The Class of 2017 is the ninth graduating class in the history of UCLA Anderson’s Master of Financial Engineering program. But the class also represents a first — as in, the first time two cohorts of students graduated from the program at the same time. The 78 students (from 18 countries) who earned their degree set a record number, collectively embodying the growth of the program since its inception and the strength and relevance of the Anderson MFE degree.
UCLA Anderson Dean Judy Olian addressed the graduates and assembled guests at what is always one of the most familial gatherings on the UCLA Anderson calendar. She reminded the graduates that although their understanding of the technical side of finance is important, their work is as much art as it is science. As part of a select group whose decisions might ultimately impact financial markets, Olian made it a point to remind the graduates that their work comes with significant responsibility.
“You have the values and now the tools to make a decision, and with humility,” Olian said. “You’re blessed with many gifts and extraordinary talents — otherwise, you wouldn’t be at Anderson.”
Olian quoted a personal favorite in her remarks. “To quote John Wooden, UCLA’s legendary basketball coach and leadership philosopher, ‘You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.’”
The commencement keynote was delivered by Max Darnell (M.A. ’90), managing partner and CIO at First Quandrant. Darnell earned one of his degrees — a master’s degree in economics — at UCLA. Darnell’s keynote made four essential points:
- Don’t just apply the skills you take with you, but commit to using them to invent, to design and to create new things.
- Commit to the intellectual posture of a scientist in every aspect of your work.
- Embrace diversity with all that you have; it’s not just the right, moral thing to do, it serves our own ends as well. Diversity, as far as Darnell is concerned, considers the conventional demographic view and also diversity in terms of perspectives.
- Never forget who you’re working for — there’s a client out there, a client with intentions. If you manage retirement savings or other types of savings for people, try to grow their assets.
Siddharth Saravat (MFE ’17) spoke on behalf of the graduates. His eloquent message detailed how the class began as a group of individuals from all over the world, but ultimately coalesced into a community. “(This program) taught us you can’t do it alone,” Saravat said. “Whether it’s the MFE program, or going to a new country … you need a community.
“These (speeches) usually end with ‘Beat ‘SC’ or ‘Go Bruins,’” Saravat joked. “But we don’t have time to watch football. So, I think it makes sense to say, ‘Let’s go out there and beat the market.’”
Later in the ceremony, class president Johnathan Schroeder (MFE ’17) presented the annual MFE Teaching Award to Associate Professor of Finance Lars Lochstoer.
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