Gamma Iota Sigma Student Newsletter                           
September 2016
 
In This Issue
GIS 45th Annual International Conference
Dive In!
Alumni Chapters
CAS Student Portal
Scholarship Opportunities
Industry Internships
Sustaining Partner Spotlight
Student Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
GIS Resources
GIS Social Media
Quick Links

Mark Your Calendar!
 
September 29 - October 1, 2016

View all  scholarship deadlines  and events.
Executive Committee
  Meg Allwein

President

 

Glenn Dorr

Executive Vice President

 

Jason Warden

Vice President

 

Jeff Henry

Vice President

 

John Hammond

(Immediate Past President)

 

Sabrina Hanitz

Secretary

 

Wes Griffiths

Treasurer

 

Jake Timmins

Alumni Representative

 

Jacob Galecki

Industry Representative

 

Dr. RB Drennan

Faculty Representative

 

Dr. Karen Epermanis

Faculty Representative

 

Alex Diverde

Student Representative

 

Sarah Rumon

Student Representative

 

Noelle Codispoti 

Executive Director

 

GIS 45th Annual International Conference
September 29 through October 1, 2016

Remember to register for the GIS 45th Annual International Conference.  Join your GIS peers, alumni, and industry connections from September 29 through October 1 in Columbus, Ohio at the Columbus Convention Center. Have fun and find your future employer!

Important Note: Hotel rooms will run out quickly, so please book your rooms for your chapter  as soon as possible. Please note all students MUST stay through the duration of the conference, including all events and activities taking place on Saturday, October 1st.

The agenda includes a  career fair where you will meet representatives from organizations across the industry. First round interviews will take place. There will be educational sessions, an awards dinner, keynote addresses, in addition to leadership seminars and ample networking opportunities.  

The Conference is your opportunity to access a broad array of companies and sectors, industry organizations and career paths. 

As a part of our week of service, GIS will contribute to the Dress for Success mission by holding a donation drive on Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30 during the conference.  At the Leadership Conference it was discussed that each chapter should bring at least five women's clothing items and five new makeup items.  In addition, each school is responsible for five items that were signed up for at the LC.  You are not limited to bringing only these items. The officers of your chapter have the information as to what each chapter signed up for. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others!

Take advantage of an incredible opportunity to  find your career and increase your knowledge of the industry!

The link to registration was e-mailed to your chapter earlier this week. Registration is due by September 7, 2016. If you have not done so already, please submit your registration today!

Welcome Gallaudet University to GIS!
Our newest chapter!

The GIS Executive Committee just unanimously approved our newest chapter, Gallaudet Univsersity, "the world's only university designed to be barrier-free for deaf and hard of hearing students."

Gallaudet started a Risk Management and Insurance program in 2015 that is growing and and fits perfectly with the GIS spirit. Once the charter date is selected, we will provide them with an official chapter name. Gallaudet University's GIS chapter will be run under the leadership of advisor James Bruner and a group of students who are honored and excited to be a part of our organization. 

We will share details as they are available. GIS is proud to welcome Gallaudet! 

 
Chartering Date Set for Univeristy of Missouri!
GIS Continues to Grow!

Gamma Iota Sigma is thrilled to be chartering its 71st chapter, the Beta Psi Chapter at the University of Missouri on Friday, September 9th. The ceremony will take place at 6 pm in the Reynolds Alumni Center in the Great Room on the University of Missouri's campus. 

If you, or anyone from your chapter is interested in attending, please contact Grace Grant at grace.grant@gammaiotasigm.org, or Beta Psi Chapter president, Alexandra Nuccio at aan6y9@mail.missouri.edu.
 
Another Successful Leadership Conference!
Your leaders have set you up for success!

Chapter leaders headed to this year's Leadership Conference held in Columbus, Ohio at the Columbus Hilton Downtown from August 26th to the 28th. We had over 50 chapters represented, as well as alumni volunteers and industry representatives who donated their time to prepare our chapters for the start of a new school year. Your leaders are prepared and motivated to pave the way to a successful 2016-2017 school year!

At the kickoff of the conference, students were inspired by Ivy Kusing a,  Senior Vice President, Chief Culture Officer at Chubb  as she ran an interactive leadership session. GIS Board President Meg Allwein, Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer at Assurex, addressed the attendees and energized the group for the year ahead.



