FMA Magazine 2021 - 2023

EXPANDED PROGRAMMING
magazine’s poll of Wall Street analysts
and investors. Now at GM, he is focused
on helping GM execute a growth strategy
driven by an all-electric future. As always,
Paul’s extraordinary experience combined
with familial kindness and love for his
alma mater set students at ease to ask
questions and learn from Paul’s challenges
and successes. “Mr. Jacobson clearly loves
Auburn,” said Nick Thompson, FMA copresident,
“to see someone with as much
experience as he has - relate to the students
like their family…what an impressive and
impactful display of stewardship, hubris,
and love for Auburn. He’s the definition of
strong character.”
Jim Jeffries, whose daughter Mary
Catherine is a junior HCOB student, didn’t
hesitate when asked to join the panel. “He’s
been a great supporter of FMA”, said Tracy
Richard, Program director. “Jim and I were
friends in high school, and I was excited
to reconnect with him when his daughter
came to Auburn. He has so much industry
experience and has continued to look for
ways to help FMA and our students, beyond
his participation in the Summit.”
Drew Mason’s St. Joseph Partners is a
physical gold and silver brokerage company.
The firm’s research on gold’s role in
constructing optimal investment portfolios
has been referenced worldwide. Mason, who
graduated from Wharton, worked on Wall
Street for UBS, First Boston, and Lehman
Brothers. “Gold is de facto insurance for
one’s wealth. Notably, if you look at periods
exhibiting intense market stress like the
Great Depression or the Great Financial
Crisis, gold has notably outperformed
financial assets, affording investors the
liquidity to take advantage of opportunities
that can impact generations.” Drew has also
continued to support Auburn – structuring
an intern program for HCOB students and
visiting campus for additional student info
sessions. “His visit meant a lot outside of
just opening our eyes to precious metals
investing,” said junior finance major John
Boles.
FMA again offered several engagement
opportunities for students and alumni,
including an ASIF stock pitch and tours
of the newly opened Financial Leadership
Center. In addition to career pathway info
sessions held by industry executives, FMA
also hosted a networking social on the
Gavin Terrace at Horton-Hardgrave Hall
and concluded the Summit on Saturday with
a special tailgate prior to the Texas A&M at
Auburn football game.
FMA 2021-2023 MAGAZINE 31