As we continue into this new academic year, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Kathy Taylor for her outstanding leadership and the solid foundation she established for the Collins College of Business. Her dedication has propelled us forward, and I am eager to continue advancing our mission.
This summer, Helmerich Hall was a hub of activity and achievements. Our summer camps engaged scores of high school students from private and public schools across the Tulsa area, sharpening their entrepreneurial and financial skills through Shark Tank-style competitions and interactive personal finance and investing contests. Our Student Investment Fund surpassed $8 million, and we had the privilege of hosting TU alumnus and Walmart CEO Doug McMillon for an enlightening and memorable conversation with President Brad Carson and our students. We also opened our new student collaboration center in the dean’s suite, complete with a Bloomberg terminal.
I am thrilled to welcome back our students, particularly as we greet the largest class of domestic students in TU’s history and the second largest class overall. Our influx of students, along with five new faculty members across three Collins College of Business departments, promises to inject fresh ideas and energy into our campus. Also this year, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Friends of Finance with a milestone marking four decades of invaluable collaboration, growth, and incredible opportunities for our students and alumni. We were thrilled to launch this anniversary year by welcoming alumnus Bob Prince, co-chief investment officer at Bridgewater Associates, to campus.
I invite each of you to connect with the Collins College of Business during this exciting academic year. Whether by serving as guest speakers, offering internships, or suggesting program ideas, your involvement can make a profound impact. Please feel free to reach out directly if you are interested in exploring how we can collaborate.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Your participation is crucial to maintaining the dynamic, relevant, and impactful nature of our programs. I am excited to see many of you at our 2024 Homecoming, Oct. 24-27, and look forward to the ideas and contributions you will bring.