Unlocking the Doors to Wall Street: Hofstra Students' Exclusive NYSE Experience

Hofstra University's Frank G. Zarb School of Business students were granted a rare opportunity to step onto the hallowed trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), immersing themselves in the heart of the financial world. This annual "Zarb on the Street" trip offered a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the global markets, fostering invaluable connections and insights that will shape the future of these aspiring business leaders.

Elevating Aspirations: Hofstra Students Witness the NYSE Opening Bell Ceremony

Hofstra students were granted exclusive access to witness the iconic NYSE Opening Bell ceremony, hosted by alumnus Ronald Bohlert, NYSE sector lead – real estate, Intercontinental Exchange. This once-in-a-lifetime experience allowed them to witness the ceremonial ringing of the bell that signals the start of the trading day, a moment that has captivated the world's attention for decades.

Exploring the Cutting Edge of Financial Technology

The students' immersion in the financial industry extended beyond the trading floor, as they were given a tour and meeting with alumni Hofstra Center for Financial Services and International Markets Chair Brian Ruane, senior executive vice president and global head of BNY's (formerly BNY Mellon) clearance and collateral management, Credit Services and Corporate Trust, as well as Nevin Shah, investment consultant at BNY. The highlight of this experience was the opportunity to visit the Cyber Technology and Operations Center (CTOC) at BNY, where they were awestruck by the state-of-the-art technology powering the company's global operations."I really enjoyed seeing the Cyber Technology and Operations Center (CTOC) at BNY. It was truly impressive to see the state-of-the-art technology that BNY utilizes. They did a really great job of explaining how the advanced display systems allow BNY to quickly recognize and respond to incidents all over the world," said Arden Yoneyama, an entrepreneurship student from Nashville, TN.

Witnessing the Heartbeat of Wall Street

For many of the Hofstra students, the opportunity to visit the NYSE trading floor was a dream come true. Nadya Svidzerskaya, a finance student from Sunnyvale, CA, expressed her excitement, stating, "I was really looking forward to the Zarb on the Street trip, especially visiting the NYSE and being a part of the opening bell. It's such a unique opportunity to experience the ringing of the bell. Most people are not able to go on the trading floor, so it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Fostering Connections and Shaping Futures

Dean Janet Lenaghan of the Zarb School of Business praised the "Zarb on the Street" experience, highlighting the invaluable opportunities it provides for students to gain firsthand insights into the financial industry and build valuable connections with industry leaders and alumni."Opportunities like Zarb on the Street allow our students to gain firsthand insight into the financial industry and build valuable connections with industry leaders and alumni," stated Lenaghan. "It is an excellent example of how our graduates support and contribute to shaping incredible student experiences that enhance overall academic and professional growth – the hallmark of a Zarb education."The "Zarb on the Street" trip is an annual event that typically takes place in the fall semester, offering students a chance to explore the financial hub of Wall Street. In addition to the NYSE visit, last year's trip included visits to Brown Brothers Harriman and S&P Global, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the industry. Throughout the year, students can find additional company visits and networking events through the Handshake platform, further expanding their horizons and building their professional networks.