Mentorship Program
Please fill out the form (Click Here) by October 14th
to apply for Executive & Faculty mentors
Executive Mentors
Pete Glerum
Partner & Chief Investment Strategist at Castlelake- LinkedIn
Investments Mentor
Mr. Glerum joined Castlelake in 2005 and is its Chief Investment Strategist, responsible for supporting its global strategic partnership and fundraising strategy, as well as leading capital formation efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. During his tenure with Castlelake, he has held a variety of roles, including leading capital formation for its Asset-Backed Direct Lending strategy, overseeing its Investor Relations, Investor Communications, Corporate Communications, Legal & Compliance, Finance & Operations, and Risk Management. Before joining Castlelake, he was head credit trader at Deephaven Capital Management, an alternative investment firm. Prior to joining Deephaven, Mr. Glerum served in various roles at American Express Financial Advisors, Piper Jaffray, Wells Fargo Bank, and Cargill Financial Services Corp. Mr. Glerum received his M.B.A. with honors from the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota and a B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in management information systems and economics. Additionally, he is a member of the Alumni Advisory Board of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, College of Finance and Business Law. Pete is a perfect match for upperclassmen seeking a structured mentorship in all things Finance.
Dave Adam
Consultant, Former Treasurer at Johnson Financial Group
Corporate Finance Mentor
Dave Adam is a retired senior financial executive with experience in banking and venture capital. Most recently, he was Treasurer of Johnson Financial Group in Racine, Wisconsin, prior to shifting to a consulting role in the fall of 2021 to allow more time for travel, hobbies, and philanthropic pursuits. His oversight had included overseeing investment portfolios; asset & liability, liquidity & funding, capital management, corporate insurance, and assisting with budgeting and special financial projects for the $6 billion institution. Dave holds a BBA in Accounting from UW-Whitewater and master’s degrees in Finance from UW-Milwaukee and in Archaeology from the University of Leicester, where his dissertation was on Financial Intermediation in the Roman Empire in the 3rd and 4th Centuries. Dave is a perfect match for students not quite sure which avenue they should take within Finance.
Jaime Wolf
Finance Manager, Rockwell Automation- LinkedIn
Corporate Finance
Jaime Wolf has currently resided with Rockwell Automation for the last 22 years. Jaime graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Columbia in 1999 and found her footing at Rockwell in 2002. She currently serves as the company’s Finance Manager and holds a CPA. Outside of work, Jaime is a volunteer photographer at Night Shine. Jaime is a perfect match for students interested in Corporate Finance and Accounting. Additionally, Jaime can help top students find internships within Rockwell Automation.
Melissa Torres
Vice President-Loan Operations at Oak Bank- LinkedIn
Banking Mentor
Melissa Torres is a former UW-Madison graduate and has worked in banking for nearly 20 years. She has worked in a variety of roles, including Commercial Documentation Specialist, Credit Analyst, Credit Supervisor, Loan Review Officer, VP of Credit Risk Management, and finally VP of Loan Operations at Oak Bank. In addition to working at a multitude of banks, Melissa has worked on the regulation side with the FDIC and has recently graduated from Madison’s prestigious Graduate School of Banking. Melissa is the perfect match for students interested in any aspect of Commercial & Community Banking.
Patrick Jones
Chief Financial Officer, InProduction- LinkedIn
Investments Mentor
Patrick Jones is a veteran finance executive with decades of experience in private equity, M&A, and leading CFO roles. He is currently CFO at InProduction. Before that, he served as CFO at NORA Holdings and as Operating Executive CFO at Atlantic Street Capital, and has also held senior global finance roles in fast-scaling businesses. He holds an MBA from Indiana University Kelley School of Business and a BBA in Accounting from UW-Whitewater, and is both a CPA and CMA, making him well-suited to mentor students in strategic finance and leadership.
