Hunter Jurica: Finance, Faith, and Finding the Fairway

For Hunter Jurica, life is all about finding answers and analyzing information.

At Saint Francis, he has found a community that encourages him in his search for fulfillment in all areas of his life - in the classroom, through his Catholic faith, and on the golf course.

"Ever since I came here, I have become a completely different person in such a good way," Hunter said.

Finding Answers

As a math lover who always excelled in the subject, Hunter knew that numbers would always be a part of the equation when it came to his career. But starting college in the engineering program, he discovered that he did not like solving problems without definitive answers. When his academic advisor suggested accounting, Hunter felt the field had too many rules.

After some exploration, Hunter found his way into finance and business analytics. Now a double major, set to graduate in May 2027, he is passionate about his work and excited about his future.

As a valuable member of the Investment Club, Hunter has been gaining real-world, hands-on experience using his skills outside of the classroom. The group manages a stock portfolio that has grown an initial donation of $10,000 into approximately $130,000. As the club's Data Analyst Sector Leader, Hunter uses data from the information dashboard, along with equations and the Microsoft Power BI program to analyze the club's assets, breaking them down into charts and visuals that he presents during their meetings.

While his work with the Investment Club is something that has brought him both joy and pride, he is also very passionate about the advantages of AI as a tool to boost efficiency and accuracy in the work he is doing. He uses it daily and tries to find new, productive ways to make the software work for him. "I use AI to make my assignments more efficient, and it can really make life more efficient," Hunter said. "Everyone should be taught how to use it, especially the older generations, because it can be a great tool."

Finding Faith

At Saint Francis, Hunter has found his passion for analytics. He has also found a renewal of faith.

"You are just surrounded by it here because your professors are literally friars," Hunter said.

Growing up, Hunter was not religious. While he always believed in God, his family did not participate in any church, and he was never fully initiated into the Catholic faith. Now, Hunter has finally received the Sacraments of Penance, Communion, and Confirmation through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program on campus through Campus Ministry.

"I feel like I am much more comfortable in church settings, and just religious settings in general," Hunter said. Through reading and studying the Catechism and other liturgical sources, and participating in the OCIA classes, Hunter has reinforced his faith and has committed himself as a member of the Catholic Church.

Finding the Fairway

It is Hunter's love for golf and his dedication as a member of the men's golf team that has been the driving force behind his successes. It was the opportunity given to him as a recruit that initially led him to Saint Francis.

Although he first learned the game of golf when he was just 4 years old, he spent most of his childhood playing youth hockey. When he started high school, and decided to join the golf team, his natural talent and appreciation for the game gained him college attention.

"When I first visited SFU, I really liked the small campus. It felt homey," Hunter said. "It just felt like the right move." Now, as co-captain of the men's golf team, Hunter has a scoring average of 77 and is consistently one of the team's top performers.

"It's been great. The team is a great group of guys on campus that I have grown close to," Hunter said. "Doing what I love and doing it at the collegiate level has been a great opportunity."

Finding his Future

At Saint Francis, Hunter is doing what he loves - both in the classroom and out. He is passionate about his work, dedicated to his faith, and driven on the golf course.

This summer, he is looking forward to his internship at 84 Lumber, where he will help with the company's financial planning and analytics.

Hoping to make a career for himself as a financial analyst, Hunter is excited to apply the skills he has learned in his classes and Investment Club to real-world situations.

While planning and preparing for his future, Hunter is still relishing his time left at Saint Francis. He credits the community he has found and the friends he has made with encouraging his aspirations and pushing him toward his goals.

"This school brings a lot of good people to it. Even the professors care and know your name," Hunter said. "It is a great community where you can make lifelong friends."

The Power of "And"

At Saint Francis University, we encourage our students to embrace the power of "and." Every new skill, talent, and challenge they explore here under our guidance builds a foundation for something greater. It's through blending passions, disciplines, and experiences that they become that someone they are uniquely called to be.

Find your "and" at Saint Francis University:

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