Class of 2025 highlights

We began our two-year mandate in 2024, handpicked to deliver on the mission of the Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program: learning to manage a multi-million-dollar portfolio through real-world experience while ensuring capital preservation. While this is no small task, especially for university students, we recognized the unique opportunity we had as a cohort to carry forward the program’s strong legacy. Our group consisted of seven research associates from diverse backgrounds, each bringing distinct perspectives. Over time, through shared deliverables and experiences, we grew into a cohesive unit, with every member contributing meaningfully throughout the mandate.

During this period, we presented our ideas and convictions across numerous presentations. It would be an understatement to say we were consistently challenged in seminars, facing thoughtful questions from our director, peers, guest speakers, and client committee members, each becoming a valuable learning opportunity. We also applied our knowledge through two stock pitch competitions, the CFA Research Challenge, and the CIBC Student Investment Fund Conference, where we are proud and humbled to have won both. These experiences strengthened our analytical and presentation skills. The program also provided enriching opportunities, including visits to offices in Toronto and New York, where we connected with alumni.

Looking back, what stands out most is how much we have grown, not just as investors, but as a team. The program pushed us to think more critically, communicate more clearly, and hold ourselves to a higher standard. We learned to challenge ideas, defend our convictions, and stay disciplined in the face of uncertainty. This mandate has been both demanding and rewarding, and we leave it with a strong sense of pride in what we have accomplished together and confidence in how it has prepared us for what is ahead.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this experience has been the relationships we built along the way. As a cohort, we grew close through shared challenges and successes, forming friendships that will last well beyond the program. We also had the privilege of connecting with a broader network of peers, alumni, and professionals who pushed us to improve and think differently. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity made possible by Mr. Woods’ generosity. His vision of investing in the next generation created an environment where we could challenge ourselves, grow together, and be part of something much bigger than our individual experiences, something we do not take for granted.

Going forward, we feel ready to take the next step in our professional journeys, thanks to two years of meaningful learning and hands-on experience. We are also committed to carrying on the lifelong mandate of Kenneth Woods, supporting future cohorts, and continuing to contribute to the program in any way we can.

Portfolio performance

The Class of 2025 achieved an absolute annual return of 4.30 per cent and the assets under their management grew to $6.45 million by the end of December 2025.

CFA Research Challenge & CIBC Student Investment Fund Conference

The Class of 2025 showed outstanding competitive performance, winning the provincial level of the CFA Research Challenge in the spring of 2025. The presentation of the BUY pitch for Veeva at the CIBC Student Investment Fund competition impressed the jury so much that they awarded the KWPMP team first place for a second year in a row.

If you would like a physical copy of the full 2025 Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program annual report, please contact Sergey Gelman, program director, at kwpmp@concordia.ca.