Joseph Hegner
Managing Director, Head of Healthcare at Barclays Investment Bank- LinkedIn
Investments Mentor
Joseph Hegner is an investment banker with over three decades of experience across leading global financial institutions. He currently serves as Managing Director and Head of Healthcare at Barclays Investment Bank, where he has led advisory and financing initiatives since 2017. Prior to Barclays, he spent nearly 15 years as a MD at Merrill Lynch, focusing on strategic transactions and capital markets within the healthcare sector, and began his career as a VP at Goldman Sachs. Joseph holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a BBA in Banking, Corporate Finance, and Securities Law from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, positioning him as an experienced mentor in investment banking, capital markets, and healthcare finance. Joseph is well-suited for students’ interests in investments or leadership
Ryan Ruth
Vice President - Private Credit Investments at Keystone National Group- LinkedIn
Investments Mentor
Ryan Ruth is a Vice President at Keystone National Group, specializing in private credit and structured finance. He brings experience from Ares Management, Principal Global Investors, and BNP Paribas, with expertise in underwriting, modeling, and special situations financing. A CFA charterholder, he holds a BBA in Finance, Investments, and Banking from the Wisconsin School of Business and studied at BI Norwegian Business School. Ryan is passionate about middle-market growth and innovative credit solutions, making him an excellent mentor for students interested in private credit and investment banking.
Steve Dryer
Chief Operating Officer at Annex Wealth Management- LinkedIn
Financial Planning Mentor
Steve Dryer is the Chief Operating Officer at Annex Wealth Management, where he oversees firm-wide operations and strategic initiatives driving growth across Wisconsin. With more than 30 years of experience in financial services, Steve previously held leadership roles at Northwestern Mutual, including Director of Agency Development and Director of Business Development for Investment Products & Services, and served as President of Mutual Financial Group. He holds an MBA in Finance from Marquette University and a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Steve is the perfect mentor for students interested in financial planning.
Sean Wayne
Private Wealth Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC- LinkedIn
Financial Planning Mentor
Sean S. Wayne, is a Private Wealth Advisor at Ameriprise Financial Services, where he has provided comprehensive financial planning and investment management for over 25 years. Based in Madison, he leads Sky’s Edge Wealth, helping clients align today’s financial decisions with long-term goals through personalized, unbiased advice. Sean holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and is a Certified Financial Planner® and Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor. Sean is a perfect match for students interested in all things financial planning.
Joe Schlidt
Co-Chief Investment Officer, Hampshire Trust & Managing Director of Client Special Services, Godfrey & Kahn, SC- LinkedIn
Investments Mentor
Joe Schlidt is the Co-Chief Investment Officer at Hampshire Trust LLC and the Managing Director of Client Special Services at Godfrey & Kahn, SC, where he and his team work exclusively with three client families in helping them coordinate, organize, and integrate their financial, business, and personal objectives. Prior to joining G&K, Joe was with M&I Wealth Management (now BMO Wealth Management) in Milwaukee for 12 years and was a Managing Director within its Private Wealth Management Group. Joe serves as an Advisory Board Member & former Conference Co-Chair of Secure Futures, which focuses on increasing the financial literacy of teens across the Midwest. In his role as the Investment Conference Co-Chair, Joe has had the pleasure of interviewing investment legends such as Howard Marks, Byron Trott, Bill Ackman, David Einhorn, Rick Rieder, Jim Chanos, and many others. Joe is a perfect match for students interested in breaking into investments.
Faculty Mentors
Pascal Letourneau
Associate Professor of Finance- LinkedIn
Investments Mentor
Dr. Pascal Letourneau is an Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where he teaches courses in financial modeling, derivatives, and portfolio management. His research focuses on option pricing, numerical methods, and financial simulations, drawing on expertise in econometrics and applied data analysis. Before joining UW-Whitewater, he served as a lecturer at HEC Montréal, where he also earned his Ph.D. in Finance. Dr. Letourneau brings over a decade of combined experience in academia, IT consulting, and financial research. Pascal is the perfect match for students of all standing to learn more about investments.
