The Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan launched the George S. Dembroski Student Managed Portfolio Trust at an event held on campus yesterday afternoon.

“The trust is one of the finest examples of a partnership between our students, the business community and our professors,” says Edwards School Dean Daphne Taras.  “We are excited to watch the students’ performance as they navigate the complex world of portfolio management, including timely and professional-quality reporting and managing governance issues.”

In May 2011, Edwards announced a $1 million gift from retired Cameco board member George Dembroski, which was designated for student initiatives such as scholarships and a virtual trading floor.

$300,000 of Dembroski’s donation was put toward establishing the Student Managed Portfolio Trust and inspired the development of two Investment Practicum courses. Senior level students enrolled in the courses have been studying the theory of investment banking since September.

These students will now put theory into practice, investing real money under the supervision of an Advisory Committee. Taras explains how the hands-on trading floor experience aligns with the school’s priorities. “There is ample evidence that students learn best when they roll up their sleeves and get deeply involved,” she says. “Experiential learning is a trend at the Edwards School and the university as a whole.” 

With Murray & Heather Edwards’ $200,000 contribution, the trust will open at $500,000. “I’m very privileged to be a part of the start of something so monumental,” says fourth year finance major Dean Hanson. “I hope that our progress will be something people are excited about and will talk about both inside and outside the school.”

A portion of the income students earn will be reinvested into the portfolio and the remainder will go toward providing benefits to Edwards’ students. Initiatives will include scholarships, sponsoring guest speakers and funding additional activities to improve the student learning experience.

The Securities Trading Floor Display will monitor changes in the Student Managed Portfolio and was unveiled at yesterday’s event.