32 Huskers Selected for Investors With Purpose Program

Students, Industry Leaders Connect to Advance the Wealth Management Profession

More than 30 students began the Investors With Purpose program this fall. Now in its fifth year, the program enables students to gain real-world insight and to build a network of professionals in the financial industry.

More than 30 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students were selected for the fifth class of the Investors With Purpose program at the College of Business. High-achieving students in the program take a wealth management course that brings them together with global investment professionals for a unique learning experience.

Douglas Waggoner, '75 and '77, who worked for Ford Motor Co. and Rockwell International and spent 25 years as a senior leader at BlackRock, draws from his connections to bring experts to class and create investment internships, which are funded by the Douglas and Karin Waggoner Family Foundation.

"Our goal is to educate students about wealth management and finance while connecting them to industry mentors and providing paid internship experiences. These industry leaders are excited to be part of this program, and the students, the College of Business and the future of asset management all benefit," Waggoner said. "This program also creates a community of like-minded students who can support each other throughout their careers."

Directed by Richard DeFusco, department chair and professor of finance, the Investors With Purpose course brings together top talent from finance, accounting, actuarial science and business administration majors who demonstrated leadership potential in school and the community. In the course, students participate in discussions on critical topics like FinTech, alternative assets such as hedge funds, and regulatory issues. Afterward, they join the guest speakers for a dinner reception, continuing conversations that help shape their understanding of the profession and build their networks.

“This program positions us to help launch the career of the next Warren Buffett, who is a Husker alum, by letting students understand what it means to take risks and not be afraid to fail,” said DeFusco. “Financial investment is more than just classroom theories; it’s the day-to-day connections you make working with others in the profession. That’s an enormous game-changer we’re providing for our students.”

Now in its fifth year, the program has grown in impact, offering past and current students invaluable networking and mentorship opportunities. Course content emphasizes the purpose of finance and investing and how it impacts lives.

“I have been most impressed with all five Investments With Purpose classes. Students bring a desire to learn and contribute, and I think this is the most exciting part of teaching this class,” DeFusco added. “We're now seeing Investors With Purpose alumni go on to do great things and want to connect with current students, which strengthens our community within the program.”

The students selected for the Investors With Purpose program are listed below by hometown, with their current class standing based on credit hours earned in school and academic major(s).

NEBRASKA

Burwell: Carter Mann, junior accounting and finance

Columbus: Noah Koch, senior accounting and finance

Elkhorn: Luke Jessen, senior accounting and finance

Gretna: Anna Real, senior finance; Tanner Maas, senior actuarial science and finance

Kearney: Carter Goff, senior Clifton Builders management and finance

Lincoln: Anna Coffey, senior finance; Connor Wolf, senior finance

Omaha: Cole Berrett, senior finance and management; Gage Bertucci, senior finance and management; Owen Crone, senior economics and finance; Guy Hunt, senior finance; Grant O'Doherty, senior finance; Miles Schmidt, senior finance; Christian Thomas, senior finance; Jake Vaughn, junior accounting and finance; Eva Watson, senior finance and marketing

Raymond: Parker Barry, senior finance

ELSEWHERE

Phoenix, Arizona: Ryan Perrin, junior accounting and finance

Glen Carbon, Illinois: Braden Starck, senior finance and management

Naperville, Illinois: Matt Ligeski, senior accounting and finance

Schaumburg, Illinois: Ashwin Mannur, senior economics and finance

Norwalk, Iowa: Lexi Soukup, senior accounting and finance

Overland Park, Kansas: Jenna Gilbo, senior finance and management

Wichita, Kansas: Ethan Ellingson, senior accounting and finance

Bloomington, Minnesota: Gretchen Holland, junior accounting and finance

Plymouth, Minnesota: Reegan Smith, senior economics and finance

Shakopee, Minnesota: Carly Gorter, senior finance and management