Warren Buffett: A Legacy of Investment at UPenn and Columbia
Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors in history, has ties to both the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University, institutions that played a role in shaping his financial philosophy.
Buffett initially attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1947 before transferring to the University of Nebraska to complete his undergraduate degree. His time at Wharton introduced him to foundational business principles, but he ultimately sought a more hands-on approach to investing.
Buffett’s most significant academic influence came from Columbia Business School, where he earned his Master of Science in Economics in 1951. At Columbia, he studied under Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing. Graham’s teachings profoundly shaped Buffett’s investment strategy, emphasizing the importance of buying undervalued stocks with strong fundamentals. Buffett has often credited Graham’s book, Security Analysis, as one of the most influential texts in his career.
Buffett’s connection to Columbia remains strong, as he has frequently returned to speak with students and share insights on investing. His journey through these institutions highlights the importance of education in developing a disciplined and strategic approach to finance.