The department of finance at DePaul University will sponsor a panel discussion about trends and state-of-the-art developments in the field of private equity on May 17. Designed to benefit industry professionals, the discussion, titled “Private Equity: Current Developments,” will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd.

Panelists include: Stephen Burt, managing director, Duff and Phelps; Sean Cunningham, vice president, GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC; Sharth Sury, CEO, S4 Capital; and Kelley Drake, principal head, Financial Sponsors Group of William Blair & Co. The moderator will be William J. Hunter, senior vice president, Jefferies & Company, Inc., New York.

“This event is an extension of DePaul’s emphasis on practical education regarding current business issues,” said Ali Fatemi, chair of the finance department. “Key people in the industry will provide relevant information on the ever-increasing importance of the role played by private equity investors. Hedge funds – the new entrants into this arena – also will be discussed by Sharth Sury, the CEO of the highly successful Chicago-based S4 Capital, and the other distinguished panelists.”

The event is free and open to the public, but donations to DePaul’s Circle of Finance Opportunities Scholarship Fund, an alumni-supported scholarship fund for DePaul finance students, are encouraged and will be accepted at the door. For information and registration, contact Steve Carlton, DePaul Department of Finance: 312/362-8826 or scarlton@depaul.edu.

Note to Editors: Journalists interested in covering the event should make prior arrangements with Robin Florzak, director of media relations, 312/362-8592.