Western New England University’s College of Business students have emerged as the 1st Place winners of the 2023 Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts Stock Market Challenge – College/Corporate Competition.
This prestigious event, now in its 18th year, witnessed a spirited competition where college students and corporate professionals, including accounting firms, investment management firms, and banks, engaged in a high-stakes contest to build the highest net-worth portfolio. Using fictional company shares, the WNE team demonstrated exceptional skill and strategy, outperforming competitors and surpassing the runner-up by 13% with an impressive 30% portfolio return.
The day was not just about competition. In the spirit of community involvement and education, WNE students volunteered as "stockbrokers" to guide local middle and high school students, fostering financial literacy and investment understanding among the younger participants.
Dr. Sharianne Walker, dean of the WNE College of Business, expressed immense pride in the students' achievement. "Their hard work and dedication in preparing for this event have paid off tremendously," she said. The victory not only highlights the students' understanding of investment strategies and critical thinking but also underscores the quality of WNE's curriculum and the expertise of the faculty, particularly the team’s advisors, Professors Tara Grealis and Paul Tomolonis.
This win marks a significant achievement for the team, setting a high standard for future participants and exemplifying the potential and skills nurtured at the College of Business. The WNE winning team members include Timothy Amsden, Carlie Smith, Sean Alvord, Nicholas Whalen (Team Captain), Michael Gauthier, and Regina Mastrangelo. In addition, many students participated in the volunteer event during the day and the evening competition. Those students included Christopher Tamulionis, Luke Costanzo, Naomi Golasinski, Alexandria Morris, Catarina Pires, Adriana Aponte, Julia Ferrentino, Aidan Kaufmann, Nolan Chamberland, David Collazo, Aditya Shah, Lesly Theodore, and Alexandra Karpinski.
"We are so fortunate to have such bright, talented, hardworking, energetic, and devoted AC/FIN students,” said Tara Grealis, one of the faculty advisors to the team. “They strive every day to make an impact inside and out of the classroom; their efforts around campus to go above and beyond are something that makes our students stand out. This JA Stock Market Challenge was an excellent example of their devotion to excel outside of class. They are so adept and brilliant in the application of their skills in a professional environment. I couldn't be any prouder of all they have accomplished, and it is so rewarding to see how they have developed into these inspiring young professionals."
Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, the event's organizer, continues its century-long mission of equipping youth with essential economic education and skills for a self-sustaining future.
