Finance Academy Alumni Keep On Giving
Professor Julie Agnew '91 held the first meeting of the new Finance Academy outside under a tree because there was no classroom available for the small group of interested students. Since that first meeting in 2004, hundreds have joined the Academy, seeking to better prepare themselves for careers in finance. Many of these same people, now alumni with successful careers on Wall Street, are giving back to the program they feel contributed to their success by launching an effort to raise $500,000 to support the Finance Academy's operations and underwrite a tiered state-of-the-art classroom in Alan B. Miller Hall. Gone are the days of meeting under a tree. At the Finance Academy's annual New York City Networking Night on December 4 more than 100 alumni gathered reconnecting with the Academy, the Mason School and each other, and celebrating that more than $200,000 had already been committed.
The Academy, later officially named The Howard J. Busbee Finance Academy, helps students interested in finance careers to build associations with alumni in finance on Wall Street and beyond through activities on and off campus. It co-sponsors with the W&M Career Center the successful "From DoG Street to Wall Street" that brings alumni to campus for a one-day conference open to all William & Mary students each fall. The Academy also co-sponsors an alumni lecture series, practical certification and training classes in financial systems - such as Bloomberg - and the annual New York alumni networking event. "Who could be better than our alumni on the front line to prepare students for life after college and start them down the road to success with invaluable connections and practical knowledge?" said Agnew.
Last year, alumni initiated the Finance Academy Project in honor of Professor Agnew and as part of the Mason School's "From Groundbreaking to Grand Opening Initiative." Working to secure pledges toward their $500,000 goal by June 30, 2009, they plan to dedicate $350,000 to name a Finance Academy classroom and $150,000 to help fund Academy projects.
"While I am touched that they have established this project in my honor, it isn't really about me at all," said Agnew. "It's about all of us. It's about connecting a group of incredible alumni who are intelligent and talented with an equally amazing group of students who wish to explore options in the world of finance and gain a better understanding of how they might apply themselves in that world. The generosity of these professionals is impressive. Not only have they given tirelessly of their time in mentoring William & Mary students, they now are helping the Academy to grow through significant financial contributions. Our beautiful new classroom will testify to the importance alumni and the School place on the program. And by investing in the future of the Academy through donations to its projects, alumni will perpetuate and increase the opportunities we can offer students."
Glenn W. Crafford '77, Managing Director of Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Advisory for Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., is chair of the project. He praised the efforts of alumni and friends during the recent event, at which he announced the total committed to date.
"As I considered a gift opportunity to support the new Mason School building, the Finance Academy Project was a perfect fit. The project will not only assist in the construction of a best in class facility, but also will provide ongoing support for programs that bring together students and industry leaders in finance. As an alumnus and a recruiter at William & Mary, I have a keen interest in the development of the Mason School "brand." The project is a great investment for promoting and securing the long term success of the finance program at the College."
Alumni and friends of the Finance Academy who pledge $10,000 or more to the Finance Academy project will be recognized on a Donor Wall in Alan B. Miller Hall. All contributors to the project will be recognized by the W&M Mason School of Business.
