Business professional was the dress code of the evening at the annual meeting of the University of Oregon Investment Group (UOIG) this May.

Established in the late 1990s, UOIG offers its members the chance to manage roughly $1 million in live money across three differently structured portfolios.

"They are mimicking a money management operation. The annual meeting is an opportunity for members to produce an annual report, have a meeting for stakeholders, and coordinate an annual event," said associate professor of finance Ro Gutierrez, who served as the group's advisor during the past academic year.

Presentations from the group's three portfolio managers kicked off the evening. Cameron Patrick '13—manager of the DADCO Portfolio--had plenty to celebrate. He spent the year overseeing a group of investments that are part of a multi-university competition sponsored each year by D. A. Davidson & Company. Thanks to a timely investment in Tesla Motors, the portfolio had shot up in value, putting the UO group well ahead of its rivals. Final results are expected in early September.

Next, two student analysts—Nicholas Hubert and Michael Saeks—presented their research on a possible investment, just as members do each week at UOIG's Friday morning meetings. In this case, the company in question was Boston Beer Company, maker of Samuel Adams beers, and the recommendation was "hold."

With business finished—it was time to celebrate. As the crowd of students, visiting UOIG alums, and guests enjoyed a festive dinner in the Jubitz Atrium of the Lillis Business Complex, the group's incoming officers recognized the previous year's managers with speeches and gifts.