Here was the challenge to UNLV: Take $500,000 in virtual cash and make wise investment decisions.
And here’s the twist: Do so in real time — navigating this spring’s tumultuous and fast-moving stock market, rising inflation, interest rate hikes, and big tech disruptions.
For the UNLV President’s Investment Challenge, the next generation of financial leaders tested out bold strategies while learning real-world lessons.
Six standout teams emerged as finalists in the inaugural President’s Investment Challenge — a competition that drew more than 80 teams and tested students’ skills, instincts, and collaboration over eight intensive weeks.
More Than a Simulation: High-Yield Lessons in Real Time
Nick Garcia, a UNLV alum, CFA, and analyst at Smead Capital Management, mentored students during the challenge. He knows how formative real world experiences like this can be.
“UNLV helped shape my career,” Garcia said. “So when I had the chance to coach students in this challenge, I saw it as a way to give back — and maybe help someone else find what inspires them.”
Students weren’t just learning theory — they were reacting in real time to earnings calls, market volatility, and breaking news. Weekly meetings with faculty and business coaches helped sharpen their strategies and adapt to changing conditions.
“It wasn’t just about picking stocks,” said undergraduate student Jack Docev. “It was about thinking strategically under pressure. That’s not something you get from a textbook.”
For Sehaj Singh, a finance major, the experience shifted his mindset, “It made me think about impact, not just profits. That changed the way I approached everything.”
Final portfolios were judged on performance, strategy, risk management, and teamwork — but the real value came from making high pressure decisions, communicating clearly, and collaborating under stress.
“Our team brought different strengths to the table — that made all the difference,” said undergraduate student Elijah Brown.
Across Disciplines, Ideas Multiply
The competition wasn’t limited to finance majors. Students came from computer science, marketing, healthcare, and MBA programs. That mix sparked rich conversations and creative strategies.
“Markets can shift so fast,” said Jenna Freeland, a Master of Nursing student, describing the challenge as a crash course in staying alert. “We learned how important it is to stay flexible and really dial in to what's happening every day.”
The interdisciplinary nature of the competition reflects UNLV’s broader mission to integrate financial wellness across all areas of study. It reinforced how important it is to understand markets, risk, and personal finance in every profession — not just on Wall Street.
Market Movers: Meet the Finalists
Each of the six finalist teams brought a distinct approach — and unique backgrounds — to the competition:
- Arrowhead Investing
Justin Norfleet (Dual MBA/M.S.E. in Civil & Environmental Engineering) and Eric Johnson (MBA) launched with a safe, diversified strategy. As the competition progressed, they shifted focus toward high-growth sectors to capture stronger returns. - Commodities Only
Farran McManus (Business Administration, B.S.), Matthew Qi (Economics, B.S.), and Amiko Nkwethat (Marketing, B.S.) built a well-rounded portfolio. Their approach combined steady, stable investments with short-term plays in volatile sectors like technology. - Groom Lake Capital
Elijah Brown and Tony Nohmy (both Finance, B.S.) focused on global markets. They adapted to economic shifts by moving from long-term positions to more agile, short-term trades during periods of uncertainty. - Market Sharks
Jenna Freeland (Nursing, MSN) and Ishan Balaji (Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.) prioritized flexibility and fast decision-making. Their strategy responded to daily market sentiment, showcasing adaptability and teamwork. - Rebel Traders
Jack Docev, Tyler Song, and Nessa Yip (all Finance, B.S.), along with Ethan Phui and Sumner Griffin (both Finance & Marketing, B.S.), relied on in-depth research. They looked for undervalued opportunities and aimed for quick, high-impact returns. - STheory
Satwinder Singh (MBA) and Sehaj Singh (Finance, B.S.) embraced a values-driven strategy. Their portfolio focused on sustainable, risk-aware investing aligned with environmental and social impact goals.
Beyond the portfolios, some teams brought personal stories that added a fun twist. STheory was led by a father-son duo: Satwinder is an MBA student, while Sehaj is an undergrad. Market Sharks’ Freeland and Balaji weren’t just teammates — they’re also engaged, with Freeland studying nursing and Balaji pursuing clinical mental health counseling. Turns out, strong bonds were value-add for strong portfolios.
The Closing Bell: One Final Pitch
Next week, the six finalist teams will present their strategies to a panel of local business leaders — the culmination of weeks of work and an opportunity to share not just what they did, but how they thought.
Finance professor Xiaobo Liang, who mentored several teams, spoke to their growth, “You can learn from books, but real decision-making changes everything. These students are now more confident and ready for the real world.”
The final presentations and awards ceremony will take place 4 p.m., Monday, April 28, in the Student Union. Can’t attend in person? The event will also be live-streamed.
