The Citadel’s Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) is a student-run investment fund with $1.5 million AUM. Weekly meetings are held on Tuesdays in Bastin Hall, room 119, at 6:30 pm.
We mimic the structure of an asset management firm – allowing students the opportunity to manage real money in financial markets, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By creating a hands-on environment, students are motivated to learn how to utilize financial statements, perform analysis and valuations, and manage a portfolio while receiving Bloomberg certifications.
Our investment philosophy stems from our Institution’s fundamental values of creating principled leaders through the values of honor, duty, and respect. We aim to invest in high-value companies that understand the importance of The Citadel’s values. We know that despite what economic conditions arise, principled leadership will soar during booming environments and persevere through difficult conditions.
Leadership Team
Our Senior Leadership Team is committed to efficiently running our portfolio and managing the 11 Sector Heads and over 20 analysts.
Trevor West – Portfolio Manager
Trevor is a Veteran Day Student at The Citadel pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a dual minor in Data Science and Applied Statistics. While attending The Citadel, he achieved a 3.9 GPA and has been accepted into The Citadel Distinguished Scholars Program as well as the Honors Program. In addition to his involvement in the SMIF, he is the Founder and Speaker of The Citadel Real Estate Investment Club.
Currently, Mr. West is interning at Meeting Street Capital, a Venture Capital firm located in Charleston SC. Upon graduation Spring of 2023, Mr. West will continue to pursue a career in Venture Capital or Private Equity.
He lives with his wife Katarina and their son, a retired Greyhound, named Tig.
Ben Stemmet – Executive Vice President
Ben is a junior at The Citadel, where he is obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a double minor in Economics and Data Science. He has been involved with the SMIF since his freshman year. Throughout his duration, he has held the positions of Health Care Sector Head, Assistant Portfolio Manager, and is currently the Executive VP.
As a student at The Citadel, Mr. Stemmet is a member of the Distinguished Scholars and Baker School of Business Scholars Programs. He currently holds a 4.0 GPA. He is also a Varsity Wrestler, where he has placed in the Southern Conference Tournament in Boone, NC.
His past internships include Apollon Wealth Management, a wealth management firm in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and Meeting Street Capital, a venture capital firm in Charleston, South Carolina. He also has just accepted an internship offer for the Summer of 2023 with Bourne Partners, an Investment Bank in Charlotte.
Upon graduating in the Spring of 2024, Mr. Stemmet will continue to pursue a career in Investment Banking. Until then, he enjoys surfing, golfing, weight lifting, and traveling to his favorite place, St. John.
Micah Dersch – Vice President of Education
Micah is a senior at The Citadel, where he is obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Supply Chain Management. As the Vice President of Education and the Industrials Sector Head, he collaborates with analysts and sector heads to identify investment opportunities while studying macroeconomic trends to capitalize on equity market inefficiencies.
Currently, Mr. Dersch is interning with Coastal Financial Planning Group in Charleston, South Carolina. He assists the company’s Certified Financial Planner, attends client meetings, updates client portfolios, and ensures client satisfaction.
Upon graduating in the Spring of 2023, Mr. Dersch will continue to pursue a career in wealth management. Until then, he enjoys being outdoors and white water kayaking the Nantahala river in North Carolina.
Carl Custer – Vice President of Compliance
Carl is a senior at The Citadel, where he is obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance. As the Vice President of Compliance, he is responsible for maintaining proper documentation and research is being performed on any potential trades that the Fund wishes to execute.
While he has not had the opportunity to have an accounting or finance internship, he has worked as an analyst for the SMIF over the past four years. Mr. Custer also serves in the U.S. Army and will become a Finance Officer by the end of 2022.
Upon graduating in the Spring of 2023, Mr. Custer plans on attending Clemson University’s Masters of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) program and obtaining his Certified Public Accountant certification. Until then, he enjoys remodeling homes and hiking. His best hiking experience was when he spent a month in China and hiked Skull Mountain.
Ashlyn Howard – Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Ashlyn is a junior at The Citadel, where she is obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Business Development with a double minor in English and Applied Statistics. As the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, she establishes a digital footprint for the SMIF organization. She also facilitates speaker events that benefit the students at The Citadel, providing another opportunity for networking and learning about the finance industry.
Currently, she attends The Citadel as a Veteran Day Student, a program for Veterans that allows them to complete their education alongside the Corps of Cadets. Ms. Howard served during Operation Inherent Resolve in 2019 and is currently a Sergeant (E-5) in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Corps as a Paralegal.
Upon graduating in the Spring of 2024, Ms. Howard will pursue a career within the business sector focusing on marketing. Until then, she enjoys helping others with their career readiness, speaking at events, and frequenting local coffee shops.
Paul Meeks, CFA, CAIA – Faculty Advisor
Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) Consortium Conference
The SMIF Consortium is held in Chicago, Il and hosted by Indiana State University. The Consortium seeks to enhance student learning and scholarship through the delivery of experiential learning, while providing professional development opportunities for business students. Students can network with other student funds around the nation, attend panel discussions, and compete in investment competitions.
The Citadel’s SMIF has attended the conference for the past two years in a row. It gives our members the opportunity to learn from leaders within the industry and gain insight on how to bridge the gap between theory and practice for managing real money in financial markets. Last year for the 8th Annual Student Managed Investment Fund Consortium, we placed 3rd in Performance.