More than 20 students enthusiastically ventured out from the
Queens campus in the early morning hours of November 16 for a “Day
On Wall Street”.
The day long event designed to give students a taste of life
working in the various industries within Manhattan’s financial
district, got an early start beginning at 8:45 a.m. at Standard
& Poor’s where the group was treated to a full morning of
remarks from executives there including alum Owen Ruhnke ’89CBA,
vice president of finance and equity research. After welcoming
remarks from Ruhnke, his various colleagues gave an overview of
operations at Standard & Poor’s including a chief economist and
managing director of portfolio services, the managing director of
equity research and the director of university relations.
The student group then proceeded to A.G. Edwards and Sons for a
“working lunch” with Mike Spataro ’89NDC, vice president,
institutional equity sales and Daniel J. Maida ’92NDC, ’98MBA,
institutional equities trader. Spataro’s spirited remarks
especially resonated with the participants. “I really enjoyed his
presentation,” said Vanessa Hampden ’07TCB. “He was very insightful
and attention gathering. I enjoyed the whole day, and having the
opportunity to meet so many great business people.”
Following a tour and discussion of the central banking functions
of the Federal Reserve System, the day wrapped up at the Manhattan
campus with a VIP dinner and reception as well as remarks from
various individuals including Charles Menges Jr., CFA ’66MBA,
principal with Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., Joseph Gentile
’87CBA, ’92MBA, managing director and chief financial officer,
fixed income division at Lehman Brothers and Michael McGarvey
’98CBA, vice president, fixed income division, Lehman Brothers.
“Integrity is absolutely key,” McGarvey told those gathered. “I
always knew Wall Street was where I wanted to be and you have to
show that you are motivated, that you are willing to work hard and
that you have integrity.” Students participated in a Q & A with
each of the speakers at the Manhattan campus and many took the
opportunity to network and disseminate their resumes to the
executives present.