The Lafayette Investment Club is an educational resource offering real world experience to Lafayette College students interested in the world of investing. Founded in 1946 with $3,000, it is the oldest student-run investment club in America, currently managing a portfolio worth over $1,000,000. With backgrounds ranging from “no experience, but I want to learn” to “I manage a personal portfolio” the investment club is ideal for anyone interested in learning how to make (or lose) money. We strive to educate members on the investing process by creating presentations on helpful concepts and investing in real assets. Our funds are available to test our own ideas and learn from our decisions. The club organizes trips to Wall Street, brings in informative speakers, and supports various activities to encourage student development. While the Executive Board sets the agenda for weekly meetings, our investment decisions rely on the input and participation of all members. Unless emergency action is required, all decisions by the Lafayette Investment Club are voted on during Friday meetings by its students. Our portfolio consists of an assortment of securities with the majority being equity-based. Other than domestic stocks and mutual funds, the Investment Club also invests internationally, currently holding an emerging markets exchange traded fund. In addition, the club also owns bonds and holds a percentage of the portfolio in cash, which is used to buy new assets and to fund the club’s annual field trip to Wall Street. Whether you actively participate in making proposals, or just come to learn the fundamentals of investing, you can always count on walking away with having learned at least one thing that will allow you to make money in the future.
