VMI Cadets Visit Wall Street: Investment Group Connects with Alumni & NYSE

LEXINGTON, Va. – In December, ten cadets from the Virginia Military Institute’s (VMI) Cadet Investment Group (CIG) gained firsthand experience on Wall Street, meeting with financial professionals and touring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

A Real-World Investment Experience

The CIG is a student-run organization that manages approximately $380,000 in endowment funds, split between two groups. Group A focuses on cyclical sectors – consumer discretionary, energy, industrials, technology, and materials – while Group B invests in defensive sectors like healthcare, consumer staples, and utilities. According to Maj. Steve Landgraf, assistant professor in the Department of Economics and Business (ECBU) at VMI, the trip provides an invaluable experience beyond weekly meetings and portfolio management.

Networking with Alumni

The NYSE tour was facilitated by VMI alumni Brian Tate ’90, executive managing director at Regions Securities LLC, and Jim Sharp ’93, managing director at Regions Bank, who traveled from Charlotte, North Carolina, to join the cadets. The group also met with Bill Argiriou ’81, a commodities trader at RBC Capital Markets, Charlie Branch ’95, a wealth manager for Merrill Lynch, and Gregory Robertson ’65, founder of TM Capital, a middle-market investment bank. Robert Browning ’94 of AllianceBernstein provided career advice.

Did You Know? The CIG’s investment strategy is divided into two groups, one focusing on cyclical sectors and the other on defensive sectors, allowing for a diversified approach to managing the $380,000 endowment.

The trip concluded with a dinner in Midtown Manhattan hosted by the NYC VMI alumni chapter, led by Paul Dickinson ’96. Conner Reid ’27, the cadet-in-charge of the CIG, emphasized the importance of connecting with alumni and building mentorship relationships.

How the CIG Operates

The CIG meets weekly to review fund performance, discuss current events, and vote on investment decisions. A majority vote is required to execute any transaction, whether buying or selling assets. This hands-on approach allows cadets to apply their classroom learning in a practical setting.

Expert Insight: Providing students with direct access to professionals in the field and the opportunity to observe real-world financial operations can significantly enhance their understanding of investment principles and career pathways. The emphasis on alumni mentorship suggests a strong institutional commitment to supporting cadets’ future success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Cadet Investment Group?

The CIG is a student-led organization at VMI charged with making investment decisions with actual cash provided by an alumnus-established endowment.

How is the endowment divided for investment?

Two groups within the CIG manage the approximately $380,000 endowment: Group A invests in cyclical sectors, and Group B invests in defensive sectors.

Who facilitated the CIG’s visit to the New York Stock Exchange?

Brian Tate ’90 and Jim Sharp ’93, both VMI alumni working at Regions Securities LLC and Regions Bank respectively, assisted in arranging the tour and joined the cadets at the NYSE.

As the cadets return to VMI, they may apply the insights gained from their Wall Street experience to future investment decisions and career planning. Continued engagement with the alumni network could prove beneficial as they navigate their professional journeys. The CIG’s weekly meetings and voting process are likely to continue, shaping the group’s investment strategy in the coming months.