Wharton sophomore Douglas Sherrets admires Warren Buffett so much that he offered to pay the famous investor $500 if Buffett would let Sherrets intern for him.
Although Buffett -- chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the wealthiest men in the world -- turned him down, Sherrets still remains an avid Buffett fan.
"He is the greatest investor ever -- his wealth speaks for itself," Sherrets said.
Sherrets is the founder of the Warren Buffett Club. In its second year, the club has around 10 active members and meets regularly to discuss Buffett's history and past investments.
Moreover, the group now has plans to meet their namesake, though not as interns; club members will sit down with Buffett in Omaha, Neb., next fall.
"It's really interesting to read his letters and see his foresight today," Sherrets said.
"I consider him a great American folk hero," added Sherrets, who has been reading Buffett biographies since sixth grade.
Buffett, who is famous for his Midwestern manners despite his vast wealth, has close ties to Penn. Buffett was an undergraduate at the University for two years before switching to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
Although the club is small, members are optimistic about its growth.
"We are trying for a slower approach. ... This is a more grassroots organization," Sherrets said, noting that the club hopes to draw more members because of the upcoming trip.
The club will partner with MBA students who are on a similar mission, in hopes of having 80 undergraduates and graduates attend.
The trip will occur in the fall, and attendees will have to pay for their own travel and accommodations.
A similar trip occurred last year but was restricted to MBA students. The group went to Omaha for the weekend and met with Buffett for 2 1/2 hours, with an additional hour for autographs.
Over 60 people attended the introductory meeting in Huntsman Hall yesterday about participating in this year's trip.
Pleased by the interest level, Sherrets gave numerous reasons why so many people want to attend.
"There is the fraction of people who genuinely follow Buffett, while some identify with fame and think it's a good thing to put on their resum‚."
The organizers are considering giving a Warren Buffett quiz to weed out those less dedicated. Last year, a similar quiz was given to potential attendees.
Those participating in the trip will be required to read books and shareholder reports this summer.
Participants consider the homework well worth it.
Describing why he wants to meet Buffett, MBA student Sergey Dluzhevskiy said, "Because he is probably one of the greatest investors of all time. He serves as one of the greatest representatives of value-style investment ever."
