Abraham Brodt, is a professor in Concordia’s Department of Finance | Photo by Anna J. Gunaratnam
Students enrolled in the Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program (KWPMP) can look toward new support from the Abraham Brodt Endowment.
The endowment will fund a bursary each year, which gives students in Concordia’s Department of Finance hands-on experience at KWPMP with real investment portfolios.
“The endowment enables us to support our most promising students,” says Steve Harvey, dean of the John Molson School of Business (JMSB). “We’re also honouring a professor who helped make the program a benchmark of its kind nationally.”
Abraham Brodt, in Concordia’s Department of Finance, is that professor. He served as the program’s director from its inception in 2000 until he stepped down in 2012.
“Abe basically set up the program and selected the students,” says Kenneth Woods, MBA 75. “He also helped them find relevant summer work opportunities.”
A successful wealth manager, Woods founded the program with a $1 million investment, which has grown to $1.7 million thanks to the work of students and professors involved. KWPMP typically welcomes eight to 10 students per year.
“We had to find a way to celebrate his dedication to the program, which now has over 100 alumni,” says Woods.
Other groups that will top up the endowment are the Concordia University Foundation, the John Dobson Foundation and alumni of KWPMP.
“The fact that graduates are contributing is what pleases me the most,” says Brodt. “It demonstrates that KWPMP has been a success and that its graduates are doing well.”
Brodt also praises Woods’s dedication to the program — not just as a donor.
“He has been closely involved since day one,” says Brodt. “Even though he lives in Vancouver, he has been here for every graduation and all our key meetings.”
The renewable scholarship will be open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students enrolled in the program. Selection will be made on the basis of financial need and academic standing.