University at Buffalo School of Management

Autumn 2026 Buffalo Business 25 Improving financial literacy For Stanley J. Kon, PhD '76, returning to the classroom combined decades of academic research and industry experience to help students better understand the integration and tradeoffs in financial planning and wealth portfolio management from the perspective of a unique family of preferences. Kon is co-teaching a new course with Michael Brace and Jennifer Wu, both clinical assistant professors of finance. "I began teaching again because I wanted to improve finan- cial literacy," Kon says. "Our goal is to help students understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to financial planning and wealth management, with a focus on lifetime, holistic decision-mak- ing. We want students to think critically about the downside risks of various investment strategies relative to their goals." Kon speaks with students in the finance course he co-teaches� Photo: Tom Wolf Industry feedback, Bills Mafia style When Cecily Rodriguez, adjunct professor of organization and human resources, wanted the students in her Talent Management course to experience the kind of feedback and evaluation they might encounter in the workplace, she turned to alumni to bring that expe- rience to her classroom. For a course project focused on developing strategies for the Buffalo Bills, Rodriguez invited alumni, industry professionals and dedicated Bills fans to serve as judges for student presenta- tions. Among those who volunteered was Joe Ray, BS '14, director of marketing at Lighthouse Technology Services. Ray evaluated presentations and provided professional feed- back on both students' ideas and delivery, helping them refine their presentation skills. "I was impressed by how the students received feedback," Ray says. "They genuinely wanted to know what they could do better and what we liked best, so they could build on it." What stood out even more to Ray was the students' level of preparation and engagement. "In a Wednesday early morning class toward the end of the semester, the students were on their game," he says. The class draws on lessons from a forthcoming book coauthored by Kon — Dynamic Lifetime Financial Decisions: A Framework for Managing Wealth Under Uncertainty, Constraint, and Change. Students also work through assignments using WealthFluent, a personalized decision-making platform Kon co-founded. During the semester, Kon traveled from his home in Colorado to spend time with the students on campus in Buffalo. "Teaching is best as a one-on-one activity. I want to be face-to-face with students," he says. "My time at UB was the most productive three years of my life because it was enriched by thoughtful debates with faculty and classmates. I want students to leave with the same sense of curiosity that shapes a lifelong career." By returning to the classroom, Kon and other alumni are sharing knowledge while strengthening the connection between students and graduates. "Our student surveys consistently show that opportunities to engage with alumni and the business community are the first predic- tor of student satisfaction and learning," says Cynthia Shore, senior assistant dean for alumni and external engagement. "Hearing directly from those in the workplace helps students better understand how classroom concepts translate into real-world decision-making." I was impressed by how the students received feedback. They genuinely wanted to know what they could do better and what we liked best, so they could build on it. Joe Ray, BS '14 Director of Marketing Lighthouse Technology Services Joe Ray (far left) with students and judges, including beloved superfan "Bobby Buffalo" (front row, center) from Cecily Rodriguez's Talent Management course�

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