Letter from the President:

I could not be more pleased with the performance of the Drexel Finance Association (“DFA”) during fiscal 2010. The organization delivered unprecedented growth in all major areas including, but not limited to, membership, attendance and event frequency. Our Executive Board of Directors (“the Board”) worked tirelessly throughout the year to achieve every goal set forth last summer despite a still-challenging job market, especially in the financial services industry.

Synergies enable tremendous growth. Perhaps the most significant accomplishment in fiscal 2010 was the number of premier events the DFA was able to host—eight, in total—which was up 100% from fiscal 2009. The major catalyst for the increase was the DFA’s ability to leverage its relationships with other student organizations and college departments to realize existing synergies. This strategy enabled the DFA to host more events at a substantially lower cost base, which in turn allowed for more efficient use of our SAFAC funding, especially in the much-needed areas of marketing, promotion and member relations. Going forward, I expect the DFA to continue its strategic partnerships with other organizations and departments to better serve the LeBow College of Business community.

Fiscal 2010: A “Banner” Year. As I alluded to earlier, the DFA broke event attendance records several times during the year, which I believe is a testament to the relevancy and practicality of the organization and demonstrates that our mission resonates well with students. Particularly encouraging was the turnout for our “marquee” event in the Spring term, which featured prominent professionals in the hedge fund industry. While the 65 students in attendance was not a record, it did represent a modest increase over the prior year’s comparable event despite a number of headwinds including midterm exams and the university’s co-op cycle shift.

Putting the “Finance” in Drexel Finance Association. For fiscal 2011, the DFA will have a SAFAC budget of $3,642, which represents an approximately 4% increase over last year’s allocation. On a more inspiring note, the DFA boasts a 74% compound annual growth rate for its SAFAC allocation for the four years it has been a recognized student organization. However, during that time, our funding per member (“FPM”) has decreased roughly 19% from $10 to $8.09, which I believe is unacceptable given the organization’s impressive recent performance. I would expect the DFA to achieve a $5,000 allocation and return to $10 FPM by fiscal 2013, based on an estimated 500 members. 

Overwhelming number of Executive Board applicants. In late January, the DFA announced it would be conducting interviews to fill Associate Director positions on the Board. The response was overwhelming as the DFA received over 45 applications in just three days. After a month-long interview process, two freshmen, Bryce Istvan and Chris Krumenacker were named to the Board effective immediately. Bryce and Chris join Emily Lupico and Vicky Lantushenko, who were named to the Board last fall, as its newest members. Freshman Jeff Cho, who is currently Vice President of Drexel Investment Group (DIG), will serve as liaison for the two organizations in an effort to improve relations and ensure students’ interests remain our top priority. We are excited about these additions and look forward to their contributions in the future.

Bulls & Bears Press puts DFA on the map. In March, the DFA announced its participation as a member-organization of the prestigious Bulls & Bears Press, the largest collegiate financial news publication in the world. Coinciding with the announcement, I was featured in the March 28 issue with an interview highlighting the DFA. Our intentions going forward are that DFA members will contribute original articles for publication in the Bulls & Bears Press. The article can be viewed HERE!

On behalf of the Drexel Finance Association, I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and hope to see you at our future meetings and events.

Warmest regards,

Rich Lavner

President, DFA

In accordance with the new reporting schedule, the DFA will be releasing an Annual Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 on Monday July 19, 2010 at 8:00 a.m.

This report, and all other reports on a go-forward basis, will be available by request only and will no longer be posted in their entirety on www.lebowticker.com. However, excerpts from the reports will still be posted on a regular basis.

To request an electronic copy of the Drexel Finance Association 2010 Annual Report, please e-mail: dufinance@gmail.com or DFA President, Rich Lavner, at RL323@drexel.edu.

Just a reminder to everyone, tonight is or networking and debriefing reception to celebrate the success of the 2009-2010 year. This will be a great opportunity to network with other general body members, past guest speakers, marketing professors, and Drexel alumni. The event will also be catered.

