The Investment Strategy Institute has entered a new chapter, strengthening the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business’ commitment to experiential learning, professional preparation and student success.
The institute is now led by John Niedenberger, executive director, and Angela Kohler, associate director and instructor of finance. Niedenberger, CFP, CFA, brings extensive experience managing portfolios and conducting security analysis for pension, endowment and wealth management funds. He also has more than four decades of teaching experience and taught in the School of Business as an adjunct professor for more than 10 years.
Kohler, CFA, brings more than 30 years of experience in institutional investment management, most recently with Federated Hermes. Her passion for education grew from training and mentoring equity analysts, which inspired her move into higher education.
Together with Jennifer Milcarek, program director and coordinator of the CFP Certification Education Program, the team is positioning the ISI as a premier student resource for financial research, investment analysis and career preparation.
Real-World Investment Experience
The ISI gives students access to real-time global data on stocks, bonds, futures, options and currency markets, as well as industry tools that support investment research, including Bloomberg Terminals, StockTrak, Wharton Research Data Services, Compustat, CRSP, MSCI, KLD, Morningstar, Capital IQ, Mergent, First Research and Value Line.
The institute also is home to Asset Management Group @ Duquesne and the Student-Managed Investment Funds. Through SMIF, students manage nearly $2.2 million across three donor-created funds: the Duquesne Values Fund, Duquesne Balanced Fund and Duquesne Microcap Fund.
These experiences give students direct access to industry expertise, professional mentorship and networking opportunities with organizations that actively recruit Duquesne business students.
Joseph Nichol B’26 said SMIF and DAMG were among the most influential parts of his college experience, and helped him secure his role as an analyst with J.P. Morgan Private Bank.
“I helped manage an investment portfolio of $1.7 million,” Nichol said. “Faculty and peers challenged my thinking, expanded my perspective, and shaped my journey.”
Connecting Students to Industry
Students connect financial theory to practice through conferences, case competitions and networking opportunities.
Kohler and Milcarek recently traveled with students to New York City for the Quinnipiac Global Asset Management Education Forum, the world’s largest student-run financial conference. Donor support fully funded conference registration and travel.
While in New York, students explored corporate banking with Kevin O’Connor B’98, senior vice president of Bank of America, and wealth management with Eric Soos A’94, managing director of wealth management at UBS Financial Services. They also met with executives from Federated Hermes to discuss career paths in institutional equities management.
Closer to campus, students connect with finance professionals through the Palumbo-Donahue Career Connection: Finance and Economics Networking Event and DAMG guest speaker programs.
Mentorship That Prepares Students
With Duquesne’s 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from individualized attention and strong faculty relationships.
“We make sure students understand the material, but we also get to know them as people,” Kohler said. “We care about their well-being along with their academic growth.”
Faculty also help students identify career goals, secure internships and prepare for careers in financial services.
“The most satisfying parts of this position are seeing students develop professionally and academically and helping to place them in internships and jobs,” Niedenberger said.
By combining personal mentorship, industry tools and access to finance professionals, the ISI prepares students not only to understand financial markets but to lead within them.
Did You Know?
The three SMIF funds were established through the generosity and vision of dedicated
alumni and
donors. Continued support helps sustain and grow these funds, creating even greater
opportunities and impact for current and future business students. If you are interested
in making a contribution or learning more about supporting the SMIF funds, contact
Amanda McQuillan, Gift Officer.
