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URMIA Supports the Future of Risk Management & Insurance

By Michelle J. Smith, CAE posted 03-24-2025 11:54 AM

  

Introduce students to the higher education discipline of risk management early                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Exhibiting at Gamma Iota Sigma Increases Risk Management Visibility

As a strategic focus, URMIA is collaborating with Gamma Iota Sigma to help fill the gap in the pipeline that exists for our profession. Gamma Iota Sigma is a student organization committed to the growth and diversification of the talent pipeline entering the insurance industry.

Last month, Gamma Iota Sigma hosted its 2025 Regional Conference Series in two cities - Richmond, VA, and Fort Worth, TX - bringing together more than 240 students from 44 colleges and universities and 61 sponsors, all of whom participated in a career fair offering internships, entry-level positions, and scholarships among other resources and opportunities. Attendees expanded their industry knowledge and networks through the trade-show style career fair, an alumni speed networking session, keynote addresses by industry leaders, and educational/ professional development sessions. URMIA hosted a table at each regional conference chatting with students about URMIA resources, free student membership, and our annual conference scholarships. We also got to talk to faculty and club advisors about our resources. In Richmond, we also presented a session "Understanding Risk Management in Higher Education."

URMIA Member Collaborators

  • Juan Azcarate, Senior Director, Risk Management - Dallas College
  • Omar Gonzalez, Interim Enterprise Risk Manager – Appalachian State University
  • Julie Groves, Director, Risk Services - Wake Forest University
  • Kate Miller, Risk Management Analyst - Christopher Newport University
  • Diana Nellesen, Director, Insurance and Claims - University of North Texas
  • Keesha Trim, Sr. Director, Risk Management & Insurance - University of Richmond

Utilizing Opportunities to Reach the Next Generation of Risk Managers

URMIA will also participate in the Gamma Iota Sigma annual conference taking place in Hartford, CT September 25-26, 2025.

Grace Grant, executive director of Gamma Iota Sigma, commented on the support from organizations like URMIA, “Gamma Iota Sigma is thrilled to see the continued growth of the organization with the expansion of collegiate chapters and new members across the country. GIS students are among the top talent entering the industry as they focus on their academic pursuits coupled with professional development and leadership skills that set them apart. Thanks to the support of organizations like URMIA, GIS is able to provide students with the necessary tools, resources, and opportunities for future success in the industry.”

Have a GIS Chapter You Could Get Involved With?

During its regional events, Gamma Iota Sigma chartered its 108th and 109th chapters at Fisk University and Hofstra University. Chapters are formed by students with the support of faculty advisors and industry supporters who help these new chapters grow and make an impact in the industry. If your campus has a GIS chapter, we encourage you to connect with them and offer to be a guest speaker or advertise your office internship! Please let the URMIA Office know about your efforts and we can send some supporting materials.

Learn more about GIS www.gammaiotasigma.org/about





3/24/2025

By Michelle Smith, Executive Director, URMIA


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