The SMILE Fund

Hello SMILE Fund students, alumni, and supporters: As the director of the SMILE Fund and also the faculty advisor for the UTC Real Estate Club, I want to let all of our friends and supporters in the Chattanooga region know about an exciting event next week. Next Wednesday (February 12th) is the UTC Real Estate Luncheon. We are thrilled to have Thunder Thornton as our keynote speaker. Thunder is one of our biggest supporters of UTC and one of the biggest real estate developers in TN. We still have a few more spaces available for anyone interested in learning more about investing in real estate. A free lunch is included. The event will take place in the new Wolford Family Athletic Center. You can use the QR code on the picture below to RSVP. We hope to see you there.

The SmileFund’s recent ISM facilitated productive and open dialogue between the officer team and the advisory board. This session allowed both groups to engage directly, exchange ideas, and align on key priorities, strengthening their communication and collaboration for future initiatives.

Senior Spotlight: Jackson Howard As Jackson Howard approaches graduation, he reflects on the incredible growth he’s experienced over the past six semesters as a member of the fund. During this time, Jackson has developed a strong set of skills that have prepared him for a career in commercial real estate and accounting. One of his most significant areas of growth has been in public speaking. Initially outside of his comfort zone, Jackson was pushed to present at ISMs, where he quickly gained confidence in speaking and thinking on his feet. In addition, his involvement in group projects and competitions like the Channel Check Challenge—where his team won first place after researching a small-cap company—strengthened his critical thinking, research, and teamwork skills. Jackson also credits his mentor, Dr. Davenport from the accounting department, for providing invaluable guidance and honest feedback that helped him refine his approach to both problem-solving and decision-making. Looking ahead, Jackson plans to sit for the CPA exam after graduation, with a keen interest in pursuing opportunities in commercial real estate and corporate finance. His long-term goal is to transition into a CFO role, where he can leverage both his technical expertise and leadership abilities. For those just beginning their career journey, Jackson’s advice is simple: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and put yourself out there. People are more willing to help than you think—take the initiative and embrace new challenges.” The fund is incredibly proud of Jackson’s hard work, dedication, and growth. We are confident his skills and commitment will serve him well in the next phase of his career.

Senior Spotlight: Devin Hollingsworth Devin, an Economics major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has honed his financial analysis skills through his time in the SMILE Fund. He’s gained the ability to interpret a company’s financials and uncover the story behind the numbers, a skill that will continue to inform his decision-making in any career path he pursues. ? One of Devin’s most impactful experiences in the fund was presenting on Intuitive Surgical at the 4th Quarter 2023 ISM. Navigating tough questions and handling pressure in front of an audience helped him grow as an analyst, sharpening his ability to think quickly and communicate effectively under pressure. ? Beyond technical expertise, Devin has built confidence in networking by engaging with senior industry leaders, learning to approach professionals at all levels. These experiences have prepared him to thrive in a career that requires strong communication and relationship-building. ? Looking ahead, Devin plans to pursue a Master’s degree and continue his career in financial services, specifically in financial planning and wealth management. He is also exploring sales roles, aiming to find a path that combines his analytical skills with his passion for helping others. ? For those starting their career in the SmileFun, Devin’s advice is simple: “Fail often and fail forward.” He believes that learning from failure is an important part of growth and that persistence is key to success. ? As Devin moves forward, he’s excited to apply the skills he’s gained in the SMILE Fund to new challenges and continue growing both professionally and personally. We are excited to see all that Devin will accomplish in the future!

