By Ava Steffens
Matt Arnold, a 2000 Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumnus, remembers the moment he heard about the launch of the Saluki Student Investment Fund (SSIF). It was his final semester, and the finance major with a minor in accounting immediately saw the opportunity.
“As soon as I heard about it, I knew I had to be involved,” Arnold said.
Arnold joined the inaugural class of just eight students. Their mission: build the foundation of a student-run investment fund seeded by a $25,000 donation. Today, that fund has grown into a $4.2 million operation.
“I saw the dirt mounting and the foundation being built,” he said. “What was done after I left was a beautiful job constructing something that now has a 25-year history.”
A Launching Pad
Arnold has met many students who launched successful careers thanks to their SSIF experience. He said employers value the skills students gain through the fund—teamwork, investment analysis, and the ability to accept and apply feedback.
“It shows that a student knows how to invest, work with others, and use constructive feedback to improve,” he said.
He also noted that the fund helps students build professional networks, which often lead to their first jobs.
“Beyond hands-on experience, it gives access to professionals who are established in their field and know how difficult it is to break into this business,” Arnold said.
Arnold grew up in Waterloo, Illinois, and moved to Jackson County, where his father owned an automotive business. Following in his parents’ footsteps, he chose SIU for its proximity and strong business programs.
He explored several areas within the College of Business and Analytics before a finance class “just clicked,” he said. Inspired by the media’s portrayal of stock analysts, Arnold pursued a career in finance and has since become a respected financial research analyst in St. Louis.
At Edward Jones Investments, he leads half of the Equity Research department’s analysts, helping financial advisors make informed investment decisions.
“My job is telling advisors the best place for their clients’ money to appreciate over time, while managing risk and avoiding dire financial outcomes,” he said.
Giving Back
Arnold’s connection to SSIF didn’t end at graduation. He returned to support the fund when it began competing in the CFA Institute’s annual Chartered Financial Analyst Challenge in Virginia. Students pitch investment recommendations and develop detailed theses.
“I was asked to join as an advisor for a group,” he said. “Since then, that has been a big piece of how I dedicate my time to the fund.”
Though his time as a student member was brief, Arnold said mentoring current students is his favorite way to support SIU.
“Anytime I’ve been asked to give back to the fund or department, I’m inclined to help,” he said. “I remember how I wished I had more of a network, especially toward the end of my college career.”
Under the guidance of faculty advisor Dr. Tim Marlo, the SSIF continues to provide students with real-world experience and mentorship. Arnold hopes the program will continue to thrive for future generations of Salukis.
“Supporting the SSIF gives future students the same incredible opportunities,” he said. “As precious a commodity as time is, you will feel so rewarded when you invest some of it into young people. It brings you back to what it was like when you were there.”
To learn more about the Saluki Student Investment Fund, visit business.siu.edu/rso/ssif. To support the fund, visit give.siu.edu/ssif.
In October 1971, Man Nguyen arrived in Carbondale from Vietnam with three high school friends, the support of his family, and a dream of one day returning to his homeland. Encouraged by the older brother of one of his friends who was already attending Southern Illinois University, Nguyen applied and was accepted—a decision that would mark the beginning of a life-changing chapter.
After graduating in 1975 with a degree in mathematics, Nguyen embarked on a career in information technology. He first joined Lockheed Electronics in Houston, a NASA contractor supporting the space shuttle program. He later worked for Marathon Oil as an IT consultant, where he had an unexpected encounter with SIU alumna and retired NASA astronaut Joan Higginbotham. She autographed a photo of herself featured on the cover of the March 2007 SIU Alumni Magazine, which he still keeps.
Dr. Sunil Sinha’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and a deep connection to his heritage. Born into a family originally from India, Sunil’s journey to the United States in the late ’60s marked the beginning of a remarkable path that would intertwine his professional achievements with his cultural roots.
The third annual Saluki Ball, presented by The Honorable Glenn and Mrs. Jo Poshard, will kick off in style this April. 
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