SPIFFY Students visit Schools in Washington, Aroostook and Penobscot Counties

"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest." - Albert Einstein 

In 1993, the University of Maine Foundation Board of Directors, at the request of University of Maine students and with the assistance of advisor Dr. Robert Strong, CFA, created the Student Portfolio Investment Fund (SPIFFY). Started with an initial investment of $200,000, today the portfolio has assets totaling more than $1 million under the management of over 30 student analysts. The Fund provides real, hands-on experience for students in the financial markets. SPIFFY is one of 19 Fund managers for the University of Maine Foundation.

In 2007, the Foundation applied for and received a $10,000 grant from the Smith Barney Citgroup Foundation Fund to benefit SPIFFY student initiatives. As part of the grant, the SPIFFY students went on the road traveling to Maine schools to talk with students about the stock market and personal savings. Schools visited included Orono, Lubec, Perry, Fort Fairfield and Presque Isle. Topics covered were stock basics--what is a stock, who does issue stocks, who can buy stock, what does it mean to be an investor, time value of money, etc. The SPIFFY students gave participants a colorful laminated take-home card they called"Inve$ting!!" that highlighted some of the ideas presented during the class.

For more information about SPIFFY, contact Dr. Robert Strong, CFA at strong@maine.edu. Or visit the SPIFFY website

In 2003 the SPIFFY Endowment Fund was established in the University of Maine Foundation to provide general financial support of the SPIFFY program. If you would like to contribute to the SPIFFY Endowment fund, please contact the planned giving officer at the University of Maine Foundation or visit our secure on-line giving site