Claudio Velasco Algaranaz Explores World of Wall Street

2012 Mar 2

Claudio Velasco Algaranaz from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, who is majoring in business finance, had the opportunity of a lifetime to spend five days from Feb. 15-19 exploring the financial world of Wall Street and learning from its financial advisors.

As a member of the Blue Blazer Investment Committee (BBIC), Velasco Algaranaz gained an inside look at America's business and financial center as well as enjoying the cultural and tourism attractions of New York City.

"The Blue Blazers New York trip 2012 was an amazing opportunity to see how the Financial Capital of the World operates. This trip is another example of how Westminster College gives you the quality education along with a 'hands on' experience to its students," says Velasco.

Claudio is the former Blue Blazers Investment Committee Vice President of Finance.

Highlights of the trip were attending the Opening Bell Ceremony at NASDAQ and visits to NYSE, JP Morgan, Bloomberg, Fox Business Network, Russell Investments, Newland Capital Management, Fox News and the Museum of American Finance, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

The group also had their choice of activities such as attending a taping of The Letterman Show and a Broadway show and touring Chinatown, NBC Studio, and other New York City attractions.

Westminster alumni from New York City treated the group to a reception at the NYC Athletic Club on Friday evening, Feb. 17.

The group was sighted by national television viewers during the outside segment of Good Morning America.

"This is one of those unique, real world educational experiences that Westminster offers to our students that prepares them so well to lead and succeed in our global economy," says Westminster President Dr. George B. Forsythe. "When they graduate, our students often have the edge in a highly competitive job market because they have had opportunities such as this one."

Established in 1996, the Blue Blazers Investment Committee is a selective, student maintained investment committee that encourages intellectual growth and educates undergraduates on the use of investment vehicles in capital markets.

In 1996, the Westminster Board of Trustees allocated college endowment funds to the Blazers to invest in the stock market. The students do extensive research and then buy and sell equities to build and manage an actual investment portfolio. The group is self-governing and enjoys great autonomy over investment decisions. They are free to buy and sell stocks, bonds, and other options. Through this experience, they receive the rare opportunity to learn how investing in the stock market works firsthand.

This was the group's sixth visit to New York. They have been featured on CNBC twice. During their first tour, they were able to stand in the twin towers. Ironically, the 9-11 attacks took place exactly seven months to the hour of the day of their visit.

The trip is always planned and coordinated by Brock Ayers, the founder of the Blue Blazers Investment Committee and mentor to the group. Ayers is a Financial Advisor and First Vice-President-Investments at Wells Fargo Advisors and is a member of the Westminster College Board of Trustees.

"Every one of our Blue Blazers returns from New York with advice for being successful in the market world and guidance for their careers," says Ayers. "Frequently, the time they are able to spend with Westminster alumni that are working in the New York financial markets opens up doors for them, leading to internships and employment."

Other BBIC advisors are Dr. Ed. Mirielli, Professor of Computer Science, and Dr. Linda Webster, Associate Dean of Faculty.