In this Issue
- What's New with the Finance Major?
- Intrieri Family Student Managed Fund Surpasses $1.6 Million Milestone
- CFA Research Challenge Team
- Finance Majors Participate in the CFA Society Pittsburgh Career Fair
- Financial Planning Students Explore Career Paths in Pittsburgh
- Faculty Spotlight
- Alumni Spotlight
- Student Spotlight
- Finance Club Updates
What's New with the Finance Major
Jessica Zhao
Welcome to the 2025-26 Finance newsletter! We have a lot of exciting news to share, and below are a few highlights:
- FIN 497: Use Cases in Financial Analytics will be offered to World Campus students for the first time in spring 2026.
- Our student-managed fund surpassed $1,600,000.
- Our Investment Research Challenge (IRC) team is back to compete at the 2026 CFA Institute Research Challenge.
- Finally, congratulations to Sarah Smith (World Campus) and Joshua Wingenbach (Behrend), who have been selected as our first two FINSERV Fellows from our finance program! The FINSERV Foundation is a national organization that mentors students who want to become financial advisers.
Please read more about the great things occurring within our program in this newsletter!
Dr. Jessica Zhao, Program Chair for Economics and Finance
Intrieri Family Student Managed Fund Surpasses $1.6 Million Milestone
2025-26 Intrieri Family Student Managed Fund Officers (L-R): Samuel Greene, Sergej Stojanovic, Nicholas Kerner, Brayden Ervin
Founded in 2012 through donations from the Intrieri family and Samuel P. “Pat” Black III, the Intrieri Family Student-Managed Fund gives Behrend Finance students real-world investing experience. Working with a fund worth more than $1.6 million, students serve as portfolio managers, analysts, and leaders while executing trades of about $30,000 each.
The fund stands out for its hands-on approach; students use tools like Bloomberg, Value Line, and Morningstar to conduct valuations, bridging the gap between classroom concepts and real financial decision-making. As Andrew Swartfager, a finance student, explains, managing real money not only enhances learning but also strengthens students’ competitiveness for internships and full-time roles.
Joshua Ciotti discusses summer 2025 internship at Grossman, Yanak & Ford LLP
CFA Research Challenge Team
Members of the 2025-2026 Research Challenge Team, sponsored by the Black School of Business
The CFA Research Challenge Team, led by Dr. Greg Filbeck, tasks a team of four to five Finance students with producing a professional-level equity report and presentation on a selected company. This year’s team, supported by industry adviser Nick Findley, is analyzing Howmet Aerospace—a Pittsburgh-based Fortune 500 manufacturer of transportation components.
Howmet hosted participating schools for an investor-day kickoff event, and in February, teams will present findings to CFA Pittsburgh members. The winning team advances to regionals and has the potential to compete internationally.
Eli Karnavas, a senior with a dual major in Economics and Finance, said his experience as part of the team has been rewarding. “The Challenge so far has been very fun and interesting. As someone who has never done a professional deep dive on a company, this was a very new thing to me,” he said. “The most important takeaway is the connections I have made, not just with the team but with professionals from the CFA organization. This is also a good opportunity if you're unsure of the career path you would like to follow. This challenge gives a taste of what equity analysts do. Overall, I think being on the team has given me an idea of what my career will look like, and I have had the opportunity to talk with many amazing people from the industry.”
Finance Majors Participate in the CFA Society Pittsburgh Career Fair
Behrend students attend the 2025 CFA Society of Pittsburgh Career Fair
Finance majors intending to pursue the CFA designation at universities from the Pittsburgh region were invited to attend the 11th Annual CFA Society of Pittsburgh career fair. Sixteen companies attended and more than a dozen universities were represented. Attendees participated in sessions about the CFA program; panel discussions on the value of the CFA charter and what employers are seeking; a presentation on professional networking skills, with opportunities to demonstrate those skills with company representatives; and a reception sponsored by their Emerging Leaders Group (ELG). Students from Penn State Behrend who attended were Owen Kagle, Eli Karnavas, Dylan Charles, Jonas Bruno, and Alex Dayoub.
