The Securities Analysis Center at the University of Oregon's Lundquist College of Business hosted a public forum on October 11, pulling together experts from industry and the college's faculty to provide insights on the current volatile financial situation. The consensus among panelists was best summed up by Ron Sauer, founder, chairman, and chief investment officer of Mazama Capital Management in Portland: "It seems like it's the end of the world, but it's not."

Other panelist included Ben Salm, managing director of the Securities Analysis Center; John Chalmers, associate professor of finance whose recent research on mutual funds was referred to as the "study of the decade" by Morningstar, Inc.; and Bob Jesenik, chief executive of Aequitas Capital Management of Lake Oswego.

"The panel was a fine cross-section of perspectives and expertise," said Salm.

More than 100 people attended the event in the Lillis Business Complex, which finished with a lengthy question & answer session that helped all to leave with a better understanding of events that brought the United States to this point. For some, it also produced a more positive outlook on the state of the economy. 

A similar event is planned for Monday, November 24, 6:00-7:15 PM, at the University of Oregon's White Stag Building in downtown Portland, Oregon, 70 N.W. Couch Street. Seating is limited and reservations are required. R.S.V.P. to pdxrsvp at jwj.uoregon.edu.