The conference was three days long and included a meet and greet with our Sustaining Partners. Students had the opportunity to meet with the company representatives in an informal setting. 
In addition to the leadership sessions, chapter development presentations, and discussions, the group had dinner at Gordon Biersch Brewery then relaxed at  a Columbus Clippers baseball game on Saturday evening. 

Thank you so much to the alumni volunteers, Cameron Alford, Alyssa Bouchard, Mike Kelly, and our current International Student Representatives, Alex DiVerde and Sarah Rumon who led so many of the sessions and spent a great deal of time planning with the Grand Chapter to ensure the success of this event. A great time was had by all and your chapter leaders are well-prepared for the upcoming year! 
Congratulations to Omar Powell for his article in WIN Magazine!
"Optimizing Industry Standards through Diversity and Inclusion"

Omar was selected to write an article that was published in WIN Magazine's August 2016 issue. He shared his perspective on diversity and inclusion, and well-represented the millennial perspective on the topic as a part of the GIS committee that focuses on this important topic. 

One of his highlighted quotes in the article is a stand out, "Diversity and inclusion should be viewed as a strategic necessity to obtain the most valuable individuals that will enable optimal business competitiveness and growth. Millennials want to see diversity and inclusion as a requirement in a corporation, not as a quota."

Follow the link below to read Omar's article. Thank you, Omar, for being an outstanding representative of the GIS values and mission. 

Diversity and Inclusion, a Continued GIS Focus
Dive In - The Festival for Diversity & Inclusion in Insurance




Earlier this year, GIS students created the GIS Authenticity & Inclusion Council to give themselves a voice on diversity and inclusion. The industry is listening and working on creative ways to show you that these topics are a priority.

Gamma Iota Sigma is pleased to be a global participant in the 2016 Dive In Festival! The GIS Annual Conference is one of only three US locations that was chosen for this cross-market, industry-wide, global event!
 
Join us on Thursday, September 29, 2016 as our partner organizations and the student-organized GIS Authenticity & Inclusion Council host a series of sessions and workshops designed to encourage engagement, discussion and visibility of Diversity & Inclusion! Register for these sessions and take part in the global discussion.  Registration for these sessions is open to any and all individuals.

For more information about the festival, and to appreciate our excitement about its inclusion in the conference, please visit: http://diveinfestival.com

Alumni Chapters Continue to Expand
Join or start a chapter in your area today!

Students, please consider joining one of our alumni chapters if you are looking to continue your involvement with our organization upon graduation. Our alumni chapters are growing in current cities and expanding into new cities. We are looking for alumni who would like to be involved in starting new chapters in new locations!  
 
For more information on the GIS Alumni Council, please contact one of the regional chapter leaders below or Alumni Council President, Jake Timmins at Jake.Timmins@rtspecialty.com or Vice President, Sabrina Hanitz at Sabrina.Hanitz@AIG.com for information on starting a chapter in your area!

