Founder’s message
It is hard to believe that the program is now 25 years old. In looking back over that time, we have graduated 173 first class Calvin Potter fellows, most of whom have gone on to find success in the industry.
The first program director was Professor Abraham Brodt. He had the extremely difficult job of setting up the program, including the client committee, seminars, operating procedures, obtaining internships and eventually permanent jobs. Over twelve years, he worked passionately and directed the students on the path to excellence. Notably, the student-managed fund was awarded first place in the R.I.S.E. conference at Dayton University. It was also during the 2008-2009 period that the John Molson School set records among the business school competitions by winning gold in four competitions — the first school to do so. Abraham led by example, with the highest code of ethics and with his combination of humorous, confident and humble mannerisms.
As Abraham moved on in 2012 to become the chair of the finance department, his place as program director was taken by Reena Atanasiadis. Reena brought her own style and unbridled energy to the program. Her no-nonsense approach engendered her to her students. They knew her to be fair but demanding. In 2013, she organized a trip for 20+ students and alumni to visit Omaha, Nebraska where we were able to meet and enjoy lunch with Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway. In 2015, with the help of client committee member Harold Scheer and others, she was able to send some students to Ghana to provide young African students with a perspective on Canadian entrepreneurism. It was all about giving back to the community, but I think the students gained as much as they gave.
In 2019, Reena left and eventually become dean of commerce at Bishop’s University. We were fortunate to find Sukyong Yang who was appointed program director. Her thirty years of investment experience and immense capabilities made her the right appointment at the right time. Since her arrival, she has achieved a great deal by applying a disciplined and rigorous approach to investment analysis. Except for Bill Healy and me, the five other client committee members joined under Sukyong’s stewardship, bringing a new perspective to the committee. She also attracted excellent speakers, revamped the student selection process, and reestablished many operating procedures including setting a formal code of ethics and standards of conduct. As noted before, the program has thrived under her leadership.
Sukyong also helped me work with the university to change and enhance the financial aspect of the foundation. Thanks to the effect of compounding, my initial gift of one million became $2.4 million by 2019. We added scholarships honouring the two prior directors, one being the Abraham Brodt scholarship and another called the Reena Atanasiadis scholarship to recognize their significant contributions to the program. In 2022, I provided an additional one million dollars and was provided with a partial match from the university. The board then accepted our plan to identify the Fund as the Ken Woods Portfolio Management Foundation and to use some of the income of the Fund to be invested in the program. As such, all students would receive a Kenneth Woods scholarship, funds would be made available to the program director to use for travel, conferences, alumni relations, etc. Also, scholarships would be made available to selected Concordia athletes belonging to teams that could compete in a sport at the national level. Despite these expenses used towards the program, as I write this letter in February 2025, the Fund’s assets are valued at $6.5 million.
During the past 25 years, the program received incredible support from the university at the highest levels, including the university’s president and the dean of John Molson. This program is a unique blend of academics and real world challenges. These fortunate students enjoy two summer internships and almost guaranteed job positions upon graduation. My thanks to President Graham Carr and Dean Anne-Marie Croteau for their unwavering support.
Looking back over the years, I would like to remember three individuals and their successors who provided very important support at the beginning of our existence and continued thereafter. While they are deceased, it does not diminish my gratitude and the individuals are Mr. David McLean, past Chairman of CN, Mr. John Dobson, Formula Growth founder, and Mr. Ned Goodman. These men appreciated our vision and helped us build a strong foundation when it was needed the most.
An observation made by the late John Dobson of Formula Growth was that by establishing the program in a public manner rather than staying anonymous, it encouraged others to give support to the university. His company contributed in many ways including the Formula Growth Trading Room in the John Molson building that provides essential tools for business students. It is with appreciation to those client committee members, alumni, and corporate partners who have donated generously to fund scholarships, graduation, events, and travel to further assist the students in the program. We also inspired the establishment of another investment program at the university concentrating on North American small cap companies that was funded by our friend Sebastian Van Berkom. Furthermore, many of our Calvin Potter Fellow alumni have given back in other ways, including internships, giving seminars and being mentors.
My final recognition is to the late Professor Calvin Potter. Attending his classes was a highlight for me as was his mentoring and friendship. This program would not exist today if I had not been fortunate enough to benefit from his wisdom and guidance. Our graduates have been fortunate enough to have received a similarly great experience from our program directors.
Kenneth Woods
Founder, Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program
