Shaping the future of finance: The Brigham Financial Analysis Laboratory at Michigan State University

Michigan State University and the Eli Broad College of Business are taking a bold step into the future with the construction of the Brigham Financial Analysis Laboratory, a premier finance lab designed to give students the real-world skills needed to thrive in today’s financial landscape.

Strategically located in the Eppley Center, the Brigham Financial Analysis Lab, known as the Finance Lab, will offer students an unparalleled educational experience. This dynamic facility is poised to become one of the nation’s top finance labs, providing a hands-on environment where students can learn, collaborate, and grow into the financial leaders of tomorrow.

What sets the Finance Lab apart is not just its cutting-edge design, but its mission: to immerse undergraduate and graduate students in the tools and technologies that define modern finance. With 23 fully equipped workstations, dual monitors, and access to industry-leading platforms like Bloomberg and Cap IQ, the lab bridges classroom learning with real-world application. It also features four 80” flatscreens and collaborative whiteboards, creating a space where professors, students, and corporate leaders can connect and share insights.

The Brigham family has generously stepped up as the anchor investor in the Finance Lab, laying a strong foundation for this transformative project. Their leadership has inspired a wave of support from fellow Broad alumni who recognize the value of hands-on learning and want to see Broad emerge as a national hub for finance education. Among these dedicated supporters is Jim Pardikes, who earned his MBA from Broad in 1982. Reflecting on a 40-year career in management consulting, Pardikes shared how foundational financial modeling was to his success: “Financial modeling was a turning point in my career. When I started at Broad, we were doing everything by hand. Soon, upon graduation, spreadsheets and other financial models became prevalent and they became a core workplace skill. That foundational skill later opened doors for me, and I want students today to have an even stronger start.”

Beyond the walls of the lab, the impact will be far-reaching. Enhanced learning spaces and real-world technology not only attract top employers but also elevate the college’s reputation and outcomes, opening doors to internships, job opportunities, and long-term career success. “Having the right equipment in a well-designed space makes a difference—not just in how students learn, but in how employers perceive their readiness. It’s a tangible investment in their future and in Broad’s reputation,” Pardikes said.

The college is working toward a $2.55 million fundraising goal to support both the construction and future needs of the Finance Lab, including staffing, data access, and the latest technology. So far, 50% of this goal has been achieved. Every contribution, whether it’s sharing our mission, expanding our network, or donating directly, ensures that students enter the lab with the tools and resources needed to leave career-ready.

“The Finance Lab represents a critical step forward in how we prepare our graduate and undergraduate students for careers in modern finance,” said David Hawthorne, director of the Financial Markets Institute at Broad.  “By providing access to industry-standard tools, advanced hardware and software, and real-time financial data, we are equipping them with the practical expertise, experience, and analytical confidence demanded by today’s top employers. This lab is more than a facility—it’s a strategic investment in talent development and a key differentiator for our graduates in a competitive job market.”

The Brigham Financial Analysis Laboratory is a launchpad for the next generation of financial professionals, analysts, and innovators. By supporting its completion, you become part of a lasting legacy at Michigan State University and a vital force in shaping the future of finance. To learn more about the Finance Lab and how you can support, visit our webpage, donate online, or connect with Jackie Richardson, director of development, at richa921@msu.edu.