National Chapters
Role First Name Last Name Email Phone
President Jake Timmins Jake.Timmins@rtspecialty.com  214-254-4797
Vice President Sabrina Hanitz Sabrina.Hanitz@aig.com 312-972-5996
Regional Chapters
Chapters First Name Last Name Email Phone
Atlanta Ben Robbins ben.robbins@genre.com  404-365-6858
Atlanta Lindsey Harrell lindsey.harrell@amwins.com 678-586-2291
Charlotte Annalie  Ricketts Annalie.ricketts@amwins.com 919-801-4158
Chicago Jon Perry jon.perry@awac.com 312-646-7760
Dallas Kenneth Rawls Kenneth.Rawls@ACEGroup.com 469-744-6814
Dallas Ali Rosenberg ali_rosenberg@rpsins.com 515-664-6607
Des Moines Austin Neimanis Neimanis.Austin@principal.com 515-988-6990
Des Moines Elizabeth Cokel elizabeth.cokel@mmc.com 217-357-5665
Houston Ashton Baca Ashton.Baca@aig.com 713-342-7603
Houston Jonathan Thompson jonathan.thompson@aig.com 817-709-4065
Indianapolis Sam Weiss sam.weiss@nyhart.com 317-845-3525
Kansas City Jeff Sandy JSandy@riskinnovationsllc.com 816-896-8145
Kansas City TJ Collins tjcollins@psgins.com 816-410-3866
Los Angeles Dymphna Menendez dymphna.menendez@aig.com 213-689-1889
Miami Page Hoggle PHoggle@CRCIns.com 561-213-7081
New York City Simone Blond Simone.Blond@Mercer.com 516-659-2568
New York City Brittany Sakson Brittany.sakson@zurichna.com 570-604-3073 
Philadelphia Chelsea Thorpe Chelsea.Thorpe@aig.com 215-630-2091
Philadelphia Juliette Bachalany Bachalany-Juliette@aramark.com 215-409-7648
Richmond Geoffrey Bernardo bernardogw@vcu.edu 540-520-1711
Richmond Joshua Rubin Rubinjl3@vcu.edu 703-623-2050
Southbend Andrew Graman agraman@gibsonins.com 812-890-1715 
St. Paul Anna Rockers ARockers@archinsurance.com 651-855-7154
St. Paul Mike Jennings Jennings.mike@principal.com 815-685-0981


Pictured above: T he first alumni council event for the Twin Cities Alumni Chapter. There were alumni representatives from Olivet, Drake and St. Thomas on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at the Rival House in downtown St. Paul. Congratulations on the start of an exciting new Alumni Chapter, what a great way to kick off. We are grateful for the photo and wish this new chapter the best in exciting times ahead!


Pictured above: The Dallas GIS Alumni Chapter gathered for a brewery tour on August 25th. Networking and fun are easily combined in our Alumni Chapters. 

Thank you for sharing your photos! 
CAS Student Portal:  Connect with a University Liaison!

The Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) is the only actuarial organization in the world exclusively focused on property and casualty risks, is the unparalleled gold standard of expertise, credibility and professional integrity for the casualty actuarial profession, known internationally as the field of general insurance.

Are you interested in having a CAS University Liaison visit your school? Submit a request on the CAS Student Central website and they will be in touch -  Request for University Liaison.

Scholarships Available:
Do You Need Money to Pay for School? Apply today!

There are many scholarship opportunities available for stu dents studying risk management and insurance. See below for application and deadline information for upcoming opportunities.

DW Simpson Actuarial Science Scholarship Program
Deadline for Fall: October 31.  
For more information:  http://www.dwsimpson.com/scholarships


The Griffith Insurance Education Foundation Scholarship
Deadline for Fall: November 1
Download an application at:


Westfield Insurance and Westfield Agents Association Scholarship Program
Deadline: November 1

For additional scholarship opportunities visit:  http://gammaiotasigma.org/resources/deadlines/
GIS Features Industry Opportunities:  
Don't miss out on these great opportunities, apply today!

C heck out the GIS  Career Center , the only centralized location for you to search through and apply for  internship and entry-level opportunities across the industry.   Employers can also search through student profiles, so be sure to get  your resume on there!  It's  easy:
  1. Go to the Career Center website
  2. Upload your resume
  3. Check out the posted jobs and internships
This is an exclusive benefit for Gamma Iota Sigma members  to be seen by companies and organizations who are actively recruiting and to apply for internships and jobs. Don't miss out!

Below are just a sample of some of the opportunities that await you in the Career Center. Go to 
for additional opportunities!
GIS Sustaining Partners
Thank you to our committed sponsors!

In 2015, GIS implemented a fundraising initiative designed to allow the industry to have a sustaining impact on the development of the next generation of insurance professionals; the Sustaining Partners Program. Because of the support of our Sustaining Partners, GIS has been able to increase the number of strategic initiatives designed to promote the educational and professional development of our students!  
This month features  Lockton!

Lockton Provides Students with Various Opportunities to Advance Career

Lockton is the world's largest privately held, independent insurance broker. More than 6,000 professionals at Lockton provide 50,000 clients around the world with risk management, insurance, employee benefits consulting, and retirement services that improve their businesses. Lockton has won a multitude of awards, such as Business Insurance's Best Places to Work for seven years in a row and Families and Work Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management's When Work Works award, recognizing Lockton for its flexible and effective workplace strategies.

