Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Cerity Partners has made a significant donation to Western Kentucky University’s Gordon Ford College of Business to establish the Cerity Partners Financial Planning Program. This initiative aims to enhance the university’s financial planning curriculum by integrating a Certified Financial Planner™ certificate. The program will also provide students with valuable internship opportunities and industry mentorship, positioning WKU as a leader in financial education. The investment reflects Cerity’s commitment to fostering future financial expertise in the Kentucky business community.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Cerity Partners, an independent U.S. wealth management firm, has announced a substantial philanthropic gift to Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) Gordon Ford College of Business. The investment will establish the Cerity Partners Financial Planning Program at WKU, reflecting the firm’s commitment to nurturing future financial leaders and strengthening connections within the Kentucky business community.
The newly named program will enhance WKU’s existing financial planning coursework by integrating a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP) certificate. This integration allows graduates to take the CFP exam immediately after graduation, providing them with a competitive edge in the financial profession.
As part of this partnership, Cerity Partners will enrich WKU’s financial planning curriculum. The firm plans to offer internships and mentorship opportunities to students, sponsor capstone projects, and support significant events such as Professionalism Week and the Personal Finance Summer Camp. This collaboration aims to provide students with experiential learning opportunities, access to advanced technology, and initiatives that promote academic excellence within the program.
Jason Waters, Partner and Market Leader at Cerity Partners, has expressed personal importance in this venture, noting his history as a WKU alumnus. According to him, this investment highlights the potential to enhance the financial planning program and ultimately benefit future students as they enter the workforce.
Cerity Partners has a strong local presence, with over 50 professionals from Kentucky serving as leaders and colleagues in the firm. Many of these individuals are also alumni of WKU, demonstrating Cerity’s dedication to advancing financial education and career opportunities in the region.
Andy Wolfgang, Chief Training and Quality Officer at Cerity Partners, believes the program at WKU will prepare students for success in the ever-evolving financial industry. The Cerity Partners Financial Planning Program is designed to serve as a hub for student success, industry collaboration, and academic leadership, positioning WKU as a top choice for aspiring financial professionals.
Established in 2009, Cerity Partners is recognized nationally for offering comprehensive wealth management services that cater to high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, businesses, and non-profits. This philanthropic effort aligns with the firm’s mission to contribute positively to the communities they serve.
WKU recently dedicated the new Amy and David Chandler Hall, part of the Gordon Ford College of Business, in honor of a $7.5 million commitment from alumni Amy and David Chandler. The building was officially opened on September 19, 2025, as part of a larger $100 million investment to replace the outdated Grice Hall.
The new facility features over 20 modern classrooms equipped with advanced technology, including virtual reality spaces and business hubs. The building also includes a theater capable of accommodating 310 students, allowing flexibility in classroom arrangements. Additional resources available to students include a Student Success Lobby, where students can rent professional attire for interviews and presentations, enhancing their preparedness for real-world scenarios.
The primary goal of the new building is to create a real-world working environment that ensures students learn current industry standards and practices from their very first day at the university.
FAQ
What is the Cerity Partners Financial Planning Program?
The Cerity Partners Financial Planning Program is a newly established program at Western Kentucky University that will enhance the existing financial planning curriculum and integrate a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP) certificate, allowing graduates to sit for the CFP exam upon graduation.
Why is Cerity Partners making this donation?
Cerity Partners is making this donation to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing the next generation of financial leaders and enhancing connections within the Kentucky business community.
What resources will the program provide to students?
The program will offer internships and mentorship opportunities, sponsor capstone projects, and support events like Professionalism Week and Personal Finance Summer Camp, providing students with experiential learning opportunities and access to advanced technology.
Key Features of the Cerity Partners Financial Planning Program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Cerity Partners Financial Planning Program |
| University | Western Kentucky University |
| CFP Certification | Integrated into the curriculum, enabling students to sit for the CFP exam after graduation |
| Investment Goals | Enhance ties within the Kentucky business community, support students’ career readiness |
| Internship Opportunities | Provided by Cerity Partners as part of the collaboration |
| Support for Events | Backed by Cerity Partners, including Professionalism Week and Personal Finance Summer Camp |
| New Infrastructure | Amy and David Chandler Hall features advanced classrooms and student support resources |
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Additional Resources
- Cerity Partners Gift Enhances WKU Financial Planning Program
- Wikipedia: Financial Planning
- WKU Dedicates Amy and David Chandler Hall
- Google Search: WKU financial planning
- Business School Building at WKU Nears Completion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Education
- WKU’s Business College Building Update
- Google News: WKU business college
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