During his tenure at Bauer, Jeff Detwiler emerged as one of the three managers representing the Cougar Investment Fund at the highly prestigious Texas Investment Portfolio Symposium (TIPS). The Bauer team, standing out as the sole public school among the finalists, achieved an outstanding second-place finish in the national competition. This remarkable success led to a record-breaking closing for the Cougar Investment Fund, attracting a remarkable $1.7 million in new investments.

Detwiler's Pride and Impact

He expressed, "I took great pride in what I was doing and in the university. I was eager to compete against the best and showcase the quality of our work. At that time, I didn't fully grasp the extent of my impact. But now, looking back and witnessing the growth of the program, the school, and the depth of talent attracted to the fund, it's truly amazing."

Education's Role in Success

Since graduating, Detwiler became a partner and fixed-income portfolio manager at Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. He attributes his success largely to his education at Bauer. "At my previous firm, I was just a small part of a larger machine, with a specific job. However, within the Cougar Fund, we delved deep into all the intricacies of an investment company. We had to be hands-on in every aspect, and the knowledge and skills acquired through the finance program and the Cougar Fund laid a solid foundation for my career success."

Staying Connected to Campus

Detwiler remains closely associated with the campus. He is an integral part of the MS Finance Advisory Board and actively participates in the Bauer College Alumni Association. He encourages other alumni to get involved as well, saying, "The University of Houston gave me the tools to succeed, and I want to be a part of helping others achieve the same. What I'm doing not only benefits future generations who may receive fellowships but also inspires my fellow alums to follow in my footsteps."

Current Professional Endeavors

He is now a key figure at Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P., where he continues to make significant contributions. His experience and expertise have positioned him well in the financial industry. He is constantly leveraging the knowledge and connections gained from his time at Bauer to drive success in his current role. His story serves as an inspiration to both current students and alumni, showing the power of a solid education and a passion for excellence.