Maine Business School Student Portfolio Investment Fund Tops $5 Million
An investment fund run entirely by students at the Maine School of Business achieved a historic high in assets this fall. Student Portfolio Investment Fund (SPIFFY) has surpassed $5 million in assets under management. Students use these funds to gain professional fiduciary experience by researching and investing in stocks, bonds, or other financial assets.
“SPIFFY has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and has become an outstanding example of student-led financial management,” said Sébastien Loeb, professor of university foundation investment education and faculty advisor to SPIFFY.
Started in 1993 with an initial investment of $200,000 from the Foundation at the request of Bob Strong, Professor Emeritus of University Foundation Investment Education and Professor Emeritus of Finance, the organization has grown to 80 active members, leadership and We have evolved into a strong organization with countless opportunities for professional development. .
Loeb estimates that about 3,000 students at the University of Maine have participated in SPIFFY since its inception. The group’s current operations director, John Gray, is a fourth-year finance and management major from Cape Elizabeth. Students use this pool of funds to research and invest in stocks, bonds, and other financial assets.
“This milestone reflects the unwavering commitment and hard work of both current and past members and highlights our community’s dedication to financial education,” Gray said.
SPIFFY provides a unique learning environment open to all UMaine students, regardless of major, providing practical financial literacy and real-world investment experience. Gray joined SPIFFY as a first-year student and rose to leadership positions through roles as a market analyst and sector head.
In 2018 and 2024, SPIFFY earned first place in the Value Portfolio category at Quinnipiac GAME Forum XIII, strengthening its position as one of the nation’s leading student-managed investment funds. GAME has over 1,500 participants representing 130 universities. We host an annual forum in New York City and engage in educational and networking opportunities.
“In my role as director, I have connected with student investment fund leaders across North America,” Gray said. “What sets SPIFFY apart is our size, our volunteer member base and the passion our students bring. Participation in any course is not compulsory; it is driven purely by interest and dedication and Our dedication is evident in our accomplishments.”
Contact: Melanie Brooks, 207-581-1926; melanie.brooks@maine.edu
