DONOR PROFILE

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The Gmelich Lab for Financial Markets Innovation and Technology for the Next Generation of Business Leaders

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 became the new normal. The Villanova School of Business has had a long-standing commitment to advancing technology and providing experiential 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 country.

“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 conversant 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 of capital markets and passion for technology, Dr. Ratigan works with faculty to incorporate the lab into their curricula.

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“As emerging technology continues to transform finance, real estate, analytics, management information systems and other disciplines, 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 and William O’Toole Dean

A view of the Gmelich Lab from the Bartley Atrium.

Much More than a Computer Lab

Located next to the Nydick Family Commons, the exterior of the lab features monitors displaying financial data and stock market performance, as well as a video screen for recruiting information from prospective employers.

Inside the lab is a large classroom featuring:

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4 28 workstations

Seating capacity for 56

Wall Street trading desks

Nine 75" LED screens

The LED screens can display financial data and can be used for high-tech video conferencing with alumni, business leaders and employers, enhancing the experiential learning process for students.

Using collaborative software, remote instructors, students and alumni can join lab activities from their browser or smartphone. Adjacent to the larger classroom is a smaller lab with 13 workstations that is ideal for group projects and research. Both the main lab and the research lab are available to students when not in use for classroom instruction.

Applied Quantitative Finance Program

The Gmelich Lab for Financial Markets is an important element of the Applied Quantitative Finance Program. The AQF concentration was created in 2017 to better prepare students for the growing field of quantitative finance, an area that combines STEM skills with finance. The goal is to train students who are strong in math, finance and coding and possess knowledge of the markets, strong communication skills and the ability to interpret data. The program is designed to be small (20 to 30 students for each graduating class) with rigorous admissions criteria and coursework.

“Technology has disrupted every major industry group and the financial markets are no exception. The goal of the Gmelich Lab for Financial Markets is to not only teach VSB students new technology, but also to bring it into the classroom and apply it,” said Stephen Padovano ’89 VSB, executive-in-residence and director of the Applied Quantitative Finance Program. According to Padovano, the AQF program is resonating with employers as students are landing desirable internships and full-time employment opportunities in sales and trading, investment banking, and private equity.