Nicholas Kerner '26 discusses summer 2025 internship
Financial Planning Students Explore Career Paths in Pittsburgh
Behrend finance students who are interested in a career in financial planning attend a mini-trip to Pittsburgh to explore career options.
This fall, Penn State Behrend Finance students had the opportunity to visit top financial firms in Pittsburgh. The trip, tailored for students interested in financial planning or advising careers, offered a first-hand look into industry-leading practices and potential career paths. Over the course of two days, participants visited four prestigious firms, each offering summer internships and full-time roles, allowing students to network with professionals and gain insights into future career possibilities.
The first day included visits to two Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms: Allegheny Financial Group and Beratung Advisors. At Allegheny, students explored the company’s unique team-based approach to financial planning and benefited from an interactive Q&A session. Beratung Advisors, a firm known for its faith-and-values-based approach, emphasized its client-centered philosophy. Both firms provided valuable insights into working with diverse client needs and strategies, offering practical perspectives on financial planning career paths. At the end of the first day, students participated in a special networking event for early-stage advisers. This gathering was hosted by the Pittsburgh FPA chapter and involved many local advisers and several Behrend alumni already working in industry.
The second day included visits to Federated Hermes and Fort Pitt Capital. At Federated Hermes, students were introduced to portfolio construction, presented by Behrend alum Jared Orr, who showcased real-world applications of Certified Financial Planner (CFP) coursework. Fort Pitt Capital rounded off the experience with a roundtable discussion led by senior and early-career advisers. The firm’s focus on customized asset management allowed students to understand the importance of personalized financial solutions.
Faculty Spotlight
Richard Hedderick, M.B.A., CFP®, Associate Teaching Professor, Finance
Rick Hedderick, M.B.A., CFP®, Associate Teaching Professor, Finance
What is your educational background?
I received an undergraduate degree in business administration with a major in accounting from Clarion State College. I earned a master's in Business Administration from Penn State Behrend. After receiving my M.B.A., I took six financial planning courses from The American College to meet the educational requirements to sit for the CFP exam.
What is your favorite course to teach?
My favorite course to teach is Personal Financial Planning. I find teaching financial planning to students rewarding because the course teaches real-life skills, helping them to make informed financial decisions, manage their money responsibly, and build a secure future. Students are taught concepts like budgeting, saving, investing, risk management, and debt management. These topics can greatly impact their quality of life and reduce financial stress throughout their lives.
What advice do you have for Finance majors?
Start planning your elective finance course selections early. Also, talk to your professors and attend finance club meetings, where you can further learn about your interests and possible finance career paths. Additionally, participate in many of the activities we announce in the Finance Canvas page, such as the Research Challenge and the Student-Managed Fund, and go on the spring trip.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I go to the gym every day, seven days a week; it’s a great way to start my day. I also enjoy going to Penn State football games, at least once a year, and Pirates and SeaWolves games in the summer. I enjoy archery deer season. My favorite thing to do is travel with my wife and children. In the past few years, we have traveled to Jamaica, the Florida Keys, Washington, D.C., New York City, San Antonio, and the Bahamas.
Alumni Spotlight
Ronan Murphy, 2025 Finance and Accounting Graduate
Ronan Murphy ’25
Ronan Murphy is a client service associate with Mariner Wealth Advisors and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
What steps did you take while at Behrend to help prepare for your job?
The most important step I took, and would recommend taking, is getting involved on campus. The Intrieri Student-Managed Fund is great exposure to how the real world of finance works. Being a part of a team and doing high-level securities analysis is a powerful tool to bring up during job interviews that will set you apart. Also, the Business Analytics Team was a great differentiator as well. Listening to speakers from some of the most prominent financial firms in the world is extremely valuable, and the BAT provides that.
