Ryan Althoff
If you’re looking for a man with a plan—a financial plan—look no further than Ryan Althoff ’21. Among 200 entrants, this finance major won the CFA Society Pittsburgh’s annual Collegiate Personal Financial Plan Competition for students attending schools in Pennsylvania during the 2020-21 school year.
“I submitted a plan as part of an assignment for a finance course that I completed at Messiah this past spring,” he explained. “The goal was to construct one-year, three-year and five-year projections of future income and expenses, tax liabilities and retirement contributions, among other financial considerations.”
In April, well after the competition, he found out that he’d won. He was stunned.
“I am just grateful to have had the opportunity to participate and have been humbled by the encouragement I have received from peers and Messiah faculty members in response to the results,” he said.
He gives thanks specifically to Dwayne Safer, Messiah’s assistant professor of finance, who had a significant impact on Althoff’s academic journey. “He regularly recommends internships and research opportunities to his students and consistently demonstrates a vested interest in their success. I certainly would not be where I am today without him,” said Althoff.
In addition to Messiah’s academics and its community, Althoff acknowledges his faith transformation during the past four years.
“My Messiah education has given me the gift of time and space to grow in my understanding of identity in light of the redemptive work of Christ,” he said. “I have been fortunate to meet numerous brothers and sisters in the Lord who have challenged me in my faith walk and have modeled trust and accountability in authentic relationships.”
He now works as a financial analyst with LifeGuide Financial Advisors in Mechanicsburg.
“Regardless of where my career may take me, I have come to see the call upon my life as a daily act of worship and surrender that transcends the office that I enter in the morning. I think this is consistent with the essence of the Great Commission — making Jesus known regardless of where He leads. Sometimes, simply being in His presence and listening for His voice is more important than having all the answers,” said Althoff.