Senior Spotlight: Ava Kelton Ava, a senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, is graduating with a double major in Accounting and Finance. Throughout her time in the SMILE Fund, she has developed key professional skills, including presenting at ISMs, engaging with industry mentors, and learning how to condense complex financial information into clear, concise reports and pitches. These experiences have helped her refine her communication and analytical skills, which will be valuable as she transitions to a career in public accounting. ? Although Ava is not pursuing a career directly in Finance, the skills she’s gained will serve her in a variety of roles across industries. Her professional goals include obtaining her CPA license and finding a career path in an industry that aligns with her interests. While Chattanooga is known for its manufacturing and healthcare sectors, Ava is particularly interested in the hospitality industry, where she feels her skills in relationship-building and communication will thrive. ? One of her most impactful experiences at UTC has been her involvement in the VITA program, where she volunteered to assist the Chattanooga community with tax filing. This hands-on experience allowed Ava to apply her academic knowledge in a real-world setting and deepened her appreciation for community service. ? Ava is committed to continuing her professional growth after graduation, with plans to pursue both CPA and CFE certifications. She’s excited about the ongoing learning opportunities that come with these certifications and is eager to take on new challenges in her career. ? Ava encourages an open-minded approach. While joining the SMILE Fund wasn’t something she initially planned, it turned out to be a valuable learning experience that helped her grow professionally. Ava also emphasizes the importance of networking, advising others to attend events and connect with professionals from a variety of industries to learn from their unique career stories. ? As Ava looks toward her future, she is excited to apply the skills and knowledge she’s gained in both the classroom and extracurricular activities to make a meaningful impact in her career. We are proud of Ava and know her future is bright!

Join Us Tomorrow for Our ISM Event! ?? When: November 6th, 10:50 AM - 12:05 PM ?? Where: Derthick Hall 201 ?? Dress Code: Business Professional Following the event, we’ll be hosting a free networking lunch at Universal Joint—a great opportunity to connect with peers and professionals! Don’t miss out. See you there!

Senior Spotlight: Nick Morris As Nick Morris approaches graduation, we are excited to spotlight his transformative journey with the Smile Fund, where he currently serves as president, and how it has shaped his career aspirations. During his time with the fund, Nick has developed crucial skills in communication, organization, and leadership—rare opportunities for many college students. His experiences have equipped him to excel in both technical tasks and leadership roles, providing a strong foundation for his future career. Nick is set to join Elliot Davis as an Audit Associate, where he plans to apply the skills and insights gained from his leadership in the Smile Fund. His immediate goal is to obtain his CPA, paving the way for progression beyond entry-level roles. In five years, he envisions himself as a manager at a public accounting firm. One of the most impactful experiences for Nick has been the CFA Challenge, which significantly influenced his professional path. He credits much of his growth to his mentor, Ryan, who not only trained him within the Smile Fund but also recommended him for the CFA Challenge. Looking ahead, Nick is eager to explore careers in mergers and acquisitions, advisory consulting, and financial planning and analysis (FP&A), with plans to transition to M&A after gaining experience as an associate. After graduation, Nick is committed to continuing his learning journey through the CPA and actively seeking leadership opportunities. He encourages others to engage with the Smile Fund, as it provides a unique platform for personal and professional growth in both analytical and social skills. We are proud of Nick’s accomplishments and can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next!

The SMILE Fund is excited to share the success of the 5th Annual MOCS Give Day on October 1st! We raised significant funds with support from over 100 donors, unlocking an additional $50,000 in matching donations. A big thank you to the UC Foundation for their support and to everyone who contributed to making this event a success! #SmileFund #MOCSGiveDay #5thAnniversary #Gratitude

?? Excited to introduce the SMILE Fund at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga! ?? As a student-managed equity fund, the SMILE Fund provides an incredible opportunity for undergraduate students to dive deep into the world of finance. Our mission is to replicate the experience of working in an investment firm, giving members hands-on exposure to portfolio management, investment strategies, financial analytics, risk management, and equity valuation techniques. The experience of joining the SMILE Fund has been transformative, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop essential skills in the investment field. As Vanee Patel stated, "The SMILE Fund is a unique opportunity for students to engage with real investments and develop their professional skills." If you're passionate about finance and looking for a platform to enhance your expertise, the SMILE Fund is the perfect place to grow and learn. Let’s connect and share insights about our journeys in finance! #SMILEFund #Investment #Finance #StudentManagedFund #UTChattanooga ????