In a tradition that goes back decades, the trust juniors gathered recently at historic Pinehurst Resort and Country Club for “steaks on the veranda.” Freshmen in the trust program also gathered at the historic Angus Barn Steakhouse in Raleigh. Both trips were wonderful networking opportunities celebrating students’ decision to pursue both rewarding and challenging careers in the ever-growing trust and wealth management industry.
Campbell’s Trust and Wealth Management program is a very much a family according to Jimmy Witherspoon, program director. “I am so proud of our students and our alumni. Yes, they will be rewarded handsomely financially over their working careers, but far more importantly, they will make a tremendous difference in the lives of their clients. Trust is all about putting the needs of others before your own….as ‘stewards’ in the finest and noblest tradition. It is a magnificent major/career path to consider if a student has a passion for helping others.”
Campbell is the only university in the country to offer an undergraduate degree in trust and wealth management. Former Campbell President Norman Adrian Wiggins, who was once a trust officer and expert in trust law, established the program at the university in 1967. These days, 45 to 50 students graduate from Campbell with a trust degree each year – many of whom also graduate with an MBA thanks to the 4/1 MBA program. Nearly all trust majors complete at least one summer internship at major banks across the country such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America. The permanent hire placement rate for Campbell’s trust majors is 95 percent within one month of graduation. Graduates of the program are also eligible, immediately upon graduation, to sit for the prestigious CFP examinations enabling them to become Certified Financial Planners upon meeting the work experience requirement.