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Lindsay Mayernik

Student Scholarships

Student Scholarships
Pictured: Wes Griffiths, Samrawit Bekele (Computer Science Major), Amanda LaGatta (MN RIMS)
Not Pictured: Mia Peters (Accounting Major)

The Center for Risk Management and Insurance at UST is constantly striving to introduce more and more undergraduates to the opportunities and challenges that await the next generation of professionals in this industry. One of the best tools to accomplish this goal of increasing awareness is to offer scholarships to students interested in exploring the coursework available in risk management and insurance.

RM&I scholarships at the University of St. Thomas currently come in two different flavors. The first, and main, scholarship source is the Center itself. Based on fund-raising efforts such as the MN Insurance Hall of Fame banquet, the Center offers a large number of scholarships to incentivize undergraduates to enroll in the opening course, An Introduction to Risk Management and Insurance. This past academic year, 18 students received these scholarships and a total of $26,500 was offered. These scholarships encourage students to enroll in the 4-credit introductory class – a class that features weekly industry speakers who help to highlight a wide variety of the roles and careers on offer under the RM&I umbrella.

The second scholarship source comes from our partner, RIMS-MN. Every year for the past 5+ years, RIMS-MN has been offering academic scholarships to two students who have exhibited an interest in the industry and wish to better learn more about the risk management side of the industry. Scholarship winners join RIMS-MN and take part in at least on RIMS-MN event during the year.

This year, we are pleased to announce that Samrawit Bekele and Mia Peters were awarded the RIMS-MN scholarship! Congratulations to you both, and we look forward to helping you deepen your knowledge of the industry over the next year!

If your company or organization would like to discuss providing student scholarships, please contact Wes Griffiths at grif5656@stthomas.edu

September 1, 2026 by Lindsay Mayernik

Travel

Beyond the Classroom: Preparing Students Through Industry Engagement

Students attending RIMS conference. Back: UST Faculty Dr. Mike Axtell, Students Kevin Krenik, Irvin Sibri, Aidan Nasser Front: Students Naomi Peteres, Angel Akinyele, Danielle McAuley

At the University of St. Thomas Center for Risk Management & Insurance, preparing students for careers in the industry extends beyond academic coursework. Conference participation provides critical opportunities for students to engage directly with professionals, explore emerging trends, and build meaningful connections outside of the classroom.

This spring, students attended leading industry events including RIMS Risk World in Philadelphia, the WSIA Extreme Risk Takers Symposium in Chicago, the NABIP Conference in Minneapolis, and the Minnesota Big I InsurCon. Each experience helped students connect classroom learning to real-world applications while gaining exposure to different sectors of the risk management and insurance industry.

At the WSIA Symposium, students explored the excess and surplus (E&S) market through educational sessions, networking, and hands-on activities. As David Trujillo-Paniagua shared:

“Industry professionals prioritized informing and passing down knowledge of the E&S market to students, while also creating great career opportunities through networking and an underwriting and brokering case activity. And I was able to secure an internship by attending the event!”

Students and staff attend WSIA conference
UST Students: Aidan Nasser, David Trujillo-Paniagua
Director of RM&I: Wesley Griffiths

At RIMS Risk World, students experienced the scale of the global risk community while engaging with both peers and professionals:

“Networking with business professionals and other students was incredibly valuable, and the sessions on topics like AI and leadership were eye-opening.”

Students attend RIMS Conference Kevin Krenik, Naomi Peters, Danielle McAuley, Aidan Nasser, Irvin Sibri, Angel Akinyele

“It was eye-opening to see the number of companies and professionals involved in risk management and to experience an event of that size.”

At the NABIP Conference, students gained insight into the rapidly evolving benefits and healthcare landscape. Ally Carle reflected:

“Attending the NABIP conference was an incredibly rewarding experience. I loved connecting with vendors and brokers, and one of my biggest takeaways was realizing how rapidly healthcare continues to evolve and the wide range of options available for organizations.”

