YSU’s Student Investment Fund Receives Additional $1.5 million from the YSU Foundation BoT

Pictured left to right, top row: (All YSU Foundation Staff) Senior Business Manager Diane Playforth, Vice President Heather Chunn, Controller Len Morris, and President Paul McFadden

Left to right, bottom row: Former Williamson College Dean Dr. Betty Jo Licata, Lariccia School of Accounting Dr. Huaiyu Peter Chen, Lariccia School of Accounting Dr. Jeremy Schwartz, and SIF Member James Kovar.

(Photo was taken in May 2025)

The YSU Foundation Board of Trustees’ Investment Committee passed a resolution providing the Student Investment Fund (SIF) with an additional $1.5 million to increase its managed portfolio, payable over three years in increments of $500,000, which began this academic year.

The $1.5 million will be used to invest in fixed-income assets. Since the student organization’s inception in 2008, SIF team members have only researched and invested in equities. The team will now have an opportunity to compete in two different competitions in New York and Chicago.

“The YSU Foundation Board of Trustees is pleased to make this addition to the Student Investment Fund,” said Scott Schulick, Chair of the YSU Foundation’s Investment Committee. “For 17 years, the students have proven to be good stewards and fiduciaries of the Foundation’s invested assets. We are proud of their success and trust their judgment to continue to serve as one of our portfolio managers. We are committed to making the Student Investment Fund a unique, hands-on student experience at YSU.”

Additionally, SIF will be treated as all funds under management at the YSU Foundation and subject to the Foundation’s 1% annual administrative fee and 4% spend policy for scholarships. This will expose students to the need for liquidity, again preparing them for practical applications they will face in their careers upon graduation.

From the 4% annual spend fee, the current SIF scholarship program for the club officers and club members who meet minimum participation thresholds, as well as funding for the annual trip to New York City and/or Chicago, will be harvested. The remainder of these funds will be designated for the YSU general scholarship fund.

The YSU Student Investment Fund started in 2008 with $250,000 provided by the YSU Foundation’s endowment fund. From 2009-13, the fund received an additional $50,000 each year from the YSU Foundation to invest. Since its inception, the SIF portfolio has generated a cumulative return of 768.12%, compared to 501.48% for the S&P 500 over the same time period.

As of September 30, 2025, the total amount managed by the Student Investment Fund team is 4,520,124.33. Through the YSU Foundation, the YSU SIF organization is one of the largest in the State of Ohio.