Three of UALR’s top finance students will culminate their independent study programs with a trip sponsored by Delta Trust & Bank to the annual Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders meeting May 2 and hear from financial luminary Warren Buffett.

This is the third year that Delta Trust & Bank has provided UALR College of Business students the unique opportunity to engage in a challenging independent study topped off by a trip to Omaha, Neb., for the Berkshire Hathaway meeting. Students who have completed the Investment Analysis class apply and interview to participate in the intense study, which includes extensive reading such as text by Buffett’s mentor, Benjamin Graham, and videos on investment strategies of Berkshire Hathaway’s largest shareholder and CEO who is currently the wealthiest person in the U.S.

The three students chosen this year are:

• Katarina Lovrantova is a native of Slovakia who came to UALR five years ago on an athletic scholarship and joined the Donaghey Scholars Program. The graduating senior who is interested in corporate governance and international finance, was accepted in the master’s programs at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She is a three-time Sunbelt Conference champion in track and cross country.
• Liana Peret, a graduate of Hot Springs High School in the top of her class, is a double major in international business and finance. Last spring, she worked with a Mexican company researching the possibilities of importing and exporting their products into the U.S. and went on a subsequent trip to Guadalajara researching the business and culture of the Mexican people. “During this trip, we also visited the company for whom we worked,” she said. “This was a life-changing experience.” Peret will graduate with a B.B.A. in May.
• Jose Montes de Oca, who was raised in Venezuela, is majoring in economics and finance with a minor in mathematics and is in the Donaghey Scholars Program. He would like to work in a multinational company abroad and attend graduate school.

Additionally, Delta Trust executives give the students an overview of a comprehensive financial services firm, including trust management, estate planning, portfolio management, insurance, trading, and investment advice.

“With the combination of the academic study materials and interaction with professionals in the field, UALR students gain a perspective that would not be possible strictly in the classroom,” said Larry Holland, UALR professor of finance, who will accompany the students on the trip. “They are also better prepared to absorb the experience of attending the Berkshire Hathaway meeting.”

“The internship training at Delta Trust provides the three students with extensive knowledge about investments, trust, and insurance with experts in each respective field,” said French Hill, chief executive officer of Delta Trust. “It is a privilege for Delta Trust to offer these students the opportunity to hear Warren Buffett and experience the Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting. I believe it is an experience that they will benefit from for many years.”