Mark Gmach
Lecturer of Finance- LinkedIn
Financial Planning Mentor
Mark Gmach is the President and Owner of MG-Insights, where he provides leadership coaching, strategic consulting, and professional development for financial services executives and teams. Before founding his firm, Mark spent nearly two decades at Northwestern Mutual, serving as Regional Vice President and leading operations across the Southern Region. With over 30 years of experience in financial services, he combines executive insight with a passion for helping professionals reach their full potential. Mark earned his BBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and a Master’s in Financial Services from The American College of Financial Services. Mark is perfect for any finance student looking for guidance in their professional career and undergraduate courses.
Brandon Miles
Lecturer of Finance- LinkedIn
Financial Planning Mentor
Brandon Miles is a business educator, entrepreneur, and financial literacy advocate dedicated to empowering students with real-world financial and entrepreneurial skills. He serves as a Business Education Teacher and Instructional Manager for the School District of Janesville and is the Founder of Callanish Financial Consulting, where he helps individuals and small businesses make informed financial decisions. Brandon also leads growth initiatives at Hello Digital Ed, developing innovative digital education programs. He holds a Master’s in Finance from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor’s in Finance and Economics from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. Brandon is a great fit for students interested in financial planning, investments, or consulting.
Gene Toboyek
Distinguished Lecturer of Finance- LinkedIn
Financial Planning Mentor
Dr. Gene Toboyek is a Distinguished Lecturer in Finance at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where he serves as Director of the CFP® Degree Program. With over two decades of experience spanning law, compliance, and financial services, Gene has held roles as a securities attorney, compliance specialist, and field supervision consultant at Northwestern Mutual. He earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Law and a BBA in Management from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, bringing both legal and industry expertise to his teaching and program leadership. Gene is the perfect match for students interested in corporate law and financial planning.
He Li
Associate Professor of Finance- LinkedIn
Investments Mentor
Dr. He Li is an Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she teaches courses in corporate finance and international financial management. Her research interests include cross-border investment, financial markets, and corporate governance. Before joining UW–Whitewater, she taught at the University of Texas at El Paso and Purdue University Calumet. Dr. Li earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Texas at El Paso, along with an MBA and B.S. in Finance from Purdue University Calumet. He li is the perfect match for students interested in investments.
Arjan Premti
Professor of Finance- LinkedIn
General Finance Mentor
Dr. Arjan Premti, is an Assistant Professor& the FNSBLW chair of Finance at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. He brings over a decade of academic experience and a strong background in corporate finance and financial management. Before entering academia, he worked in management roles at Enterprise Leasing Company, where he developed practical insights into business operations and leadership. Dr. Arjan earned his Ph.D. and MBA in Finance from Florida Atlantic University, where his research focused on financial decision-making and market behavior. Arjan is a jack of all trades, suited for all finance students.
Mohammad Jafarinejad
Associate Professor of Finance- LinkedIn
Investments & Banking Mentor
Dr. Mohammad Jafarinejad is an Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where he teaches courses in corporate finance, investments, and financial modeling. His research explores capital markets, corporate governance, and international finance. Dr. Jafarinejad earned his Ph.D. and MBA in Finance from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and also studied renewable energies and intercultural business negotiation at Leuphana University in Germany. With a background spanning finance and IT engineering, he brings an analytical, interdisciplinary approach to both research and teaching. Mo is a great match for students interested in FMA leadership, investments, or banking roles.
Pengyu Qian
Assistant Professor of Finance- LinkedIn
Financial Planning Mentor
Dr. Pengyu Qian is an Assistant Professor of Finance at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where he teaches courses in personal financial planning and wealth management. His research focuses on household finance, financial decision-making, and applied economic analysis. Before joining UW-Whitewater, he held teaching and research roles at Texas Tech University and St. Cloud State University, combining academic expertise with prior industry experience as a financial analyst. Dr. Qian earned his Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University and an M.S. in Applied Economics from St. Cloud State University. Pengyu is a perfect fit for students interested in financial planning roles, especially competitions within the field.