With an initiative to add 10,000 Associates in the next decade, Lockton is always looking for new talent from a range of backgrounds. Lockton offers paid internships for students looking to get hands-on work and shadow Associates in different client service areas. Lockton also offers an 18-24 month Associate Account Manager training program. The program is a mix of trainings, case studies, and presentations that gives individuals the opportunity to become an Account Manager upon successful completion of the program.

Lockton attends and sponsors the GIS annual conference. This year, Glenn Spencer, Global COO and President of US Operations at Lockton, will be presenting an education session at the conference. Lockton Associates have also spoken at Gamma Iota Sigma organizations across campuses. If you are interested in a Lockton Associate speaking at your meeting or event, contact Kelly Dippold at kdippold@lockton.com.

Also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about our business and our culture.


Chapter Spotlight: 
Alpha Iota (St. John's University), Tau (Howard University), and Beta Omicron (Columbia) 

Humans of GIS - The Millennial Experience

On Thursday, August 4, 2016, the Alpha Iota (St. John's University), Tau (Howard University), and Beta Omicron (Columbia) chapters of GIS, along with the GIS inclusion and diversity council, promoted an event that welcomed anyone interested in attending. It 
was focused on millennials in the insurance industry, with a more specific mission, to discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  They regard inclusion as one of the most defining aspects of their careers. 

Millennials across the tri-state area came together to reflect and share their experiences around diversity, inclusion, stereotyping, and bias. Participants discussed scenarios ranging from social to workplace interactions, and developed solutions for promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive work environment.

This event was part of a larger event series called "Gamma Iota Sigma - Summer In NYC" organized by the Alpha Iota, Tau, and Beta Omicron chapters. The goal was to bring together GIS members from across the country, who were in NYC this summer, through various activities. They created a Facebook page to provide event information for a variety of activities and to share memories of a busy, yet fun-filled New York summer experience. 

We would like to thank these chapters, as well as the participants, for their hard work and focus on such an important topic. Your enthusiasm and inclusiveness is commendable. We are proud of your dedication to the mission of GIS! Thanks for sharing your photos!


Student Spotlight: 
"I saw GIS as an opportunity for me to meet more people with the same future goals as me and interact with people who had been in my shoes and are now working in the industry."
Name:  John Walker Carlisle
School:  Mississippi State University 
Chapter: Pi Chapter 
Officer Title:  President 
Major:  Finance/Concentration: Insurance
Graduation: December 2016
What do you hope to do with your degree in Risk Management, Insurance, or Actuarial Science?
I cannot wait for my future career in the insurance industry. The area of insurance that I like the most is the independent agency. After spending a summer as an intern at a large local independent agency, I learned a lot about the typical daily operations. I rotated around to each department such as commercial lines, personal lines, health and benefits, accounting, bonds, etc. Upon completion of the internship, I was confident that I wanted to be a producer in the commercial lines department. I spent a couple weeks with the top two salesmen in the agency during the summer. After going to renewal meetings and participating in pursuing new business, I could tell that this was something that I would love to do. I am not a fan of routine and I really loved doing something different every day. My favorite part about it was attempting to get new customers. With my outgoing personality, I feel that I will be good at this. I am very excited to sell commercial insurance in the near future.                
Why did you choose to major in Risk Management, Insurance, or Actuarial Science?
My dad has been in the insurance industry as a claims adjuster for over ten years. When I was younger and could not drive, I would wait at his office after school until he completed his workday. This is how I originally became interested in the insurance industry. After I developed relationships with the agents within the office, I was told multiple times that I would be successful at their job. After hearing this, I did my research and asked questions to the agents. Once I knew more about the job and what they did, I decided to pursue a degree in Insurance at Mississippi State University.  I still keep in touch with these agents for advice on my future. 

Why did you join Gamma Iota Sigma?

I joined Gamma Iota Sigma in order to get more involved in the insurance department at MSU. I saw GIS as an opportunity for me to meet more people with the same future goals as me and interact with people who had been in my shoes and are now working in the industry. 
  
How has your participation in Gamma Iota Sigma prepared you for your career?

