The Vaughan Institute

of Risk

Management

February 2025 Update

Working together to inspire and equip the next generation of Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) leaders to make the world safer, smarter, and more secure.

As the weather warms up and we shake off the winter chill, we're reminded that risk never takes a break. From navigating natural disasters to emerging cyber threats, the world is evolving — and so are we. Let’s dive into the latest updates and insights as we gear up for a season of resilience.

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Key Performance Indicators

As of February 28, 2025

386 students enrolled in the RMI program
313 students enrolled in the RMI major (estimated top 5 in the nation)
50 students enrolled in the RMI certificate
23 students enrolled in the University of Iowa's MBA program with an RMI focus
1 student enrolled in the RMI PhD program
107 Gamma Iota Sigma members

New records!

Thank you to these amazing

thought leaders and innovators

who spoke to our RMI students this past month:

Chance McElhaney

Chief Operations Officer (COO) at the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services

Mark Winkel

Client Member Service Vice President at Farm Bureau Financial Services

Colby Tunick

Founder & CEO at ReFocus AI

Valkyrie Holmes

CEO/Co-founder of Faura

Scott Keplinger

Chief Executive Officer at Malum Terminus Technologies, Incorporated / IntelliSee

Mike Vasquez

Founder & CEO at Opioid Clinical Management Inc.

Want to hear what our RMI students have to say about their real-world experiences?

Produced by our UI School of Journalism students

Welcome to our newest

Vaughan Institute Advisory Board members

Eugenio Gonzalez

Partner & Head of InsurTech at Plug and Play

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the Vaughan Institute Advisory Board and to support the continued growth and success of the Tippie College of Business. The Vaughan Institute’s dedication to shaping future leaders and fostering innovation in the insurance industry resonates deeply with our mission at Plug and Play. I look forward to working alongside the board to further solidify the University of Iowa's reputation as a leading institution in insurance and innovation."

Nick McClure

Operations Senior Vice President at FM

"We are thrilled to welcome University of Iowa alumnus Nick McClure to the Vaughan Institute Advisory Board. With our history of collaborating with FM on student projects, we are eager to see the fresh, innovative perspectives Nick will bring to the board. His insights are sure to make a valuable impact."

Jim Lewis

Vaughan Institute Executive Director

Five student case competitions and

conferences this spring

Thank you to all our student volunteers who took the time to participate in a variety of case competitions this semester. Stay tuned to see updates.

Intercollegiate Insurance Sales Challenge

March 26–28, 2025

Participating students:

Daniela Paladino

Louie Scanio

Luke Ramsey

Will Klein

Insurtech New York

April 2–3, 2025

Watch our University of Iowa team compete on April 3rd at 3:30 p.m. in the Final Four Student Insurtech Case Competition along with UConn, St. Joseph's and Florida State, which all have exceptional RMI programs. Thanks to Principal for sponsoring this event.

Participating students:

Kade Miller

Kaitlyn Elliott

Matthew Garland

Will Eastman

Global Insurance Symposium

April 15–16, 2025

Participating students:

Carson Houg

Daniela Paladino

Maggie Coffey

Interested in joining a group of us who will be attending GIS in Des Moines? Register here.

Cottingham & Butler Collegiate Sales Challenge

April 17–18, 2025

Interested in joining a group of us who will be participating at the C&B Headquarters in Dubuque? Register here.

Spencer x RIMS Risk Management Challenge

May 4–7, 2025

Participating students:

Andrew Boleyn

Brandon Latting

Rylie Martin

Zoe Peterka

Interested in joining a group of us who will be attending RIMS Risk World in Chicago? Register here

Vaughan Institute Extra Credit Events

Thanks to our February Extra Credit Event speaker, Mike Vasquez. We had over 90 students in attendance.

Save the date for these upcoming Vaughan Institute Extra Credit Events:

Monday, March 24 at 7 p.m.
Tom O’Meara, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa
PBB S401
Monday, April 21 at 8 p.m.
Young Alumni Panel
PBB W401

The "Iowa Effect": Insurance and Climate Change with New York Times Climate Reporter Christopher Flavelle

Vaughan Institute faculty director, Martin Grace, spoke to a combination of law and risk management students about climate change and insurance markets in Iowa. There were over 70 in-person attendees and an additional 75 joined online.

Student scholarship opportunities still available

CPCU Scholarship - Due April 1, 2025

Qualifications:

Be an Iowa CPCU Society Member, OR a sophomore, junior, or senior attending a four-year accredited college or university
Maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.75
Along with the scholarship application, a resume and statement of career goals

Email complete submission to iowacpcusociety@gmail.com by April 1, 2025

Undergraduate CPCU Application

Graduate CPCU Application

New York Insurance Foundation Scholarship - Due April 16, 2025

Qualifications:

A person matriculated in an accredited college or university that is authorized to confer degrees as a candidate for a baccalaureate or graduate degree.
Scholastic standing (minimum of 3.0 GPA).
Desire to work in the insurance industry.
Community involvement/volunteer work.
Not receiving or eligible for full reimbursement for the expenses of tuition, board, books, etc. from another source.

New York Insurance Scholarship Application

What are we watching/reading/listening to?

Introducing the Risk Biz Podcast

The Risk Biz Podcast, in partnership with Gamma Iota Sigma, brings you exclusive insights into the dynamic world of risk business. Hosted by passionate students and professionals, each episode delves into key industry topics — from understanding the core of "What is risk?" to the latest trends and innovations shaping the field, like the Vaughan Institute's Executive in Residence program.

Whether you're a seasoned risk professional or just starting to explore the industry, tune in for engaging conversations that uncover the strategies and stories behind the world of risk management.

Listen to the Risk Biz here

Gamma Iota Sigma

Gamma Iota Sigma Regional Conference – Ft. Worth, TX

This past month, several of our Gamma Iota Sigma executive board members had the incredible opportunity to attend the GIS Regional Conference in Ft. Worth, TX. It was an action-packed event where students connected with peers from across the country, heard inspiring talks from industry leaders, and participated in hands-on workshops that sparked fresh ideas to elevate our chapter. With new insights and renewed energy, our team is more excited than ever to bring these innovative ideas back to improve our chapter and enhance our community. Stay tuned for what's next.