Episode 3 - The Innovation of the Taylor University Endowment Fund

The Hoosier Hub Podcast

Join Matt Henry, Ashely Merder, and Addison Perry (Austin played hooky!) as they host Justin Fath and Jacob Ferguson, both Taylor University alumni, as they discuss their role in reinventing the endowment team. A story of hard work, commitment, trail and error, and success as they developed a successful strategy to manage the over half a million that is in the endowment fund.

Guest Bios

Justin Fath joined Ramsier Financial Services in June of 2021. As a Client Relationship Manager, he is responsible for a variety of roles, assisting both clients and advisors at RFS. Those roles include working with client portfolios for rebalancing, setting up withdrawals or contribution plans, creating and maintaining financial plans, sitting in advisor/client meetings and a variety of other client servicing activities. He holds the Series 7 registration with a goal of becoming a Financial Advisor.

Justin is a 2017 graduate of Smithville High School and 2021 graduate of Taylor University. At Taylor, he double majored in Finance and Management as well as minoring in Mathematics. During his time at Taylor, he played on the football team and served for three years as a Residential Assistant. During his senior year, he participated in Taylor’s Student Lead Endowment Teams where he and his classmates were responsible for managing about 5% of Taylor’s Endowment.

Jacob Ferguson joined Ronald Blue Trust in May 2021. As a Financial Planning Associate, he is responsible for developing and coordinating strategic financial plans, implementing investment allocation, and providing client service support and research as well as a variety of other activities. He is currently studying for his CFP and CKA designations.

Jacob is a 2017 graduate of Evansville Reitz Highschool and 2021 graduate of Taylor University. At Taylor, he studied Finance and Biblical Literature, served as president of the class of 2021, and was heavily involved in the Taylor Student Organization’s Executive Cabinet. During his senior year, he participated in the Student Lead Endowment Team where he and his classmates were responsible for managing about 5% of Taylor’s endowment. Upon graduating, Jacob was named the 2021-2022 student leader of the year.

Ronald Blue Trust advisors apply biblical wisdom and technical expertise to help clients make wise financial decisions to experience clarity and confidence and leave a lasting legacy. With over $14.5 billion of assets under advisement and a nationwide network of 16 offices, we offer comprehensive financial services and objective advice to over 10,500 clients across the wealth spectrum in all 50 states.**As of 12/31/21 and subject to change

Who are the hosts?Austin Crites, CFA: Austin is a past-president and current director of CFA Society Indianapolis. Professionally, he is the Chief Investment Officer at Aurora Financial Strategies where he manages US-focused, all-cap, style-agnostic equity strategies as the core of client portfolios. Austin is a 2008 graduate of Marian University in Indianapolis where he is now an adjunct professor in the Byrum School of Business.

Addison Perry: Addison is currently a Junior at Taylor University where she is double majoring in Accounting and Finance. She is also involved in the Women’s Lacrosse club, Taylor Student Organization Leadership Programing Cabinet, and is President of a club that she started, Investing Excellence. Addison is the Executive Assistant of CFA Society Indianapolis.

Ashley Merder: Ashley is a Brand Manager for a Tech company based in the Indianapolis area. She is the Executive Director and sits on the board of CFA Society Indianapolis. When she’s not working with clients or deep in the flow of design, she’s spending quality time with her husband and keeping up with their two little girls.

Matt Henry, CFA: Matt is a Senior Investment Officer at STAR Wealth Management. He is also a Past President and a director of CFA Society Indianapolis. When he’s not managing porfolios, Matt teaches Finance 300 at Ball State University. He enjoys air conditioning, wi-fi, and the conveniences of indoor living.