The University of Olivet insurance and risk management and actuarial science students are racking up the scholarship dollars. Seven students recently earned national and statewide scholarships from Spencer Ed and the Michigan Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA), with two students earning scholarships from both organizations.
“Our students work extremely hard, both in and out of the classroom,” said Thomas Humphreys, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CIC, director of the insurance and risk management center. “It is so exciting to see them contend with other quality students from top programs around the country and be recognized for their accomplishments. These scholarships are extremely competitive and for so many of The University of Olivet insurance and risk management students to receive them speaks to the value of our program.”
Senior insurance and risk management major Dean Failer was recognized as one of the top five highest-ranking undergraduate students by Spencer and earned a PIA scholarship. Junior actuarial science major Delaney Peters earned both an undergraduate scholarship from Spencer and a PIA scholarship. In addition, Skyler Sutton received a PIA scholarship and Elizabeth Fisher, Allyson Sears, Sam Vondra and Zoie Walters earned undergraduate scholarships from Spencer.
“The insurance industry excites me because it is a relationship business, which allows me to be able to meet amazing insurance professionals and greatly expand my network,” Dean said. “I am also excited about the insurance industry because it is a platform where I can help those in need and return them to pre-loss conditions after a loss occurs.”
Delaney echoed Dean’s remarks adding, “I am passionate about the insurance industry because I want to help people. My primary interest is in health insurance, and frankly, the policy language can be hard to understand. My goal is to make health insurance more understandable so that people who purchase a policy actually know what they are purchasing. Additionally, insurance can be rather expensive, especially health insurance. In addition to making policies easier to read, I want to modify the insurance rates so that people can have affordable health insurance. There is so much opportunity in the insurance industry, and I want to make my mark.”
Spencer Ed is a national organization dedicated to supporting the next generation of insurance and risk management leaders. The organization offers scholarships and grants, facilitates internship opportunities, provides experiential learning opportunities and funds the development of insurance and risk management curriculum.
Michigan PIA represents agents from insurance companies across the state. To help support students during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PIA board made an additional contribution to the organization’s scholarship fund. Michigan PIA received a record number of applications for the 2020 scholarship, which was matched by a record number of four scholarship recipients — three honoring The University of Olivet students.
“Scholarships help me reach my goals by letting me focus completely and solely on my education and my future,” Elizabeth said. “Because of the scholarships I have received, I am fortunate enough to not rely on my income for paying my tuition. My first priority will be school and preparing for my future.”
As Dean nears graduation, he is excitedly preparing for a career in underwriting through internships and networking opportunities. “I would encourage a high school student to study insurance and risk management because there are so many opportunities in the industry that will allow you to be able to pursue your interests,” he said.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
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