At the Minnesota Big I InsurCon, students connected with regional professionals and experienced the welcoming culture of the independent agency channel. As Alejandro Ortiz shared:

“It was an amazing experience… I was able to make new connections with professionals who were very welcoming and made me feel included.”

Across all conferences, students consistently highlight the value of stepping outside the classroom to engage with industry leaders, explore career paths, and gain practical insight. These experiences strengthen their confidence and readiness to enter the workforce.

We are grateful to our industry partners whose support makes these opportunities possible. Their continued investment is instrumental in building a strong pipeline of future risk management and insurance professionals.

September 1, 2026 by Lindsay Mayernik

Academics, Networking

RM&I On-Campus Activities

The 2025-2026 academic year proved to be a banner one for on-campus activities promoting the insurance industry! Bringing industry-focused events and practitioners into the classrooms and clubs of the university is one of the Center’s top tools for increasing student awareness concerning the opportunities and careers this dynamic industry offers.

Leading the charge is St. Thomas’s chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS), a student-run club focusing on promoting the RM&I industry at the undergraduate level. In addition to a myriad of speakers and club-specific opportunities, GIS focused on co-hosting RM&I events with other student groups on campus in an effort to reach a wider student audience. Some of these co-sponsored events included:

An AI panel consisting of RM&I tech specialists co-hosted with the CS Club
A seminar on Interest and Liquidity Risk given by guests from US Bank cohosted by both the Econ Club and the Finance Club
A Careers Panel from Travelers spoke at a joint meeting of GIS and the HR Club
Alum Ryan Raab provided a fascinating look at brokering for renewable energy companies at an event shared with the Sustainability Club
Alum Rachel Dodd delivered a Cyber Security 101 demonstration to members of GIS and the CS Club
The Economics Club welcomed a panel of former Economics majors who found homes in the industry
The Women in Business Club featured several women in RM&I on a panel co-sponsored by GIS

The classroom was another venue where St. Thomas strove to connect students with the industry. The classes that make up the undergraduate certificate in RM&I were active in bringing expert from the industry to discuss current trends and topics with UST students. Over 30 such classroom visits took place this year – visits that students consistently call out as one of the best parts of their RM&I academic experience!

Social activities where students connected with RM&I professionals were also on tap! Most formally, students enjoyed taking part in the MN Insurance Hall of Fame where they got to see and hear the stories of some of the state’s industry leaders! In addition, students connected with risk managers at an on-campus social hosted by RIMS-MN which also featured St. Thomas’s risk manager Karen Harthorn. And, the CPCU and Western National hosted an evening of bowling and RM&I Careers 101 at St. Thomas’s bowling alley!

The school year kicked off in fine style with St. Thomas hosting a Travelers Institute Symposium which focused on Risk, Regulation, Resilience and Responsibility. Students were able to attend the talks and luncheon and socialize with the agents and brokers attending.

Finally, and perhaps most central to the Center for Risk Management and Insurance’s mission on campus, was the incredibly successful RM&I Career Fair organized by our GIS club. This October event connected over 30 companies with 100+ students searching for internships and full-time roles.

All in all, the past year featured a myriad of events and opportunities for St. Thomas students to learn more about the industry and engage with professionals. We cannot thank those of you enough who shared the gifts of your time and knowledge with our students!

September 1, 2026 by Lindsay Mayernik

Networking

Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees; Event Chair Bill Ryan Invites Industry to October Celebration

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame has announced the distinguished leaders selected for induction into its 2026 class. The honorees will be formally recognized during the annual Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on October 22, 2026, at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

The Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership, innovation, and service have made a lasting impact on Minnesota’s risk management and insurance industries. Since its founding in 2024, the Hall of Fame has celebrated professionals who have advanced their organizations, served their communities, and strengthened the broader insurance profession.

