Annual Conference Scholarships

Applications Are Currently Closed

The application period for 2025 is expected to open in March 2025.

The conference sessions are informative, and the discussions both in and in between sessions are invaluable. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to attend such a wonderful conference by receiving a scholarship.

Cathy Krane, Assistant Vice President for Risk Management, Louisiana State University

Purpose

The URMIA Annual Conference Scholarship Program provides valuable educational and networking opportunities for higher education risk management professionals who could not attend the upcoming URMIA annual conference without financial support.

Eligibility

General Scholarships

These scholarships are intended for URMIA institutional members who have risk management responsibilities in the risk management office or in any related department at a member college or university.

At least one scholarship will be set aside to recognize those who have been traditionally underrepresented in the field of higher education risk management and who have demonstrated a dedication to personal growth and leadership through their commitments to education and/or work.

Furthermore, preference will be given to applicants who have not attended any URMIA annual or regional conference in person. URMIA peers serving on the Annual Conference Scholarship Task Force will select scholarship recipients.

Whittington Solo Risk Manager Professional Scholarship

A professional who is a solo risk manager may apply for the Jenny Whittington Solo Risk Manager Professional Scholarship. This particular scholarship is available to a solo risk manager from an URMIA institutional member. The scholarship was created in honor of long-time URMIA Executive Director Jenny Whittington as a tribute to her extensive contributions to the organization, particularly in the early years as she was a solo staff member. Those who indicate they are a solo risk manager on the scholarship application will automatically be eligible for this special scholarship.

2023 Professional Scholarship Recipients

From left: Nai St. Andrew, Derrick Sawyer, Leslie-Ann Campbell, Marlo Cookston, and Alicia Bond.

Not pictured: David Armanini, Marvette Facey-Thompson, Kelly Foster, Lisa Palazzo, and Ben Schultheis.

Contact

If you have questions after reviewing this page, you may contact Michelle Smith, executive dicrector.

Expectations for Recipients

Attendance

Scholarship recipients will be encouraged to engage with a peer serving as an engagement ambassador and are expected to participate in the following events:

• URMIA President's Reception on Saturday evening
• Newcomers Welcome & Orientation session late Sunday afternoon
• Opening Reception on Sunday evening
• Lunch and general session on Tuesday

Reporting

Scholarship recipients are expected to submit a testimonial in writing or on video within two weeks after the conference.

Use of Funds

Recipients of this year's scholarships may only use the funds to attend the 2024 URMIA Annual Conference in New Orleans. Each recipient of a full scholarship is expected to submit receipts for eligible expenses up to $2,000. Each recipient of a travel-only scholarship is expected to submit receipts for eligible expenses up to $1,000*. Eligible expenses include the following and will be covered in this order:

• The registration fee for the Full Conference Experience
• A maximum of four nights at the conference hotel*
• Travel expenses to, from, and in the conference city*
• Other expenses (e.g., Meet & Greet meal, parking garage, etc.)

Reimbursements will be made in the order above. Receipts will be required. Please review URMIA's travel policy.

* Eligible expenses for travel scholarship

Acknowledgements

URMIA is grateful to sponsors for support that makes this opportunity possible.

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Support is also provided from the proceeds of the annual conference raffle. Thank you to those who donate items and purchase tickets!