The Future of Finance Comes to New York

Jeremy Siegel and Alumni Gather for School’s Global Campaign Tour

Jeremy Siegel and Alumni at School’s Global Campaign Tour
By Katharyn Gadient and Issac Mason

Wharton alumni gathered in the finance capital of the world for an evening of thought leadership on the future of investment strategy.

Over 300 attendees packed the Grand Hyatt Grand Central in New York on February 28 to hear the latest insights into global markets and investments from legendary Jeremy Siegel, Russell E. Palmer Professor of Finance. This event was a stop on the School’s More Than Ever Tour, connecting industry leaders, alumni, and faculty in locations around the world.

“Wharton is known for its inspiring faculty and alumni whose important work is pioneering finance along with so many fields. This event was both a celebration of this impact and a call to action to look to the role the Wharton community will continue to play in the future of finance,” said Lizann Boyle Rode, executive director of alumni relations for Wharton External Affairs.

Siegel’s presentation featured his trademark pairing: rigorous financial analysis and lightning-fast discussion. He evaluated asset returns, global valuations, and interest rates and forecasted market shifts. In a lively dialogue with the audience, Siegel also offered key insights into investing and current events.

For Zheng Song, WG’98, managing director at Decker Capital LCC, the event provided the chance to reconnect with the School’s thought leaders. “Professor Siegel is one of my favorite professors. When I saw his name, I knew I had to come,” she said. “What impresses me is his very detailed analysis of the market. He has a scientific and data-driven look. He uses key indicators to support his arguments and then gives you room to think about it for yourself.”

Noah Davis, WG’04, managing director of U.S. Offices – IRSA, remarked on the value of attending for professional development and networking: “Jeremy Siegel always has interesting things to say, and where we are in the cycle of the economy, I wanted to update myself and hear what he thought about it. It’s also great to connect with friends and classmates, and meet new ones too.”

“Many of us are active in alumni activities, and this event is a way to engage more broadly and meet different types of people,” added Sherry Rexroad, WG’92, managing director, Global Real Asset Securities at BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.

For others, the event brought the best of Wharton closer to home. “The event was outstanding – being around fellow Wharton alumni, listening to Professor Siegel, and conveniently located in New York,” said Steve Lieberman, W’83, WG’87, president and CEO of the Private Client Group based in northern New Jersey. “I had Professor Siegel as an undergraduate and interacted with him as a graduate student at Wharton, and my respect for him continues to grow.”