Senior Keenan Roznowski knows he’s exactly where he’s meant to be after a winding journey brought him to The University of Olivet. He’s preparing to graduate this December with a degree in insurance and risk management. Opportunities to network and grow through Gamma Iota Sigma, the College’s professional insurance and risk management fraternity, have shaped his college experience. Now, Keenan’s ready to take on his new title: associate underwriter at Gallagher Insurance, Risk Management and Consulting.
Hear more about life as a Comet from Keenan firsthand:
I was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. Both of my parents are Lansing natives and The University of Olivet alumni from the class of 1982. I had previously spent three years at another college in Michigan as a double major in economics and psychology. Due to personal problems, I was unable to continue my education and took a gap year to figure things out for myself. My dad told me about the insurance program at Olivet and the industry’s ongoing shortage of young talent, and I figured it was worth a shot. I couldn’t have made a better choice.
I’m hoping to explore the world of insurance and risk management until I find a niche I can truly settle into and thrive in. What I really love about insurance is that no matter what you’re interested in, there’s a niche for it that, more than likely, is looking to hire. Through my internships and experience with Gamma Iota Sigma, I’ve already made a name for myself in the industry and had no shortage of job offers because of it.
I joined Gamma Iota Sigma in 2018 and became a career services officer for OC’s chapter that December. I’ve had an absolutely overwhelming amount of opportunity through Gamma, and I can’t recommend it enough. Thanks to our former president, Griffin Gaffner, I obtained an internship with Gallagher. That internship turned into two internships, and I recently accepted a job offer for an associate underwriter position with them. Gamma Iota Sigma was crucial to my professional development, and I never could have done this without them.
In addition, service day and community service events through Gamma Iota Sigma have been a wonderful way for me to give back, and they’ve certainly cemented the importance of putting positivity and love out into the world without expecting anything in return.
Meeting and speaking with Tom Humphreys, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CIC, director of the insurance and risk management center, during my campus tour really sealed the deal for me to attend The University of Olivet. He’s been an incredible professor, mentor and “school dad” as many of us in the insurance major call him. Professor Humphreys has been a constant source of guidance, support and fascinating insurance stories. And, John Homer, Ph.D., professor of economics, helped me to build my work ethic into a force to be reckoned with. I credit him largely for my ability to achieve a 4.0 GPA for the past two semesters — I also credit him for countless cursive-induced hand cramps and late nights.
Becoming a Comet was the beginning of my comeback story. I was in a very dark place when I came here and unsure if college was even the right choice for me anymore. In a few short years, I’ve grown leaps and bounds over who I was when I first came here, and I feel ready to go out and chase my dream for the first time. My experience as a Comet has been one of constant growth, opportunity and optimism.
I really can’t thank this school enough for what it’s done for me. Wherever I end up in life, I plan on proudly carrying the motto of “Pro Christo et Humanitate” with me.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-546-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
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