Salma Thompson completed two years at UST’s Dougherty Family College (DFC) and graduated in the spring of 2024 with an associates degree in Liberal Studies. She is now attending the University of St. Thomas to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. Salma was a recipient of a travel scholarship to attend RISKWorld 2024 in San Diego in early May. She said it was “Everything I could have imagined – fantastical and exhilarating”. Funded by a grant received from the Spencer Educational Foundation, Salma joined 3 other DFC students and 4 students from the four-year UST to attend industry talks, explore the convention’s Marketplace, meet with various insurance companies and individuals, and soak in the largest gathering of RM&I professionals in the western hemisphere!

Born and raised in St. Paul, Salma choose to start her college career at the DFC because of her older brother’s experience attending. She loved how DFC has created a beautiful community where everyone (faculty and students alike) are looking out for, and supporting, each other. It was at DFC that Salma first became interested in the RM&I industry, and actuarial science in particular. Prof. Mike Axtell (associate director of UST’s RM&I program) spoke to DFC students about the various opportunities in the RM&I industry, and Salma found herself excited to hear about how she could utilize her love of mathematics to have a rewarding career in an industry that strives to help people. She is looking forward to starting her major coursework this summer and learning more about the industry through her involvement with UST’s chapter of GIS.

In Her Own Words

Where are you from?  St. Paul born and raised!

How did you get interested in the RM&I world? Dr. Mike came to DFC to play up the industry and careers,  I had no firm thoughts prior to that. If the RM&I industry is wanting me, Salma is interested!

How did you enjoy RISKWorld? Everything I could have imagined – fantastical and exhilarating.

How did you select DFC to start you college career? My older brother went and loved it. It felt like a no-brainer due to the support provided (academic and financial). Plus, purple is my favorite color.

What did you enjoy most about your two-years at DFC? I really connected with everyone on a human level – we are all students but humans before that. The community is really beautiful with everyone pulling together to help everyone succeed.

Why RM&I? I really like using data to make everyday life better. I want to make things easier using science and math to implement and improve.