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Arthur Lima d'El-Rei Fraga holding an award certificate with his name while standing in front of a University of West Florida step-and-repeat backdrop.
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Arthur Lima d'El-Rei Fraga

BSBA in Finance and Accounting, '26

Learning Happens Here

I originally came to the United States from Brazil to study at another institution. However, I quickly realized that I felt a lack of academic purpose. The little exposure I had to my studies made me hungry for more, and I knew I needed an environment that could match my ambition, leading me to UWF. I started researching their degrees, programs and everything they had to offer, and I made the decision to transfer. It turned out to be the best decision I made during my time in the United States. The academic programs here have exceeded my highest expectations.

Dr. K.C. Ma, Mary Ball Washington/Switzer Bros. Endowed Professor of Finance, took my hunger to learn and elevated it to an entirely new level, teaching finance through an economic lens and opening my eyes to the importance of going beyond the classroom. In Dr. Ma’s Security Analysis and Portfolio Management class, I gained real-world experience building a stock report and serving as a trustee of the funds, which went on to place in the top 10 in all categories at the Quinnipiac University GAME Forum. Dr. Ma further encouraged my development and learning by connecting me with SWAN Capital, the wealth management firm where I am currently employed. He challenged me to become the first UWF student to pass the CFA Level I exam while still enrolled and inspired me to take it seriously, supporting me throughout the learning process. Passing the exam and making history at UWF was a perfect reflection of how much learning truly means to me.

This spring, I am graduating with my Series 65 license and carrying with me so many valuable lessons that are not just theoretical, but are already proving useful in my day-to-day work in portfolio management and finance. I hope that all current and future Argos do not take the privilege of learning for granted, as it is one of the most important things you can do for your future. I am incredibly proud to be graduating from an institution that believes in learning, and being an Argo is something I will always hold close.