SMARRT (Student Managed Asset Risk and Return Training)
SMARRT Fund History
Southern Adventist University initiated the SMARRT Fund (Student Managed Asset Risk
and Return Training) in 2019, setting aside $500,000 of the university’s main endowment
for investment by a student team under the guidance of faculty advisers.
Returns are used to help support student programs and scholarships. The SMARRT Fund–which
passed over $1,000,000 in October 2025 in AUM–provides opportunities for Southern
students to get hands-on portfolio management, financial analysis, and leadership
experience.
SMARRT Fund's Mission
Southern’s SMARRT Fund seeks to provide opportunities for students across campus to
excel in developing professional investment and management skills in alignment with
a Christian Biblical framework. The fund seeks to be nationally recognized for consistent
management in order to achieve returns in line with or above its benchmark (the S&P
500), while employing a stock-picking strategy.
SMARRT Fund Alum: Elijah Hooker, '22
Students working with the SMARRT Fund learn critical finance skills and soft skills before they enter the workforce. Recent graduate Elijah Hooker, '22, found a great first job with a prestigious national firm. He and his boss were interviewed about the real-world training value of SMARRT Fund participation.
Student Leadership and Faculty Support
The SMARRT Fund’s operations are managed by a student president, while investment
strategy is set by a student chief investment officer and faculty advisors.
Current President (W26-F26): Ethan Demaree, Finance Major
Current Chief Investment Officer (W26-F26): Kylie Manstrapa, Finance Major