As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2021, Matthew Smith, a finance major with a trust management minor from Newark, Delaware, has not had the typical final year or commencement at UD due to the coronavirus pandemic. Smith, and his entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered.
Smith was nominated for this series by UD Director of the trust management minor Jennifer McCloskey, who said, “Matt Smith is active on campus, has demonstrated incredible teamwork and has played a critical role in the students facilitating a community for the students in the trust minor’s class of 2021 even through the pandemic.
“Matt has utilized and taken to heart all professional development, networking skills and opportunities afforded to him through the trust minor,” McCloskey continued. “Matthew has worked for the UD basketball team for all of his college career and has secured full-time employment upon graduation at Brown Advisory doing trust and wealth management.”
In this profile, Smith shared his favorite UD memories, how he has changed during his time at UD and his plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Smith: Over the past four years I think I’ve grown to be very independent and am able to take on tough tasks or things that I may not have been able to do before.
Lerner: What is your favorite place at UD?
Smith: My favorite place at UD would have to be the Green. During the fall, spring and summer it’s hard to find anything that looks as nice. The Green is a staple of Delaware and the campus would not be the same without it.
Lerner: What is the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Smith: The most memorable class I’ve taken at Lerner would have to be Financial Modeling and Valuation taught by Rich Jakotowicz. This class is so memorable to me because it has challenged me to use all of the finance and accounting concepts I’ve learned and, as a result, I understand finance at a deeper level.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience?
Smith: My favorite UD experience was getting to work for the Delaware basketball team. Doing that has allowed me to travel to many different places and make relationships that will last longer than my time at Delaware.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Smith: To me, being a Lifelong Lerner means giving back to the community that gave so much to me. There are many people within the Lerner community that have helped me get to where I am today. I will always cherish and be thankful for the connections I’ve made with Lerner faculty, staff and students.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Smith: After graduation I will be working for Brown Advisory Investment Management. At Brown Advisory, I will be supporting relationships with high-net-worth individuals and families.