In addition to Stubbe, fellow travelers included Stubbe’s CCM peers, Addrian Tippit, Ph.D., assistant professor of finance in the Division of Accounting and Finance, and Feiwei Chen, Ph.D., assistant professor of finance. For many in the group, stepping into New York City was an unforgettable first. 

“Visiting New York City for the first time was surreal,” Stubbe said. “The energy and scale are something you have to experience to believe.” 

Amid the city’s energy, the GAME Forum brought together thousands of students from across the country, as well as leaders from the financial industry. CCM members attended keynote addresses, panel discussions and networking events that provided new insights into the state of global markets. 

A group of twelve young men wearing matching black polo shirts and khaki or jeans posing in front of a large, colorful abstract mural.

The insights gained from these sessions left a strong impact on the students, especially during panel debates between industry experts, which Stubbe and his peers found particularly engaging. But for Stubbe, one of the most important lessons from the trip was the speakers’ emphasis on pursuing meaningful work. 

“So many of the speakers talked about how important it is to find a career that inspires you,” Stubbe said. 

Big Apple, Bigger Connections 

Equally meaningful were the opportunities to explore the Big Apple while meeting and connecting with other student investment groups similar to CCM, all while representing USD on the stage. “At USD, CCM is fully student-run,” Stubbe explained. “That gives us a high degree of responsibility and freedom. It sets us apart and makes us more committed to our goals.” 

More than a student organization, CCM offers business school students the chance to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, build teamwork skills and prepare for future careers. 

“Coyote Capital Management is a great organization to join if you’re looking for real-world experience in the finance industry,” Stubbe said. “It not only prepares you for internships and jobs, but it also helps you stand out in interviews. Most of all, it gives you the chance to apply finance in a hands-on, meaningful way.” 

That hands-on experience began well before the trip, as CCM members spent each week preparing for the trip by researching companies, tracking market developments and presenting updates on their portfolios. To officially attend the event, the group submitted a detailed application outlining their goals, allocation and performances. 

“Our portfolios performed very well in 2024, and we were grateful for the chance to showcase our work while learning from others,” Stubbe said.  

The trip also provided meaningful alumni connections over dinner in Little Italy, a neighborhood in New York, where students met with USD graduates Josh Vanhouten ’22, Sophia Lima ’20 and Stanton Zaczek ’17. All of whom shared career advice and stories about their experiences working in New York. The group also met alumnus Brett Durick ’05, a managing director at Goldman Sachs, whose perspective on corporate finance made a lasting impression. 

Outside of making connections and the conference, the trip offered opportunities to explore the city and bond as a group. Highlights included visiting historic landmarks, attending a Yankees game and enjoying a comedy show.  

Through it all, Stubbe most appreciated the time spent with classmates. 

“The most memorable experiences came from becoming closer as a group,” he said. “Whether it was exploring the city, going out to eat or making new friends, those moments made the trip even more special. Our experience in New York City was an opportunity to build relationships, expand our financial knowledge and have fun.” 

The Beacom School of Business extends the warmest thank you to the generous support of Gary and Sue Ellis, whose commitment to USD and CCM makes opportunities like this a reality for students. Additionally, the business school would like to thank Tom Johnson ’61, and his wife, Diane, for their sponsorship of the Business Leadership Conference.  

Together, their vision and generosity have opened doors for countless students, and CCM is deeply grateful for the impact they continue to make on the future of business education at USD. 

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