Trading Spaces: Connecting the Classroom to the Financial World
An active philanthropist, Frances Cohen, wife of alumnus and entrepreneur Norman Cohen ’34, was a savvy investor and generous supporter of Western New England University. At her passing in 2011, Frances bequeathed a $1 million gift to the Western New England University College of Business. Her generosity has funded a new trading room, student-managed investment fund, and merit scholarships.
Frances and Norman Cohen Trading Room and Financial Center
Opened in 2013, the Frances and Norman Cohen Trading Room and Financial Center gives students access to Morningstar Direct, which provides detailed and historical financial information about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and commodities. Real-time stock tickers and data boards provide important financial information.
Student-managed Investment Pool
As part of elective courses, students will trade a $100,000 investment fund under the supervision of faculty and a business/alumni advisory board.
Merit Scholarships
An important part of the gift from Frances Cohen is the Frances and Norman Cohen Endowed Scholars Program. Funded from nearly half of the Cohen gift, this endowment will provide up to six scholarships a year—three for juniors and three for seniors— based on merit. Those students also will be ambassadors for the College of Business.
Both the scholarship and the Trading Room are the latest manifestation of the Cohens’ longtime and invaluable support of the University: Frances’ past major gifts to Western New England were designated toward renovating Churchill Hall and building the Alumni Healthful Living Center.