It starts at 630pm and is held in the 1st floor lobby of the Main building . We hope to see you there

Come join DMA for a screening of the film, “For Tomorrow: The First Step of the Revolution,” followed by a discussion to find ways to spread the One for One movement. This event is held in Matheson 109 @ 6pm

Blake Mycoskie, is known to America as the guy that lost season two of “The Amazing Race” and a million dollar prize by just two minutes. After that blow, he traveled to Argentina to learn to play polo. He learned much more than how to hit a ball while on horseback. Blake observed a level of severe poverty that changed his life forever. Wanting to do something to help, Blake applied his entrepreneurial knowledge and started a business that would give a pair of shoes to children for every pair sold, One for One. He called it TOMS, shoes for tomorrow. The award winning film, For Tomorrow, picks up not even a year after that trip, when Blake returned to Argentina with his family, volunteers and his first few employees on an emotional journey to personal place 10,000 pairs of shoes on the feet of children in need. The documentary is an inspirational adventure that shows how compassion can create major change. Today, TOMS Shoes is one of the fast growing brands in the USA and is being sold throughout South America, Asia and Europe. Blake’s goal is to make sure that every child in the world has shoes. Changing a life begins with a single step.

4th Annual Night of Achievement

Date: Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Time: 6:30PM

Location: Bossone Atrium, 3128 Market Street, Philadelphia PA 19104

Guest Speaker: Kim Reed, Managing Partner of Reed Development Group

Dress: Business Professional

This event is open to ALL Drexel Students and a three course dinner will be offered!!!

Companies in Attendance:

And more!!!

Shop owner, Ali McCloud, spent several years living and working in Manhattan, building a career in sales and marketing. A few years ago, determined to pursue a dream, Ali broke free from the corporate world to begin a Graduate program in Global Fashion Management at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. After completing her final graduate project on sustainable fashion, Ali is on a mission to support eco-friendly brands. Ali returned to her hometown just over a year ago with a desire to create an earth-friendly style sanctuary in Philly, and Arcadia was born. She is excited to be part of the continued growth of Northern Liberties and the eco-fashion movement.

this event has been changed from Matheson 109 to Disque 108. It begins at 6pm

Tonight is the second night of our first ever fashion week.  Tonight we will have adiscussion panel with members of Women’s Beauty and Accessories of Urban Outfitters, Inc. will highlight the connection between these industries to merchandising of the fashion industry. The panel will feature Jennifer Hughes, Associate Buyer; Beth Harget, Senior Assistant Buyer of Women’s Accessories; Marlyn Ronquemore, Beauty, Fragrance & Wax Buyer; Anna Doud, Assistant Buyer for Women’s Jewlery and Drexel ’07 Alum; and Stacey Matzkin, Women’s Accessories Intern and Drexel ’11 Student.

Urban Outfitters is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA and began as The Free People’s Store, focusing on “funky” fashion and household products. The product line has evolved from vintage, bohemian, retro, hipster, ironically humorous, kitschy apparel and furniture to include luxury brands and several designer collaborations. Today, Urban Outfitters has over 140 operating stories in eight different countries.

The discussion starts at 630pm at Matheson 109

DMA’s Fashion Week aspires to bring fashion awareness to those who have limited exposure to the industry but are affected by it on a daily basis. We hope to communicate fashion’s form and function through an entertaining and interactive experience for the community. Events will be held every night of the week during May 17th through the 21st. Tickets are free to Drexel students with proof of ID; $5 for the community

When: Thursday, May 13th at 6:00pm
Where: Matheson 201

· Understand the day-to-day activities of young consultants
· Hear about exciting project opportunities
· Learn how to have fun while delivering value to clients
· Enjoy pizza and chat with Deloitte employees about anything from general career topics to specific insight into the world of consulting

Managers, Partners, and Young Alumni will be in attendance!

*Pizza and refreshments will be provided*

Presented by Beta Alpha Psi and MISO

DMA’s Fashion Week aspires to bring fashion awareness to those who have limited exposure to the industry but are affected by it on a daily basis. We hope to communicate fashion’s form and function through an entertaining and interactive experience for the community. Events will be held every night of the week during May 17th through the 21st. Tickets are free to Drexel students with proof of ID; $5 for the community