The Center for Risk Management & Insurance at the University of St. Thomas is proud to again serve as the host of the Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame. The annual induction ceremony brings together industry and community leaders from across the state to the St. Paul Campus for an evening of recognition, connection, and celebration of the individuals who have helped shape Minnesota’s insurance industry.

The 2026 Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame inductees are:

John DeSanto, Former AIG Minneapolis Branch Manager

Thomas Devine, President & CEO, Devine Consortium LLC; Regent Emeritus, University of Minnesota & Adjunct Faculty, University of Minnesota Carlson Business School, Insurance Department

Ted Dyste, President & CEO, Dyste Williams; Area President, Gallagher

Patrick D. Francisco, Former President, Patrick D. Francisco and Associates (now NorthView Financial Partners)

Kathleen Gallagher Burton, RPS Excess & Surplus Lines Underwriter/Broker; Minnesota Surplus Lines Board of Directors, Secretary/Treasurer

Stuart C. Henderson, J.D., CPCU, Former CEO and Board Member, Western National Insurance Group

T. Michael Miller, Former CEO and Current Chairman, Global Specialty Lines and Board Director of Intact Financial Corporation

Phillip Richards, Executive Chairman and Founder, North Star Resource Group

“The members of the 2026 induction class represent the very best of Minnesota’s risk management and insurance community whose influence continues to benefit businesses, families, and communities throughout our state,” said Bill Ryan, 2026 Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame Chair and Vice President, Head of People & Culture and Learning & Development at Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. We are grateful to partner with the Center for Risk Management & Insurance at the University of St. Thomas, whose leadership helps bring our industry together each year to celebrate these remarkable individuals and inspire the next generation of insurance professionals.

Registration is now open for the induction ceremony and all are invited to join in honoring the 2026 class. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For information about the event, please visit the Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame website or contact rmi@stthomas.edu.

About the Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame

The Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made enduring contributions to Minnesota’s insurance and financial services industries. Through its annual induction ceremony and ongoing recognition efforts, the Hall of Fame preserves the industry’s rich history while inspiring and funding for the future generation of leaders.

About the Center for Risk Management and Insurance

The Center for Risk Management and Insurance at the University of St. Thomas was founded in 2020 through industry collaboration and funding from the local insurance and risk management community. Aligning the University of St. Thomas mission to advance the common good with the insurance industry’s core purpose, the Center’s RM&I program provides a career pathway through its undergraduate certificate, industry connections and programming, and focused internships and entry level opportunities.

August 11, 2026 by Lindsay Mayernik

Networking

Nominations Open for 2026 Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame

The 2026 Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on October 22, 2026 at the University of St. Thomas. Preparations are well underway, and you are invited to submit your nomination for induction now.

To be eligible for consideration, nominees must:

Have made significant industry contributions
Have exceptional lifetime accomplishments
Have a Minnesota connection
Serve as role model for others in the industry
Exhibit the highest standards of ethical conduct
Have contributed to their community

The Minnesota insurance industry has a long, storied history, and we look forward to reviewing your submissions and honoring the next class of Hall of Fame inductees.

January 23, 2026 by Lindsay Mayernik

Academics

Center for Risk Management and Insurance collaborates with Insurance Federation of Minnesota for Comprehensive Report

Dr. Peter Young, faculty with the Center for Risk Management & Insurance, collaborated with the Insurance Federation of Minnesota to create this report.

State of the Minnesota Insurance Industry Report

The Minnesota insurance industry stands as one of the state’s most important economic and social pillars. It is both a significant source of employment and wages and a central mechanism for managing risk in an increasingly complex environment. This report, prepared by the Insurance Federation of Minnesota in partnership with the University of St. Thomas Center for Risk Management and Insurance, provides a comprehensive assessment of the industry’s current condition, its economic and historical importance, and the challenges that lie ahead.

