Projects: Creighton University’s Finance Lab

February 25, 2014 by Dave Haynes

Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska has created a real-world trading environment, called the Finance Lab, that’s outfitted with a 42-foot premium LED ticker display, a 6-zone world clock, and three 110-inch video walls, one of them fully interactive.

The lab was pulled together by solutions provider Rise Display, based in Shawnee Mission, KS. “Business schools recognize that in order to effectively communicate the fast-paced business environment, they need a more realistic setting,” says Ryan Cahoy, who runs Rise. “It’s an advantage to the students who gain a better education, and to the school that can attract the caliber of students they desire.”

“The lab was created to give students a realistic experience in analyzing stocks and the rigors of portfolio management,” explains Michael Green, adjunct professor of Finance. “The displays function as an advertisement, too. The people who come by this fish bowl environment are able to see the students in a real-life setting.”

“The first thing you notice when you come into the business school is the trading facility and the displays. They really set the tone that this is a state-of-the-art college of business,” adds Randy Jorgensen, Ph.D., associate professor of Finance.

Interestingly, the undergraduate and graduate students use the desktop and digital display technology to oversee an investment fund with approximately $4.2 million in equity investments. In addition, the displays feature announcements about events and activities in the building—even birthdays.

Founded in 1878 and one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States, Creighton University provides more than 7,700 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students .

Presumably, the CMS is Rise Vision – which is developed by Rise’s sister company.