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Abilene Christian University’s new Swinney Financial Markets Lab in the Mabee Business Building celebrated a grand opening Feb. 24 with tours and a reception. 

The Swinney Financial Markets Lab gives students in the College of Business Administration access to real-world information and cutting-edge technology, including a Bloomberg terminal. The 40-seat lab provides a home for the STAR student-managed investment fund and additional visibility for the Dukes School of Finance. 

Lead donors Steve (’94) and Linda (Kappes ’94) Swinney were present to mark the occasion. While at ACU, the Swinneys received mentorship from finance faculty as well as impactful investors and business leaders who came to campus. The Swinneys founded Kodiak Building Partners in July 2011. Kodiak focuses on acquiring family-run companies in the building material sales and distribution industries. Today, the company has more than 103 locations in 22 states with over 6,000 employees. 

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Ernst & Young LLP named Steve Swinney its Mountain West Entrepreneur of the Year for 2022. He was chosen by an independent panel of judges for his high-growth company driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact. 

Learn more about the College of Business Administration.

— Connor Mullins

March 1, 2023