The Vaughan Institute of

Risk Management

November 2024 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.

Just like that, we're close to wrapping up the semester.

Take a look at our record-breaking new KPIs.

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Key Performance Indicators

As of November 25, 2024

New enrollment records:

377 students enrolled in the RMI Program
311 students enrolled in the RMI Major (estimated 4th largest in nation)
47 students enrolled in the RMI Certificate
18 students enrolled in the University of Iowa's MBA Program w/RMI focus
1 student enrolled in the RMI PhD Program
100 Gamma Iota Sigma Members

Plug and Play Insurtech Summit

Plug and Play is one of the leading insurtech and fintech innovation platforms in the world. Thank you to our new advisory board member Eugenio Gonzalez, Partner at Plug and Play Ventures, and advisory board member Cory McAnelly, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy and Development at Principal, for the wonderful experience.

Adam Keune, the new Executive Director of the University of Iowa's highly regarded John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, joined us as we continue to explore how we can make the University of Iowa among the world's top insurtech universities.

Global Rapid Accelerator Program

As a sponsor of the Global Rapid Accelerator Program, Vaughan Institute Executive Director Jim Lewis had the opportunity to present to conference participants. He spoke on the growth happening in the RMI program at the University of Iowa.

We continue to incorporate insurtech innovation in our experiential learning projects and career opportunities.

Case competitions

Thank you to our 12 student volunteers who agreed to represent the University of Iowa at the following case competitions this coming spring.

Interested in mentoring these amazing student teams in their case competitions? Are you a student interested in joining a team?

Let us know at camille-bonar@uiowa.edu.

Thought Leaders and Innovators Speaker Series

Thank you to Northwestern Mutual's Jessica Boyle-Roberts for coming to speak to our Principles of Risk Management students this past month. Jessica's presentation on "The Risk of Life Choices" had our students thoroughly engaged.

Don't miss out on these Summer 2025

Insure Your Future internship and full-time opportunities

Are you a freshman or sophomore looking for a summer internship opportunity? Insure Your Future, a one-of-its-kind summer internship program exclusively for first- and second-year college students, is awaiting your application. Last year 34 Hawkeyes participated. Apply now!

Explore IYF opportunities

Explore all RMI career opportunities

Make an appointment with Tippie Career Services for all

your full-time and internship needs!

Have additional opportunities you aren't seeing? Email sarah-j-davis@uiowa.edu.

Gamma Iota Sigma x Actuarial Science Club Social

On November 18, our Gamma Iota Sigma student organization held a collaborative social with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' Actuarial Science Club ahead of fall break. This gave students the opportunity to meet peers who may be pursuing the RMI major or certificate and mingle about the industry, internship opportunities, and classes in a relaxed environment.

Congrats to our GIS leadership team on reaching their 100 member goal.

Alumni Spotlight

Cole Phillips

Major? Graduation Date?

Finance and RMI, May 2024

Who is your current employer?

Holmes Murphy

What is your current role?

Client Executive

What was your favorite thing about the Vaughan Institute as a student?

My favorite thing about the Vaughan Institute was the opportunity to build relationships with classmates, University of Iowa faculty, and Risk Management and Insurance professionals.

How did the Vaughan Institute prepare you for your current position?

The Vaughan Institute prepared me for my current position by providing me with real- world, hands-on experiences.

What would you tell current students to get them interested in RMI?

For those students who aren’t sure about a career in risk management and insurance, my message to you is that in this field you are working with people to help them manage their business risks. It’s more about the people than the insurance contract. This means that every day is different - you are seeking to build relationships, and finding new and creative ways to solve problems.

Join us at these upcoming events

Vaughan Institute Senior Night - Save the date!

Monday, December 9, 2024. Register now as space is limited.

Vaughan Institute 20th Anniversary - Save the date!

November 5-6, 2025

Big plans are in the works for a major event in Iowa City. Think TED Talk-style event combined with a national student case competition on "What Emerging Risks Could be Addressed with Insurtech Innovation?" Other top programs should be looking for an invite coming soon to be our guests in Iowa City next year.

Interested in joining us? Reach out to camille-bonar@uiowa.edu.

Gamma Iota Sigma Spotlight

Mary Powers

Year in school?

Junior

Major/Minor/Certificates?

I am double majoring in Risk Management & Insurance and Finance, with a minor in Communication Studies.

Involvement/Leadership Roles?

I am a part of GIS, InvestHer Women in Finance Club, Alpha Phi International Fraternity, and Letters of Love Club. I am the VP of Service & Scholarship for GIS, and I was the 2024 Iowa Delta Epsilon chapter delegate for the Alpha Phi International Leadership Conference that was hosted this past September in Orlando.

Why did you decide to join Gamma Iota Sigma?

I wanted to be a part of a professional fraternity that fosters leadership and valuable networking opportunities, specifically for RMI and Actuarial Science majors. Being part of this organization has allowed me to connect with industry professionals, peers, and mentors, and has broadened my understanding of the RMI field.

What excites you most about the Vaughan Institute?

The Vaughan Institute offers an abundance of opportunities to students. Simply by browsing through the newsletters, I've discovered numerous events - including guest speakers, networking sessions, and case competitions - all of which have helped me expand my professional network significantly. Additionally, I have been able to receive scholarships, mentoring, and leadership opportunities all within the Vaughan Institute, just by applying myself and reaching out for help.

What would you tell students thinking about joining Risk Management?

I would tell students to read through the Vaughan Institute's website and visit the Undergraduate Program's page on the Risk Management & Insurance major. Both are very valuable resources to explain the RMI major to students who may not have a great understanding of exactly what it is. Additionally, I would encourage students to attend events hosted through the Vaughan Institute or GIS, so they can network and learn more about the major through students who are already enrolled in it.

Gamma Iota Sigma Food & Necessities Drive

As part of Gamma Iota Sigma's service pillar, the student organization hosted a food and necessities drive this month ahead of the holiday season. Students donated supplies to the Vaughan Institute Office which were then taken to the Coralville Food Pantry to be utilized by members of our community. Great work, students!

If you or a peer are interested in joining Gamma Iota Sigma at the University of Iowa, email william-klein@uiowa.edu.

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Connects you with industry professionals
Provides real-world experience
Promotes leadership and academic excellence

The only fraternity focused on Risk Management, Insurance & Actuarial Science

New Insurtech Innovation Class

This new insurtech class is an RMI elective that counts toward the major and certificate and is filling up fast. We will explore proven methodologies and resources for insurtech innovation and discuss real-world lessons learned by some of the great successes (and a few epic failures).

Real-world experience in both RMI and venture capital
Exposure to interesting, new insurtech companies
Meet founders who will guest speak
Analyze various insurtech startups for market impact using AI platform

Collaborating with Other Top Programs

Thanks to Appalachian State University's Associate Director, Dillon Waschenbach, for taking the time to meet with us this week while back in Iowa for the holiday! There's nothing we love more than collaborating with our peer institutions and making the industry safer, smarter, and more secure.