RAISE VOICES, NOT HANDS

To whom it may concern,

Blue Sapphire Equities was built on a simple but powerful belief: when you invest in people first, everything else follows. Performance improves. Culture strengthens. Opportunity compounds. At BSE, our focus begins and ends with internal development, because by growing our members, we elevate the fund as a whole.

Everything BSE is today exists because of the foundation built by the members and leaders who came before us. Over the years, countless students have invested their time and energy into strengthening the fund, refining its process, and setting high standards for both professionalism and performance. During my time in the organization, I have had the opportunity to learn under Managing Directors Mickey Fanella and Jack Mercer. Their work, along with the work of those before them, continues to shape how we operate and the expectations we hold ourselves to.

While portfolio performance is a point of pride for BSE, our culture is what sustains it. We believe strong results come from strong people. Our mission:

 “Raise your voice, not your hand,”

reflects the value we place on open dialogue and shared responsibility. Members collaborate in industry teams, participate in weekly firm meetings, and engage in discussions that challenge ideas and sharpen thinking. Brotherhood and trust create an environment where every member is encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and contribute meaningfully, regardless of experience level.

Education sits at the center of everything we do. That education extends beyond technical finance skills and into personal growth and professional development. Through weekly meetings, a structured New Member Education program, and hands-on experience, members develop skills in financial analysis, communication, teamwork, and creativity. Central to this is our “learn it, teach it” mindset. As members grow, they are expected to share what they learn through mentorship, discussion, and leadership. This responsibility is especially held by upperclassmen, whose role is not only to perform well individually but to help raise the level of the entire fund. When knowledge is shared, everyone advances together.

Growth at BSE comes from being challenged. Members are pushed to step into roles that stretch their abilities, defend their ideas, and take ownership of their development. As Neale Donald Walsch said,

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

We believe meaningful progress happens when members are willing to lean into discomfort and rise beyond the expectations placed on them.

Blue Sapphire Equities is proud to be Miami University’s premier student-managed investment fund. Defined by strong performance, a commitment to learning, and a culture rooted in trust and accountability, BSE continues to grow through the collective efforts of its members. By investing in one another, we ensure the fund remains strong today and well-positioned for the future.

Sincerely,

Declan Brennan

Managing Director