Also, be sure to put the work in. Having a great GPA is not everything, but it is key. Most job opportunities have GPA filters that screen out low GPAs. Finance is cutthroat and there are very few ways around it. That being said, networking is another step that I took that was extremely important. Stacking internships in your early years through connections is a great way to boost your résumé and get your foot in the door.
What made you choose Mariner Wealth Advisors?
I chose Mariner for many reasons, but mainly because of the opportunity that coincided with my internship with the same team. I enjoyed the crew at Mariner Nashville, and when I negotiated a competitive offer, it was a no-brainer. The weather is beautiful in Nashville and the company does industry-leading work for clients. Mariner Nashville has been a great place to start my career.
What advice do you have for current students majoring in Finance, especially those wanting to get into financial services?
Easily the biggest recommendation I would harp on for anyone pursuing finance would be personability and communication skills. Once you finally get the GPA, the experience, and the extra-curriculars out of the way, you must be likeable. At the end of the day, your coworkers will be the people you spend most of your time with. Same for them, they must spend time with you. If you are someone who is easy to talk to professionally and casually, you are an asset that is much more valuable than just an employee. Another tip that makes that process easier is knowing what you are talking about, so stay on top of your game with current events and the world of finance.
Student Spotlight
Jake Walden '26
Jake Walden '26, finance and accounting student
Jake Walden '26 is a senior pursuing dual degrees in Finance and Accounting.
What has been your favorite course?
My favorite course was probably ACCTG 211 with Professor Robert Patterson. It was my first accounting class, and as soon as we had the first lesson, I knew I had picked the right major. I ended up taking it in the summer, and this, combined with Professor Patterson's guidance, allowed me to really focus and form the foundation upon which my other accounting classes were built.
What do you like most about attending Behrend?
My favorite part about attending Behrend is being a part of the Track & Field team. After a long day of classes or working at my internship, there's no better feeling than coming to practice, interacting with my teammates, and pushing toward our goals together. It doesn't matter how my day went beforehand; I always leave practice in a better mood than when I started.
How will a Behrend degree help you in your field?
A Behrend degree is a huge differentiator, in my opinion. Any degree will get you in the door, but the skillset and experience that underpins a Behrend degree will keep me in the room and allow me to progress in my career with confidence.
If you could do it all again, would you have chosen Behrend?
One hundred percent—without a shadow of a doubt.
Finance Clubs Update
Financial Planning Association
Are you interested in exploring the financial services industry or learning more about the many career opportunities available to finance majors? The Financial Planning Association (FPA) Student Chapter is a great way to discover what a career in financial planning is like.
The club gives students the chance to learn directly from industry professionals, network with experienced planners, and gain insight into a variety of career paths. In addition to career exploration, members can access opportunities for internships, employment, and leadership development.
If you’re interested in joining the FPA Club or taking on a leadership role, please contact current FPA President Abhirath Baiju and join through DiscoverWest.
Financial Management Association
Are you looking to get more involved in co-curricular activities as a Finance or other business major? Then FMA may be for you! The Financial Management Association is the perfect club for students seeking a career in portfolio management and financial analysis. The club holds monthly meetings, bringing in speakers from the field to share their professional experiences. The club also organizes various workshops and finance speaker series events with the Financial Planning Association. Club members even have the opportunity once a semester to take trips to various financial firms.
Interested in joining FMA? Reach out to Nicholas Kerner at or join on DiscoverWest.
Business Analytics TeamBusiness Analytics Team (BAT)
The Business Analytics Team club meets biweekly on Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. Members focus on exploring real-world business and financial topics through discussions with alumni and guest speakers.
Recently, the club has been been conducting a case study on Palantir Technologies, examining the company from both a financial and management perspective. Many alumni leaders are now working in top financial institutions such as Bank of America, PNC Financial Services, and BNY Mellon, bringing valuable industry insight into conversations.
Interested in joining BAT? Email current BAT President Abhirath Baiju to be added to the mailing list and join through DiscoverWest.