The industry employs nearly 60,000 Minnesotans across carriers, brokerages, reinsurance companies, and related services. With an average wage of more than $117,000, insurance jobs rank among the highest paid in the state, collectively generating more than $8.1 billion in annual payroll. That payroll alone contributes close to $380 million in state income taxes each year. Beyond payroll and investment, premium tax contributions exceed $750 million annually, further underscoring the industry’s fiscal importance.

Market conditions in 2025 are marked by both stability and strain. Homeowners insurance premiums are projected to rise by an average of 15 percent, placing Minnesota among the five highest states for expected increases. The primary drivers of these increases are extreme weather, hailstorm damage, and the growing costs of claims. Health insurance markets face a similar challenge, with premiums rising between 9 and 20 percent depending on the segment, a reflection of mounting healthcare costs, increased utilization after the pandemic, and the expense of new pharmaceuticals. By contrast, the workers’ compensation system illustrates a more positive trend. A decade of collaboration between employers and insurers has produced safer workplaces, fewer injuries, and more effective claims management, allowing the market to improve its performance without relying on significant premium increases.

Claims data highlight both the scale of the industry’s commitments and the volatility of the risks it faces. In 2024, Minnesota homeowners sustained approximately $2.39 billion in direct insured losses, with wind and hail accounting for nearly $1 billion of that total. Auto insurers continue to manage high loss levels, although recent years have shown some slowing in their growth. Workers’ compensation benefits totaled more than $1.1 billion in 2023, split between medical 4 care and indemnity payments. Collectively, these figures illustrate the central promise of insurance: indemnifying losses and restoring value in the wake of disruption. They also highlight the growing pressures of climate-driven weather events, medical inflation, social inflation, and litigation finance, all of which shape the industry’s future risk environment. The industry operates under a regulatory framework that has evolved for more than a century.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce maintains oversight through licensing, solvency monitoring, consumer protection, and rate approval. Historic laws, such as the Minnesota No-Fault Auto Insurance Act and the implementation of MNsure, continue to influence the market’s structure. At the same time, policy debates over reinsurance, litigation trends, and affordability remain pressing concerns for both regulators and industry leaders.

Looking forward, the Minnesota insurance industry faces a dual reality. On one hand, it provides stability, high-quality employment, significant tax revenues, and billions in investment that fuel the state’s economic growth. On the other hand, it must contend with persistent challenges that threaten affordability, availability, and consumer confidence. Climate change, rising medical and repair costs, new litigation dynamics, and shifting consumer expectations will continue to test the industry’s adaptability.

At the same time, opportunities exist. Industry leaders stress the importance of attracting and developing a new generation of professionals who can harness technological innovation (including artificial intelligence) to strengthen underwriting, claims management, and customer service. Alternative risk financing, which includes self-insurance pools and captive programs, has reshaped the commercial landscape and created new partnerships between traditional insurers and nontraditional risk vehicles. By embracing innovation, building talent pipelines, and maintaining strong collaboration with regulators and policymakers, Minnesota’s insurance industry is well positioned to remain both an economic anchor and a vital risk management resource for the state in the years ahead.

Since its release, the State of the Industry report developed with the University of St. Thomas has become a key advocacy resource for IFM. It has been used in legislative meetings and policy discussions to provide a clear, data-driven view of the insurance industry’s economic impact, workforce, and role in communities across Minnesota. Its credibility and depth have helped elevate conversations with lawmakers and ensure policy debates are grounded in facts rather than anecdotes.

The report has also strengthened broader advocacy and communications efforts. It’s findings have been incorporated into IFM advocacy materials and presentations and it’s data referenced when working with local media to provide context on industry trends and policy issues. This has led to more informed public discussion and a better understanding of the insurance industry’s importance to Minnesota’s economy and consumers.

January 15, 2026 by Lindsay Mayernik

Networking

Student Club Hosts RMI Career Fair

Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS) is a risk management and insurance (RM&I) fraternity at the University of St. Thomas. GIS members have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of events designed to deepen their understanding of the RM&I industry, including information sessions and panel discussions. The club also offers professional development workshops, such as resume reviews and interview preparation events to help students build essential career skills.

