Meeting for the first time today, the Investment Club started as many other clubs or start-ups do: with a group of close friends. Brothers Kage and Klayton Kowalski and friends Josh Seelye and Jon Jellison all are co-founders of the club.
Investment Club began with an idea from Klayton, a release from the organization stated.
“Despite his incredible work in computer science, [Klayton] wasn’t making sick gains; and surely, that’s all that matters in life,” the release said. “So Klayton had an idea. He thought to himself: ‘I’ll open a stock account.’”
The club’s executive board strives to be laid back, but each one still has a passion for investing. This was by design.
“Losing and gaining large amounts of money in a short span of time in a volatile market isn’t normal for university students, and it can be stressful,” Kage, a senior computer science and philosophy double major, said. “To help counter this, we take a lighthearted approach to investing, making fun of our losses and celebrating our successes.”
One of the most important aspects of the club is teaching students about investing and preparing them for potential risks or setbacks that may occur. Treasurer Jon Jellison, a junior electrical engineering major, said that information is the club’s top priority.
“It is important to everybody, whether you plan on investing in the actual stock market or using the knowledge in other aspects of life,” Jellison said.
Klayton, secretary for the club and a sophomore computer science major, said anybody can join the club.
“Investment Club is open to all students, regardless of major or experience,” Klayton said. “The club will help students learn about the art of investing and give tips on how to succeed.”
Although the group plans to stay focused on teaching members about the process of investing, there is still room for a little competitive fun at weekly meetings.
“We also plan to have a hall of fame and a hall of shame both monthly and annually,” Klayton said. “This should be a fun way of keeping track of who’s made the best decisions and the worst decisions regarding their stock portfolios.”
The club has already set forth goals for the future, including a shared stock portfolio for the members of the club, as well as establishing a place for experienced and novice investors to meet and discuss topics, according to Kage.
The Investment Club will meet Friday from 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in Bradley Hall Room 100.