Gamma Iota Sigma has provided me with countless opportunities to interact with local insurance agents as well as speakers who come to Starkville from larger insurance companies. The people that I have had the pleasure of talking to have provided me with advice that I will hold on to until I begin my career. With the connections that I have created, I have a knowledge of what it takes to get me to the next level.  

What would you say to a student interested in joining Gamma Iota Sigma?

In the 2014-2015 school year, I served as chairman of recruitment for our chapter. I am very passionate about getting students involved in GIS. Usually, I tell a student that GIS provides more than just an involvement in an organization. GIS offers internship opportunities, scholarship opportunities, and networking opportunities that do not compare to any other campus organizations. Even if they are not pursuing an insurance degree, I make it clear that large insurance companies hire all majors because they need people with accounting, marketing, etc experience to help run their company.

Alumni Spotlight:
"I would recommend that students get involved in college, as it is never too early to create a positive reputation.

Name: Tyler Lutz, Associate Client Advisor, Marsh, USA, Inc., Chicago, IL
Alma Mater: Temple University
Chapter: Sigma C hapter
Major: Risk Management and Insurance

Why did you join GIS, and what benefits did you experience through your participation in the organization?

I joined GIS as a way to actively get involved in the insurance community.  GIS has been instrumental in accelerating my career, as I have met a vast amount of individuals in various roles in the industry.

What advice would you give to students considering joining GIS

I would highly recommend joining, as the organization benefits both students and alumni.

What advice would you give to students wishing to pursue a career in the insurance industry? 

I would recommend that students get involved in college, as it is never too early to create a positive reputation. A positive reputation in organizations such as GIS or local RIMS chapters can greatly benefit your career.  I would also recommend seeking several internships in order to see the different opportunities available within the insurance industry. 
GIS Resources!
#GammaIS Insuring Your Future

Interested in a career in insurance? Not sure how or where to start, or what the right fit for you might be?
 
Be sure to check out the Career Resources Hub, a  widely collaborative effort spearheaded by GIS in partnership with trade groups and professional associations to avail the industry's collective resources to YOU, the next generation of insurance professionals!
 
Through a combination of dedicated career path pages, career tools, roadmaps, surveys, and quizzes, the Career Resources section will introduce you to many different insurance industry careers and provide you with resources to help you find your fit. Not only can you access valuable career planning and professional development resources, you can also learn about the organizations offering these resources.
    
Your connection to the network is imperative in the future of your career. Connect with the industry by utilizing our Find A Chapter map, where you can find local leaders for the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS),  Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter Society (CPCU), Insurance Accounting and Systems Association (IASA),  International Association of Insurance Professionals (IAIP), Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS), and Risk Insurance Management Society (RIMS). You can access the map through the following link - www.gammaiotasigma.org/find-a-chapter.
GIS on Social Media:
Please be sure to like, follow, and join! #GammaIS

Did you know that Gamma Iota Sigma is on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn?
 
Like our Facebook Page and join in the conversation with other students and alumni just like you as well as employers from all over the world!
 
Write on our wall and tell us how GIS has been beneficial in your path to becoming a professional or what you are looking forward to in the upcoming academic year. Did you have an internship this semester? Give your employer a shout out on our Page and tell us how your internship went!
 
Follow us on social media to get updates on upcoming events and information on industry scholarships!
 
We hope to see you on social media!



Gamma Iota Sigma Grand Chapter on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
 

GIS Online Merchandise Store
Order Today!

GIS has partnered with an online vendor to conveniently provide customizable Gamma merchandise to you such as polos, fleeces, pins, padfolios, table cloths, coffee mugs, and graduation stoles.


 

Check out the  site at the link below to order your Gamma Merchandise today!


 

Gamma Iota Sigma Merchandise Store 

Support GIS - Use Amazon Smile!

Go to http://smile.amazon.com/ and select "Gamma Iota Sigma" where  every time you shop, GIS will receive a donation from Amazon of 0.5% of your eligible purchases with no cost to you! 

Simple, effortless and free! Thank you!
 
Sincerely,
  
Noelle Codispoti                                            
Executive Director                                         
noelle.codispoti@gammaiotasigma.org            

Grace Grant
Director of Chapter Services

Alyson Koehler
Director of Marketing & Communications


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