Launched in 2022 with a generous gift from Michael Armellino ’57 GP’19, the Peddie Student Investment Committee (PSSIC) was founded to give students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in investment management and financial analysis. According to Darren Kwok ’28, treasurer of the PSSIC, “PSSIC stands out as a uniquely hands-on experience, offering an invaluable glimpse into finance while giving back to the Peddie community.” This sentiment fuels the committee’s annual tradition: the MLK Day Stock Selection Marathon.
On Monday, January 19, the nine student members gathered in Coates Coleman for an intensive five-hour session with the goal of selecting four to five new stocks for the school’s portfolio. The choices PSSIC makes directly impact the endowment that supports financial aid, facilities and more. Alumnus and former PSSIC President Junting (Justin) Wang ’25 returned to lend his experience to the current team and add invaluable insights as they prepared to make their selections.
The committee is composed of nine students: three sophomores, three juniors and three seniors. This year’s team includes Darren Kwok ’28, Amelia Kunamneni ’28, Narayan Venkatesh ’28, Charlotte Ji Dressel ’27, Timur Tyan ’27, Samantha Forte ’27, Rohit Nunugunda ’26, Coco Zhou ’26, and Tevin Zhou ’26. PSSIC accepts new members only at the freshman level, allowing students to develop their investment skills over all four years at Peddie.
The committee is highly selective, with an annual process that includes a written application and an interview with faculty advisors Ms. Vella and Mr. Labban. This ensures each new cohort is prepared to contribute to managing the real-world responsibility of the school’s endowment from their first year forward.
“This year, our primary goal is to strengthen our technology exposure to keep pace with an AI-driven market,” PSSIC President Rohit Nunugonda ’26 said in a statement to The Peddie News. The committee will also consider promising opportunities in other industries such as pharmaceuticals and education, ensuring a diversified portfolio.
