2008-06-26 23:54:11 -

- The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) has been named Public Pension Fund Investor of the Year by Institutional Investor's Alternative Investment News. TRS was one of 35 fund managers, investors and consultants nominated for awards announced yesterday at Institutional Investor's annual awards banquet in New York. The awards recognize notable accomplishments in alternatives investing during the past year.

Nominations came from throughout the investment industry and were based on performance, innovation, and industry leadership.

The $108 billion Texas fund was recognized for increasing its allocation to alternative investments during the past year. This reflects the fund's emphasis over the past year to reduce overall risk and prudently apply a more modern, holistic and appropriate diversification strategy. During the past year, TRS has expanded the role of alternative investments in its overall investment strategy, which emphasizes effective diversification, risk management, talent attraction, and long-term performance.

The TRS External Public Markets team is responsible for all global relationships of equities, fixed income and hedge funds. TRS was one of four finalists nominated for Public Pension Fund Investor of the Year. Other nominees in the Public Pension Fund category were Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, Louisiana State Employees Retirement Systems and Universities Superannuation Scheme.

"TRS' strategy has been committed to repositioning our investments to best take advantage of new opportunities and to increase returns while simultaneously reducing long-term risks," said James H. Lee, chairman of the TRS Board of Trustees. "We are greatly honored to be recognized by Institutional Investor for the progress that we've made."

The Teacher Retirement System of Texas delivers retirement and related benefits that have been authorized by the Texas Legislature and manages a nearly $108 billion trust fund established to finance member benefits. More than 1.2 million public education and higher education employees and retirees participate in the system.

Teacher Retirement System of Texas
Howard Goldman, 512-542-6508
Director of Communications