Smith Fraternities Tackle High-Stakes Investment Challenge With KPMG

More than 100 Smith School students participated April 2, 2026, in the Center for Social Value Creation’s spring interfraternity case competition, held in partnership with KPMG.

The competition brought together pledges from the school’s four co-ed business fraternities—Alpha Kappa Psi, Phi Chi Theta, Delta Sigma Pi and Pi Sigma Epsilon—to collaborate in teams and deliver investment recommendations under tight deadlines.

This semester’s case challenged participants to take on the role of chief investment officer at a fictional investment fund. Teams analyzed the global athletic footwear and apparel industry, evaluating companies including Nike, Adidas and Under Armour through financial performance and corporate social responsibility lenses.

Students presented their strategies to a panel of judges, including Smith alumni Sharita Ray ’18 and Brian Frey ’17. The case highlighted trends such as the rise of athleisure, sustainability and increased competition driven by e-commerce and innovation.

The event drew more than 300 attendees. Pledges from Phi Chi Theta earned first place for their analysis and presentation.

The interfraternity case competition provides students with hands-on consulting experience, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges while building skills in teamwork, critical thinking and communication. The event reflects the Center for Social Value Creation’s mission to educate, engage and empower students to create meaningful impact through business.