by Michael S. Fischer

The University of Akron’s fifth annual Diversitas symposium, a forum for wealth management veterans and emerging talent to discuss the opportunities for next-generation advisors in the financial planning industry, will take place Nov. 3 virtually.

Diversitas, which is run by the university’s College of Business, strives to promote diversity and inclusion in the financial services industry. The program is being honored on Nov. 9 as part of ThinkAdvisor’s new industry recognition program, the LUMINARIES, in the diversity and inclusion category.

“The wealth management industry is reaching a tipping point — more people need financial advice, while the majority of financial advisors are nearing retirement age,” said Barry Mulholland, lead organizer of Diversitas and director of the business school’s financial planning program, in a statement.

“As students consider where to bring their talents when they graduate, we hope Diversitas highlights the opportunities available for them in the wealth management industry. We aim to demystify the industry and show people of all colors, creeds and orientations the differences they can make with a career in the financial advisory field.”

Diversitas partners with some two dozen universities in the U.S. that offer financial planning programs.

“We are incredibly excited to have such great sponsors and Partner Universities working with us this year — these organizations are instrumental in our mission to expand diversity in financial services nationwide,” Susan Hanlon, interim dean of the College of Business, said in the statement.

“We are confident that our message is resonating throughout the industry. Wealth management firms are working to hire young, talented employees to serve the clients of the future, and events like the Diversitas symposium help to reach these students and show them the career opportunities waiting for them in financial services.”