The Hillsdale College Investment Club introduced a new website to boost the club’s recognition, provide members quick access to the club’s portfolio, and increase outreach to potential members. 

The club released the new website on March 9.

According to its website, the investment club manages a portfolio of U.S. equities and specializes in five different market sectors. Club meetings are dedicated to discussing different investment opportunities.

Features of the club’s new website include member biographies, a “join” tab for interested students, and a new password–protected portal only accessible to club members. The site also provides basic information about the investment club, links to the club’s Instagram and LinkedIn pages, and a new “contact us” feature.

Members agreed the old website had become outdated and obsolete, according to senior and Investment Club President Justin Nater. 

“People who are interested in HCIC — whether they be employers, prospective members, or parents — can now easily learn about our club, our philosophy, and our people,” sophomore and treasurer George Accola said.

Senior Isaac Waffle, the investments club’s junior analyst, said the original investment club website did not meet the club’s professional standards.

“Much of the information was out of date, and there were many necessary features missing,” Waffle said. “We especially wanted to have something that potential employers could look at and appreciate the level of professionalism that we hope to carry.”

According to Nater, the investment club needed a professional, organized website for employers, interested students, and current members  to easily access data and work with other investment firms in the future.

Sophomore Christian Mancuso, founder of Merica Sites, designed the new website. According to its website, Merica Sites primarily specializes in designing sites for conservative organizations and campaigns. 

Member biographies include a professional photo of each club member, along with access to their LinkedIn profile and resume, Waffle said.

The member portal allows members to access the investment club’s portfolio, including various holdings, according to Nater.

Nater said the investment club hopes to extend more opportunities for Hillsdale students to join, and the accessibility of the site will allow students to apply on a rolling basis.

The club hopes to add a networking feature for members and former alumni members to the site soon. This feature will help connect current investment club students with Hillsdale graduates working in the financial field, according to Nater. 

The investment club plans to promote various club events, which would provide outreach for members and non-members alike. The club also will promote an upcoming speech and networking event on the website, Nater said.

According to Nater, the Investment Club hopes to introduce a few other changes in addition to the new website, including rewriting its investment policy statement. He also hopes students will be able to become members of the club biannually, as opposed to the current annual basis. 

“I think the website is a great opportunity to signal that our club is different than most,” Accola said. “Due to our role in managing a part of the college’s endowment fund, HCIC is a responsibility. We want our prospective members to understand this.”