As the iconic Nasdaq closing bell rang March 16, University of the Pacific students had a front row seat, watching as the trading session officially came to a close on Wall Street.

The experience was part of a week-long, immersive trip to New York City for Eberhardt School of Business students in which they toured the marketplace, met with financial industry insiders, networked with alumni and attended the world’s largest student-run financial conference.

“This experience here in New York is absolutely life changing,” said Katelynn Salcedo ’26. “It's really cool to listen to and see professionals in the industry right in front of you and be able to ask them questions. It's an amazing networking experience and helped me really picture what I want to do in the future.”

Salcedo was one of 25 students on the trip, all members of Pacific’s prestigious investment funds. The Eberhardt Student Investment Fund allows students to invest real money in a stock portfolio valued at more than $5 million and the Dreyfuss Family Fixed Income Fund is one of the few student-run fixed income funds in the nation. 

“In interviews, I speak on my involvement in the student investment fund and the analysis that we do, and the feedback I constantly got was they've never heard of something like this,” Salcedo said. “Schools don't do this at the level that Pacific does. The ability to speak on my experiences is what ultimately got me my internship.”

The annual trip is paid for through the Dreyfuss Wall Street Fellows endowment, established in 2016 by Regent Evan Dreyfuss ’86, an investment fund portfolio manager. 

“The whole purpose of this week was to give kids an opportunity, regardless of whether you're from Bakersfield, Redding or San Francisco, to come to New York, experience it and see what's out there,” Dreyfuss said. 

“I truly believe in life that everyone gets a break,” he added. “My break was going to Pacific. I got to sit right in the front of the class, interact with my professors and really learn. I came out with incredible skills, and I knew right away that I could compete. I got an unbelievable job and had an unbelievable career.  I want to give back and give other kids that same opportunity.” 

While on the trip, a group of students from the Dreyfuss Family Fixed Income Fund class placed 3rd in the fixed income category competition at the Quinnipiac GAME Forum, an annual gathering of financial industry leaders. More than 1,200 students from more than 80 universities participated in the competition.

The O. H. Ritter Fellows Endowment funded the students’ registration to the GAME Forum and competition as well as travel expenses to New York of the two faculty who teach the student-managed fund classes.

“The vision and generosity of Elizabeth and Evan Dreyfuss, and the many donors to the O.H. Ritter Fellows Endowment, have enabled the Eberhardt School to create and deliver a premier student experience in the world’s financial center,” said Dean of Eberhardt School of Business Lewis Gale. “Providing our students with this level of accessibility to firms and alumni in New York has tremendous impact on our students.”

The annual GAME Forum includes panel discussions, the opportunity to meet students from around the country and connect with industry leaders.

Students also visited Bank of America, Travelers Insurance and other major companies and attended sessions on financial technology, preparing for interviews and women in finance, capping an invaluable week of experiences. 

Throughout the week, they networked with successful alumni working in finance. Many helped facilitate the unique opportunities for students, including Steve Goulart ’80, a former chief investment officer for MetLife Insurance who also served as a Pacific regent.

“One of Pacific’s great strengths is its robust alumni network, who generously leverage their relationships to provide incredible experiences for students,” said Goulart. “Pacific instills the belief that when you help others, the entire community benefits. It's a privilege to give back to the university and to help a new generation of students pursuing finance careers. I know their impact, in the sector and in their individual communities, will be huge.”

Randall Eisenburg ’86 hosted students at AlixPartners, Jesse Neumann ’12 welcomed them to Wolfe Research and Miles Reynold’s ’18 met with students at Loop Capital. 

Former Regent Anne Milne ’78, managing director at Bank of America, hosted a reception at Bank of America Tower where students connected with President Christopher Callahan, Board of Regents Chair Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt ’76 and others. 

Students were also able to experience life in New York City and decide if it was where they want to start a career. They navigated the subway systems, experienced 38-degree weather and visited local shops and restaurants. 

“It was my first time in New York, so I'm soaking in all of that experience and joy of what the city has to offer,” said Elizabeth Piaseckyj ’26. “Seeing first-hand what it’s like to work here and gaining the networking experiences has been phenomenal. 

“We've been able to meet with a lot of people who've had different experiences working in sales, research, investments and investor trading. Hearing about what their day-to-day looks like, and how much they love and enjoy their jobs has been really incredible. I want to take advantage of those networking opportunities to find a job,” she said.

Learn more about the Eberhardt Student Investment Fund and the Dreyfuss Family Fixed Income Fund.