Seniors Golda Ofori, Nancy Fernandes, and Morgan Guerin love Krispy Kreme doughnuts, but it's not because of their delectable taste. As members of the Margaret Yates Gerwin '62 Investments Club, the young women have purchased stock in the pastry company, and their hard work is paying off with rising stock prices.
The club is taking a page from the successful doughnut company, proving that with research and determination, anything is possible. In its second year at Simmons, the club was created with a gift in memory of Gerwin, a savvy businesswoman who died of breast cancer in 1998. The Cleveland (OH) Simmons Club, of which Gerwin was a member, also contributed to the Investments Club.
“It's open to all undergraduate majors,” said Fernandes, the club's vice president and a senior who says she's interested in investment banking. “The goal of the club is to empower women. They can invest just as easily as men.”
“It's about learning to be independent,” added Guerin, treasurer. “I think it ties directly to the mission of the College, and it's a great opportunity for students to learn and develop confidence about finance and investing.”
So far the club, led by faculty advisor and Assistant Professor of Finance Patricia Clarke, owns stock in Raytheon, Kraft, and Krispy Kreme. Each of the members is responsible for researching new stocks and presenting her findings to the rest of the group. The dividends, if applicable, stay in the club.
“We look at companies' financial statements and the news; it requires a lot of research. It's an enormous experience,” said Ofori, club president.
The development office invites alumnae/i to contribute to the Margaret Yates Gerwin Investments Club fund so that students will benefit in years to come. To find out more or make a contribution, call 800-831-4284.