When Chase G. Eagan ’24, MBA looks back on his journey from Orchard Park, NY, to Newport Beach, CA, — one experience stands out as truly transformative: his time at Canisius University and the Golden Griffin Fund (GGF).
After earning a bachelor’s degree in finance and data analytics from the University at Buffalo in 2023, Eagan began his career as a client service associate at ClearPlan Financial, a boutique wealth management firm in his hometown. Working closely with senior advisors, he gained early exposure to client relationships, portfolio organization and the day-to-day realities of managing a book of business.
Still, Eagan knew he wanted more. “I was eager to get my MBA but I also needed a new challenge and a new environment,” he says. “Once I learned about Canisius and the Golden Griffin Fund, I knew it was something different.”
Discovering the Golden Griffin Fund at Canisius University
What immediately caught Eagan’s attention during the application process was the strength of the Canisius alumni network and the reputation of the Golden Griffin Fund itself.
“Every mentor I spoke to said the connections at Canisius last forever,” he explained. “There are so many financial professionals in Buffalo who went to Canisius—you always have mentors and peers to lean on.” As he researched further, Eagan was struck by the program’s national and global recognition, including its CFA Institute Research Challenge successes and a long track record of alumni advancing to top-tier roles in finance.
“That level of consistency doesn’t happen by accident,” he says. “It showed me how serious and world-class the program really is.”
An MBA Experience Built Like an Internship
Enrolling in the Canisius University MBA program with a concentration in securities analysis, Eagan quickly realized how different the Golden Griffin Fund experience would be from traditional classroom learning.
“GGF is taught as an internship rather than a class,” he says. “You’re not just completing assignments—you’re managing the university’s investment fund. You’re contributing to something bigger than yourself.”
Students conduct in-depth equity research, build and defend investment theses and present to peers and faculty under real-world pressure. “It’s like drinking from a fire hose,” Eagan admits. “But that’s the fun part. You’re forced to absorb information quickly, collaborate as a team and make decisions the way professionals do in the field.”
Faculty Mentorship and Cura Personalis in Action
For Eagan, one of the most meaningful aspects of his Canisius experience was the faculty’s investment in student growth. “Coming from a larger school, it was a breath of fresh air,” he says. “The professors at Canisius truly care—it starts at the top.”
He credits the leadership of Shawn O’Rourke, PhD, dean of the Division of Business, Communications & Health Studies, along with the mentorship of Steven Gattuso, executive director of the Golden Griffin Fund, and Stephen Miller ’15, adjunct professor and member of the CFA Institute Research Challenge Global Finals 2015 world champion team, for pushing him to new levels academically and professionally.
“They were demanding, but it was always for our growth,” Eagan says. “They’re the most impressive professors I’ve ever been around.”
That sense of care extended beyond academics and into Canisius’ Jesuit tradition, particularly the value of cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Eagan sees a direct connection between that philosophy and his work in wealth management today. “You have to understand people to serve them well,” he explains. “Clients come to you for help, often during stressful moments. Treating them with patience, empathy and respect—like you would family—makes all the difference.”
Preparing for a Career in Wealth Management
After spending two and a half years at ClearPlan Financial, Eagan took the next step in his career, joining Spinnaker Investment Group in Newport Beach, CA, in August 2025. The firm manages more than $1 billion in assets, and Eagan now serves as a key liaison for clients and partners alike.
“My role is expanded—I’m involved in management, business development and operations,” he says. “I’m often the first person clients speak with and the last one they talk to once their needs are met.” He also continues to pursue his Certified Financial Planner designation, building on the strong analytical foundation he developed at Canisius.
“The Golden Griffin Fund made me a well-rounded wealth manager,” Eagan says. “I can talk in depth about investments, markets and companies—not just sell products. Clients want to know their advisor truly understands what’s happening with their money.”
Advice for Future Canisius Students
Looking back, Eagan is unequivocal in his advice to current and prospective Canisius students considering the Golden Griffin Fund. “Don’t even think twice about it,” he says. “GGF separates you from the competition. The friendships, the knowledge and the personal growth are all worth it.” For Eagan, Canisius University didn’t just prepare him for a job—it shaped how he approaches his profession and his clients.
“I’m endlessly grateful for the Golden Griffin Fund and Canisius,” he says. “I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.”
