Invested in Learning
Now, more than ever, technology is an essential part of our lives and the University experience. Recent events have made this abundantly clear as remote learning and working become the new normal. The Villanova School of Business has had a long-standing commitment to advancing technology and providing experimental learning, which are critical components of VSB’s Strategic Plan. This dedication is epitomized in the new Victoria and Justin Gmelich ‘90 VSB Lab for Financial Markets.
The lab was made possible by a generous $3 million endowment from Justin and Victoria Gmelich. Justin Gmelich served as the chief operating officer of Fixed Income, Currency, and Commodities at the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. prior to his retirement in March 2019. He currently serves as Partner and Global Head of Markets at King Street Capital.
He has been a member of Villanova’s Board of Trustees and a member of the University’s Investment Committee since 2011. In 2017, he became the vice chair of the Board of Trustees. The commitment from the Gmelichs represents one of the largest named individual gifts for a financial markets lab in the county.
“As two former bond traders, Victoria and I experienced first-hand the importance of technology in capital markets and the growing need for students to be conservant in coding,” explained Justin Gmelich.
“Sponsoring a state-of-the-art finance lab provides a platform for educating the next generation of finance leaders while supporting Villanova University and its nationally recognized business school.”
As VSB continues its mission of Developing Leaders for a Better World, it recognizes that the business landscape is rapidly changing, and employers are looking for students with real-world expertise. Among the strategic imperatives outlined in VSB’s Strategic Plan are the development of competencies in technology, data, and analytics. The Gmelich Lab for Financial Markets will ensure that today’s students are equipped with the tools they need to develop these competencies.
David Ratigan, PhD, ‘07 CLAS serves as the director of the Gmelich Lab for Financial Markets. Using his deep knowledge for capital markets and passion for technology. Dr. Ratigan works with faculty to incorporate the lab into their curricula.
“As emerging technology continues to transform finance, real estate, and analytics, management information systems and other disciples, the Gmelich Lab for Financial Markets creates even more opportunities for VSB Students to enter the professional world at a competitive advantage.” - Joyce E. A. Russell, PhD, The Helen & William O’ Toole Dean
Originally published in the Fall 2020 Issue of Villanova Business magazine.
Justin and Victoria Gmelich ’90 VSB
“Sponsoring a state-of-the-art finance lab provides a platform for educating the next generation of finance leaders while supporting Villanova University and its nationally recognized business school.”