a financial education while managing real money in real time with real data and real consequences.”
How the fund works
The Student Managed Investment Fund is made up of four individual funds, reflecting how asset managers work with clients who have differing goals. The class starts at the macro level, learning about big market drivers and getting a sense of where the economy is headed. From there, they narrow their focus to industry sectors and individual companies. Finally, they evaluate the previous class’s recommendations and make their own investment plan. McBrayer reviews the plan before ultimately making the trades.
“The purpose of the fund is education, not returns,” said McBrayer. “If we beat the S&P 500 index, that’s great, but it’s not our goal. Our goal is to give students the opportunity to manage real money and educate them on that process. Students will be making these types of financial decisions throughout life, whether they work in asset management or just manage their own 401(k)s, and we’re developing that skillset. Financial returns are icing on the cake.”
Students also get valuable, hands-on experience using Bloomberg terminals, the top marketplace tool for tracking and analyzing market trends, sectors and individual firms. Bloomberg terminals are commonly used in the finance world, and the experience gives students a compelling addition to their resumes.
Hands-on learning brings student success
Hayden Roberts, a senior finance major, took the Student Managed Investment Fund class last year after hearing about it from someone in his fraternity. He immediately knew he wanted to take part.
“I’ve always been interested in finance, and getting that hands-on experience in financial management was a unique opportunity that I wouldn’t have been able to get otherwise,” he said. “This was the most impactful class I took, without a doubt.“
Beyond learning technical skills like asset allocation, fund valuation and even public speaking, the class sparked Roberts’ interest in current events.
“Before I started the class, I didn’t really follow current events, but I got way more into reading the news in a more curious way,” he said. “Everything that’s happening in the world affects the economy. Garrett did a great job of responsibly incorporating that into the class so we could apply that knowledge in our decision making.”
The class also helped Roberts land an internship with RVK, an investment consulting firm. After an executive from RVK spoke in the class, Roberts introduced himself and later reached out on LinkedIn, which helped him stand out during the application process. After graduation, the internship will transform into a full-time role as an investment analyst.
A history of impact
The Student Managed Investment Fund began with a founding gift from former College of Business and Economics Executive in Residence Tim Schlindwein in 1997. Additional gifts from Ryan and Michelle Relyea, Allen and Dixie Dykman, and Mike and Ann Sadler, have brought the total donations to $750,000. The remaining growth comes entirely from the students’ own investment success. Today the portfolio stands at over $1.5 million and counting. What started as a classroom experiment in applied finance is now a Boise State success story where students learn the markets, earn returns and reinvest in their peers.
For more information on the investment funds, or how to contribute, contact Perrine Blakley, executive director of development for the College of Business and Economics, at (208) 426-5196 or perrineblakley@boisestate.edu.