Aaron Peterson Serves as Guest Lecturer for ESD's Student Management Invest Fund Club
April 13, 2026
At ESD, a “day in the life” often transcends the traditional classroom, moving from textbooks to the real world. Recently, the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) Club gathered for a particularly impactful session, welcoming ESD parent Aaron Peterson P’34, ’36 to share his insights from his experience in corporate finance.
The SMIF Club is not a simulation. Under the supervision of the ESD Business Office and fueled by the generosity of the Oglesby and Allison families, students manage an active stock portfolio that has achieved an impressive annualized return of approximately 15%.
Being a member of SMIF means stepping into the shoes of a professional analyst. Our students don’t just watch the market; they participate in it by:
- Researching companies and conducting deep-dive financial statement analysis.
- Building investment cases backed by risk assessment tools.
- Formally presenting stock recommendations to their peers for a vote.
The hallmark of the SMIF experience is true stewardship and genuine accountability. Students manage a dedicated investment fund, earmarked within the school’s budget for student-led growth, restricted and allocated by the Business Office for this educational purpose. By moving beyond unrestricted dollars to a focused, donor-supported allocation, the program ensures that students feel the weight of every decision and learn to manage real assets with a professional level of care. This mirrors a professional setting, where success is measured not just by percentages but by the disciplined management of a shared legacy. This responsibility teaches students that finance is as much about character and discipline as it is about mathematics.
A Masterclass Presentation
One facet of the SMIF Club experience is the unique opportunity for students to engage directly with industry professionals who bring global markets to life. By hosting regular guest lecturers, the club bridges the gap between academic theory and executive practice, allowing students to seek mentorship from seasoned professionals. This most recent meeting was no exception, as the group had the distinct honor of welcoming Aaron Peterson P’34, ’36, whose high-level perspective on corporate strategy provided a masterclass in modern leadership.
As the Executive Vice President of Finance, Strategy, and Business Performance for Saks Global, Mr. Peterson brought a wealth of information to our students. While his expertise in numbers is undeniable, his message to the club centered on the human elements of success: communication, resilience, and the art of negotiation.
In an era increasingly defined by AI and rapid technological shifts, Mr. Peterson reminded students that the most valuable currency remains the person-to-person connection. He urged the group to:
- Prioritize face-to-face conversations to build trust and clarity.
- Remain resilient through the inevitable ebbs and flows of professional life.
- Negotiate everything, viewing every interaction as an opportunity to find value and advocate for one’s goals.
“As an ESD parent, I know you are receiving a phenomenal educational experience and will be well-positioned for your undergraduate studies,” Mr. Peterson said. He noted that the opportunity to manage real capital at such a young age is far from the norm, providing our students with a sophisticated head start that he himself didn’t have.
Whether they are student officers leading the weekly meeting or members pitching the next great addition to the portfolio, the Eagles in SMIF are learning that the best investment they can make is in themselves. Through the mentorship of leaders like Mr. Peterson, they are discovering how to turn their ESD foundation into a lifelong legacy of leadership.
