Kennesaw State University recognized Dr. and Mrs. Gene W. Henssler by dedicating the Student Managed Investment Fund’s trading room to the fund’s first benefactor.
In 2006, the Hensslers donated $100,000 to create the Student Managed Investment Fund. The fund provides real-time, hands on experience in portfolio management. The fund is managed by top-tier undergraduate and graduate students in the Michael J. Coles College of Business, who work on the fund daily, effectively applying classroom theory to a real-world setting.
“The trading room is just wonderful. It really gives these talented students the resources and opportunity to run their own fund,” said Gene W. Henssler, Ph.D., a former professor, who now holds the professor emeritus title. Dr. Henssler is the President and CEO of Henssler Financial, a financial advisory and wealth management firm in Kennesaw, Ga.
“The opportunity to be a working analyst while in college is invaluable. This fund provides them the real-world experience that can put them heads and shoulders above other candidates when looking for a job,” added Dr. Henssler. “I was glad to help establish the fund. The dedication of the trading room is a tremendous honor.”
The Henssler Trading Room, located on the second floor of the Burruss Building, is equipped with computers loaded with analytical software and the Bloomberg Professional Service that allows the fund managers to conduct in-depth research. The students have a projector screen, flat-screen televisions and a fully-equipped executive conference room. The room also features a glass plaque honoring the fund’s benefactor.
“The room, the fund—it just gives me chills. I’m an alumnus of the Coles College of Business, and it gives me chills to see how far the school has come and the opportunities the Hensslers and Kennesaw State have made available to the students,” said Ted Parrish, CFA, a principal and Director of Investments for Henssler Financial.
The fund operates as a limited liability corporation, solely owned by the KSU Foundation, a non-profit organization. The Hensslers were the recipients of Kennesaw State University’s 2011 President’s Award.