Each year, GIS hosts the RM&I Career Fair, which this year took place on Thursday, November 6, at Scooters in the Anderson Student Center. The event was a major success, drawing 29 RM&I organizations—including Travelers Insurance, Securian Financial Group, and Allianz Life. These companies offered students insight into a broad selection of internship and full-time roles, many of which are located in Minnesota, providing strong opportunities for those interested in staying local.

More than 90 students coming from a range of different majors attended the fair to explore career paths, connect with recruiters, and expand their professional networks. Several students also used the event as a chance to further engage with companies they have previously worked with or plan to work with in the future. Overall, the career fair was a great success and an amazing opportunity for students interested in RM&I.

January 15, 2026 by Lindsay Mayernik

Networking

Travelers Institute launches insurance availability and affordability initiative at University of St. Thomas

In September, the Travelers Institute, the public policy division of property and casualty insurer Travelers, launched its Risk. Regulation. Resilience. Responsibility. initiative at the University of St. Thomas. The program, hosted by the university’s Center for Risk Management & Insurance and its Gamma Iota Sigma student chapter, brought together students, industry partners, local agents and Travelers leaders to explore how climate change, economic inflation and other trends impact the availability and affordability of insurance in certain markets.

Rob Vischer, President of the University of St. Thomas, and Rick Smith, Regional President at Travelers, opened the program with remarks on the collaborative spirit at the heart of the event. The day continued with a Cyber: Prepare, Prevent, Mitigate, Restore panel hosted by Joan Woodward, President of the Travelers Institute. Carolyn Purwin Ryan, Partner at Mullen Coughlin LLC, provided a cyber threat landscape update, and Lauren Winchester, Head of Cyber Risk Services at Travelers, shared strategies to enhance cyber resilience. Rick Keegan, Executive Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer at Travelers, opened the Risk. Regulation. Resilience. Responsibility. symposium with a keynote address. Afterward, Keegan joined Michael Klein, Executive Vice President and President of Personal Insurance of Travelers, Eric Nelson, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Catastrophe Risk Management of Travelers, and Glenn Westrick, Senior Vice President of Government Relations of Travelers, on a panel, also hosted by Woodward, that explored how environmental changes, regulatory shifts and economic pressures are reshaping the insurance landscape.

The discussion highlighted key factors shaping the industry’s future, including:

· The importance of disaster preparedness for families, businesses and local governments.

· How insurance markets work today and the role of risk-based pricing.

· The impact of climate change and catastrophic natural disasters.

· The latest building science and the evolution of building codes.

· The current state of community infrastructure.

· The need for legal reform to address litigation abuse.

“We were thrilled to launch our insurance availability and affordability initiative at the University of St. Thomas, uniting thought leaders from various sectors to tackle this critical issue,” said Woodward. “By harnessing community insights and equipping agents, brokers and customers with the tools and information they need to make sound decisions, we can empower people to better navigate today’s risks and build stronger, more resilient communities for the future.”

Travelers Institute events are free and open to the public, including its Wednesdays with Woodward webinar series and the “Travelers Institute: Risk & Resilience” podcast. To learn more, visit www.travelersinstitute.org.

January 15, 2026 by Lindsay Mayernik

Alumni

Graduate Spotlight: Dylan Ayres, ’24

Dylan Ayres, ’24

As a Physics major in my junior year, I found myself wondering if the PhD route in Physics was the right one for me. I began exploring other options and quickly found myself enrolling in the Intro to RM&I class for several reasons. Having never taken a business class or similar classes, I was worried if I would enjoy the class. After completing the course, I can gladly say it was one of my favorites during my studies at St. Thomas. This course takes a broad view to show students from any background a succinct yet deep understanding of many corners of the RM&I world. It covers topics ranging from the history of insurance to complexities between life and health insurance versus property and casualty insurance. The highlight of this course was the speakers that were regularly brought into class. I had never experienced a course that offered as many opportunities to ask professionals in each of their own niches of the RM&I world questions. This ultimately led to my job as an Inside Broker at Risk Placement Services.

