Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Marquette Students Visit Warren Buffett



Marquette Students Visit Warren Buffett

On Friday, March 20, students from Marquette University’s Applied Investment Management (AIM) program spent the day with legendary investor and business magnate, Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. AIM Director, Dr. David Krause, and 2009 AIM alumnus, David Martin, escorted 20 undergraduate students to Omaha, Nebraska, to tour two Omaha-based Berkshire Hathaway companies—Borsheims and the Nebraska Furniture Mart. They also had lunch with Buffett at one of his favorite local eateries, Piccolo Pete’s Restaurant. The Marquette students were joined by students from four other schools (Wharton, US Naval Academy, Notre Dame and Boston College). They also attended a two hour question-and-answer session with Mr. Buffett at the Field Club of Omaha.

Dr. Krause commented, “For students, I am certain the experience will have a lasting impact.  Mr. Buffett not only talked on a variety of finance topics, but he also discussed the importance of developing good habits early in one’s professional career. He offered valuable life lessons and emphasized the importance of being a lifelong learner. We enjoyed hearing about his basic philosophies and were impressed with
his humility.”  

AIM student Jack Sullivan found Buffett to be upbeat and optimistic. “While he is clearly a highly intelligent person, I was pleased to hear him speak positively about the future. His views about economics, business and society were insightful and offered an encouraging vision of the future. It was a notable day and one I’ll long remember.”

Krause concluded, “David Martin was responsible for arranging this opportunity and we are thankful for his continued involvement with the AIM and real estate programs at Marquette. He and Warren Buffett have developed a true friendship over the past several years and it was nice to hear David and Marquette receive a special shout out from Mr. Buffett. I was also delighted with our students—they were well prepared, asked excellent questions, and displayed genuine enthusiasm.”