On Jan. 22, 2015, CFA Society Chicago held its annual New Member and Volunteer Recognition Party in the amazing rotunda of the Chicago Cultural Center. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails were served beneath the world’s largest Tiffany glass dome—measuring 38 feet in diameter! The dome was restored in 2008 to reflect
its original 1897 splendor that includes Tiffany Favrille glass cut in the shape of fish scales with signs of the zodiac lighted electrically at night. Originally used as the first Chicago Public Library, the dome contains an inscription by British essayist, poet, playwright and politician Joseph Addison which reads, “Books are the legacies that a great genius leaves to mankind, which are delivered down from generation to generation as presents to the posterity of those who are yet unborn.”
Christopher Vincent CFA, Chairman – CFA Society Chicago, welcomed 128 members, staff and volunteers to the evening’s festivities and recognized 48 new members to the Society. Chris discussed the critical importance of volunteering for CFA Chicago and gave a tip of the hat to Alan Meder, CFA, who once displayed his high regard for volunteers by simply saying, “You are a volunteer and volunteers make our organization work!”
Chris went on to say that our job is to be relevant in an industry that is mature and, at times, challenged. He encouraged the members to do this by identifying, leading, recruiting and mentoring new volunteers. He also recognized several of the incredible women leaders within the Society for their amazing contributions including leaders like Kerry Jordan, CFA, CFA Chicago Vice Chair, RMB Capital Management, Joan Rockey, CFA, CFO Castleark Management LLC, and Heather Brilliant, CFA, CEO Morningstar Australasia to name a few.
The volunteers listed below were recognized for their outstanding 2014 contributions in the following areas:
- Annual Dinner – Tim Holt, CFA
- Candidate Services – Rebecca Smith, CFA
- Career Management – Jenifer Aronson, CFA
- CFA Women – Marie Winters, CFA
- Communications – Bob Mudra, CFA
- Education Seminars – Andy Feltovich, CFA, Garret Glawe, CFA and Tom Hillman, CFA
- Distinguished Speaker Series – Patrick Bourbon D’Ingrande, CFA
- Outreach & Member Development – Sitram “Ram” Gundapaneni
- Social Events – Daniel LeKan, CFA
The evening concluded with a raffle and door prizes from a variety of Chicago favorites including Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, Giordano’s – Famous Stuffed Pizza, Jason’s Deli, Phil Stefani Restaurants, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, The Metropolitan Club, The Standard Club, and Union League Club.
CFA Staff members Larisa Bezak and Kim Augustyn, CMP ensured that only one raffle entry per person was allowed (this is still Chicago after all). And they even provided impromptu childcare for a portion of the program. Thanks again to our dedicated CFA Staff who will do (and have done) almost anything to keep things running smoothly!