What could more interesting to a finance major than studying the investment principles of multi-billionaire Warren Buffett, one of the world’s wealthiest and wildly successful businessmen? Hearing directly from the man himself.

UALR finance majors, Jessica James, David Snowden, and James Rutherford, will do exactly that when they travel to Omaha, Neb., for the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 4.

Buffett, 82, is the company’s long-standing chairman and chief executive officer.

The trip is the capstone of the Berkshire Hathaway Independent Study Program, a partnership between Delta Trust & Bank and the UALR College of Business, that selects three senior-level economic or finance students each year interested in learning more about Buffett’s investment style.

James, Snowden and Rutherford, who each held internships at Delta Trust as part of the independent study, will attend the Young Presidents’ Organization panel discussion and reception while in Omaha. The students will post tweets and write blogs about lessons they are learning during their journey.

They will also enjoy a Sunday shareholder-only shopping day at Borsheims Jewelry Co., featuring brunch, billionaires playing bridge, and jewelry sold by none other than Buffett.

The partnership program between Delta Trust & Bank and the COB originated in 2007 and continues to attract top students each year. UALR finance professor Dr. Larry Holland heads the program.

“Delta Trust & Bank has given me the opportunity to meet incredible people and receive invaluable information,” said James. “I am looking forward to the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting and the opportunity to hear Warren Buffett speak. This experience will be one I will not forget!”

“For a finance student, there is nothing more rewarding than studying one of the world’s greatest investors,” said Rutherford. “I signed up for the Delta Trust Berkshire Hathaway Independent Study class because I wanted to understand exactly what makes Warren Buffett special.”

“I decided this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Snowden said. “I feel very fortunate to have been chosen to participate in the study. It has been a very rewarding experience to have been able to so thoroughly study the investment styles of Warren Buffett.”