Basso of Scottsdale Honored with Clarkson University's Most Prestigious Alumni Award

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Left to right: Clarkson President Tony Collins, Basso, and Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations Steve Newkofsky.

POTSDAM, NY (07/24/2014)(readMedia)-- Thomas F. Basso of Scottsdale, Ariz., retired president of Trendstat Capital Management Inc., has been honored with the Golden Knight Award by his alma mater, Clarkson University.

Presented each year during Reunion Weekend, Clarkson's most prestigious alumni award is given to alumni who have distinguished themselves either by service to Clarkson through Alumni Association activities or have demonstrated outstanding career achievement, bringing distinction to themselves and to Clarkson.

Thomas F. Basso received his bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from Clarkson University in 1974. He received his master of business administration degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1982.

Basso spent six years in engineering-related positions, and then began his business career as one of the founding members of Kennedy Capital Management, Inc., in 1980. He went on to become the president and founder of Trendstat Capital Management, Inc., in 1984. Basso grew Trendstat into a highly successful investment advisory firm, which managed over $500 million in hedge funds, currencies, futures and mutual funds for clients worldwide. His mathematical and computer background gave Basso the ability to develop a wide range of investment programs to take advantage of opportunities in the financial markets.

Basso authored Panic Proof Investing, which focused on helping investors. He was also one of the traders featured in The New Market Wizards by Jack Schwager.

In addition to serving his industry in numerous professional associations, including the National Futures Association, Basso has also served Clarkson in a variety of roles. He has provided articles, financial videos, interviews, webinars, seminars and monetary support to the Annie Clarkson Society, current students and the Clarkson Alumni Association. As a volunteer for the Annie Clarkson Society, Basso has promoted several areas of special interest, including investor education and teaching the skills necessary for a successful financial transition from college to professional life. Basso is also an expert spokesperson on charitable remainder trusts for Clarkson.

Basso retired from Trendstat Capital Management in 2003 and lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., with his wife, Brenda.

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.