A decade after graduating from the Lacy School of Business, Sara Omohundro ’16 walks back into the same classrooms where she once sat as a student – only this time, she’s the one at the front of the room.
An accomplished investor, nonprofit leader, and mentor, Sara has returned to Butler University as an adjunct professor to teach Alternative Investments. For her, it’s more than a professional milestone; it’s a full-circle moment rooted in gratitude, growth, and a desire to open doors for the next generation.
A Chicago native, Sara chose LSB for the close-knit academic environment she couldn’t find at larger universities. She quickly discovered a place where curiosity was encouraged, professors knew her by name, and leadership wasn’t just possible – it was expected.
“I wanted a smaller school where I could explore and really get to know the professors and my peers,” she said. “LSB checked all those boxes. I felt like I never had to leave the community here behind.”
As an undergrad at LSB, Sara double-majored in Economics and Finance, paired with minors in Mathematics and Philosophy, and threw herself into leadership roles – from the Entrepreneurship Club to serving as President of the Equestrian Team. Those experiences didn’t just fill her resume; they taught her how to blend technical rigor with communication, problem-solving, and the confidence to take initiative.
One of her most defining LSB experiences came through her honors thesis she completed under the guidance of Dr. William Rieber, an economics professor. Sara examined how fiscal policy shapes consumer confidence, and the project became a published undergraduate research article – an achievement that showed her not only what she was capable of, but what high-level inquiry looks like.
“It was the first time I saw how much work goes into research and how rewarding it is to see your ideas out in the world,” she said. “LSB gave me the tools and the support to push myself.”
After graduating in 2016, Sara stepped into the investment world through roles at the Indiana Public Retirement System and later a local venture capital firm. These experiences deepened her interest in the rapidly growing field of alternative investments – a space she now specializes in as an Investment Strategist at Goelzer Investment Management. Her work spans institutional allocations to private investments, but at its core, it relies on the blend of analytical skill and relationship-building she first honed at LSB.
Throughout her career, Sara found ways to elevate others, especially women entering the investment field. She founded the Women Investors Network, a group dedicated to creating connection and mentorship in an industry where women remain underrepresented. She also chairs Take the Reins Youth Stable for Life, a nonprofit using equine programs to help underserved youth build life skills. These commitments reflect a philosophy shaped during her time at LSB: pair passion with purpose and use your opportunities to create more opportunities for others.
That mindset is exactly what she brings with her back to Butler.
In her Alternative Investments classroom, Sara focuses on real-world application, integrating her own professional experiences into assignments, case studies, and conversations. She wants students to understand not just how to analyze investments, but how to communicate insights, think strategically, and make informed decisions in dynamic environments.
“I want students to understand that what we’re doing in class isn’t just theory. These are the conversations and decisions they might have to make in their careers,” she said. “It’s rewarding to be in the room with students as they discover what excites them, push themselves, and start to see the paths their careers might take. If they leave my class curious, confident, and ready to take initiative, then I’ve done my job.”
Despite a demanding career and teaching schedule, Sara still finds time for the things that keep her grounded: riding and competing with her horses, Felix and Melvin, practicing Pilates, and laughing at the antics of her cat, Maggie, at home in Westfield.
For students considering finance, Sara offers this advice:
“Don’t be afraid to try new opportunities. Build your network. Seek mentors. And remember that your career will be shaped not just by what you know, but how you connect with others and the impact you create.”
DISCLAIMER – This sponsored content is not an offer to buy or sell securities. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. Goelzer is not a law firm or tax firm. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal or tax professionals to address their individual circumstances. Goelzer works as a team with your professionals.
Horse photos taken by Winslow Photography.