Just like everyone else in the world, the FPA K-State Chapter has had an unusual semester of the 2020-2021 school year. Through social distancing and Zoom meetings we have continued to connect with our fellow students, faculty members and industry professionals. While COVID-19 has limited the usual travel schedules, the chapter has taken advantage of several opportunities to learn and network. Close to a dozen students were able to attend the National FPA Conference which was held virtually this year.
The Kansas State Personal Financial Planning program was represented by three students, Claire Herrmann (’21), Garrett Jackson (‘21), and Delaney Johnson (‘21), in the Financial Planning Challenge for undergraduates at the 2020 National FPA Conference. Kansas State was selected as one of the top eight teams in the country based on the written comprehensive financial plan they produced by hand. Then during the conference, the team did an oral presentation via Zoom and competed in a knowledge bowl against the other seven finalist teams.
Overall, the team finished fifth in the country after a very close competition. “I really enjoyed getting to be a part of the competition team. I am very proud of the work we put in through the challenges COVID-19 presented. Meeting on zoom in was not ideal but we still put together a fantastic written plan,” said Delaney Johnson. “I was bummed that we did not get to travel and interact with the other teams, but the process was still very cool to be a part of.” Historically, K-State has done well in the FPA Challenge, placing in the top three 13 of the 20 years the competition has been held.
The FPA K-State Chapter has also continued to connect students with industry professionals throughout the semester, hearing their story and asking for advice on how to thrive in the industry. This year the chapter has focused on being there for our students. Due to the effects of COVID-19 our meetings have been forced to go to a virtual format. FPA K-State has used this as an opportunity to include our distance, masters and doctoral students in all chapter events and we hope to continue that into the future.
We are looking forward to seeing what 2021 will bring for our students and our FPA chapter.
Current officers for the group include: President, Garrett Jackson, Senior; Vice President, Camrie Wagner, Junior; Treasurer, Megan Klug, Junior; Secretary, Claire Herrmann, Senior; and Faculty Advisor, Dr. Derek Lawson.