For the third consecutive year, the University of Houston-Downtown Financial Management Association (FMA) received a “superior” rating for their active promotion and participation in career-centered events and community service projects.

According to FMA International, out of the 175 student chapters throughout the United States, less than 10 percent receive the organization’s top designation.

“We are very proud of our students that are involved in this chapter,” said Dr. Esther Castro, chapter adviser and assistant professor of finance at the Marilyn Davies College of Business. “Our members are focused on helping fellow students prepare for their future careers, while also realizing the importance of giving back to their communities.”

Over the past year, UHD’s FMA chapter has hosted industry professionals that have given presentations about their personal experiences in different financial positions. In addition, students have toured BP, the Federal Reserve and BBVA Compass Stadium.

“These opportunities allow our students a chance to network with others and sometimes leads to internships or jobs,” Castro said. “FMA has also tried to retain connection with alumni and host panels of recent graduates to get their perspective of entering the job force.”

UHD’s FMA students take their involvement in the community seriously, by participating as regular volunteers at the Houston Food Bank, Beacon Homeless Services and activities at events hosted by area chamber of commerce organizations.

“An important goal of our organization is to promote volunteerism and serve as an effective advocate and model for community engagement for all organizations and business professionals.” Castro said.

The UHD chapter has also attended FMA’s leadership conferences in New York City and Chicago over the past four years. At the events, the students heard presentations from senior professionals with Morningstar and the Chicago Stock Exchange. UHD has also participated in quiz bowls against FMA chapters from other states and have finished in the top 10 each time.

In particular this past year, Castro said the UHD chapter ended last semester with over 400 volunteer hours and increased its membership. The group was also able to not only attract business and accounting majors, but those involved in political science, education and Management Information Systems.

“We have a strong chapter and one that is very involved,” Castro said. “The skills they are learning today will make them leaders in the future.”