Before diving into my post-graduation experience at RPS, I need to acknowledge another amazing aspect of this course. The RM&I Course Scholarship (funded by industry donations) that is offered to encourage enrollment in this course. I am deeply grateful to those who continue to provide scholarships to students for enrolling in this course. This is a unique opportunity that goes without saying is an incredible incentive to begin exploring a new industry. I highly encourage students to enroll in this course and apply for the scholarship, as the curriculum, guest speakers, and instructor make it an exceptional experience

In this class, I was introduced to many professionals in the industry, one of whom is now my manager at RPS. I engaged with Brandon Goodin during the Q&A section and added him on LinkedIn, simply seeking a good connection. I made enough of an impression for him to invite me to apply and interview for a position at RPS. I have only been working here for a handful of months, but I have already taken tremendous strides forward in my understanding of not only the industry, but my specific role, which is all built on the baseline knowledge I gained from the Intro to RM&I class. As I continue to learn more and more, I am also joining an early-career training program called the Producer Development Program, where I will be taught even more insurance industry knowledge alongside how to communicate effectively and ultimately get deals done. I couldn’t be more grateful for the community at RPS, as I have found support from my colleagues every single day. As I look ahead, I plan to complete the Producer Development Program and move into a Commercial Lines Producer role, where I’ll begin directly contributing to my team’s growth.

As someone who came from a non-business background, I was nervous there would be difficulties for me in this industry, but I have never run into a more supportive and encouraging work environment. If you get a career in the RM&I industry you will hear from many of your colleagues that they “fell into insurance” and have stayed since. This industry yields great opportunity to those who are willing to give it a try. I encourage anyone who is interested to take the Intro to RM&I course and see what RM&I has to offer!

January 14, 2026 by Lindsay Mayernik

Student Spotlight

Student Spotlight: Steven Krey, Class of 2026

Steven Krey, ’26

My path into the Risk Management and Insurance industry was not something I envisioned when I first arrived at the University of St. Thomas. But during my time here, I was introduced to new opportunities that have impacted my journey so far.

Coming into the university, I struggled with the idea of choosing a major that might limit my future options. Because of this, I decided to pursue a major that offered both versatility and flexibility, which led me to Economics. This degree allowed me to develop strong analytical abilities, along with high-level critical thinking and decision-making skills. Looking back, those traits became the foundation for my success in the Risk Management and Insurance industry.

As part of the economics curriculum, I was required to take several business courses, including four credits of business electives. One of the options was the cross-listed Introduction to Risk Management and Insurance course, ACSC/FINC 220. The class provided a broad overview of the industry and featured multiple professionals who shared their academic journeys and career paths. These individual stories from industry professionals were extremely valuable to me, as I was able to learn more than what the textbook stated. What began as simply fulfilling an elective requirement quickly turned into an eye-opening introduction to a field full of potential.

Since taking that course, I’ve completed two internships in the industry. My first was as an Underwriting Intern at RLI, where I worked on projects that provided real value to my team. The experience was incredibly rewarding, and I learned and grew a lot. My second internship was as a Ceded Reinsurance Intern at Palomar, an opportunity that strengthened my analytical and modeling skills and gave me deeper insight into reinsurance markets and transactions. I’m excited to return to Palomar next summer, where I’ll take the next step in my career as a Junior Reinsurance Analyst.

The Risk Management and Insurance industry has given me so much academically, professionally, and personally. I’m genuinely grateful that I “fell into it,” and over the past few years, I’ve come to appreciate just how rewarding and wide-ranging the industry can be.

January 13, 2026 by Lindsay Mayernik

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