The Vaughan Institute

of Risk

Management

April 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 semester winds down, things are anything but quiet at the Vaughan Institute. Over the past month, our community has been buzzing with activity—from impressive wins in case competitions to the launch of a dynamic new advertising campaign. We've also welcomed some exceptional guest speakers into our classrooms, bringing real-world insight and inspiration to our students.

Take a look at the highlights and see how we’re finishing the semester strong.

Key Performance Indicators

As of April 30, 2025

474 students enrolled in the RMI program
388 students enrolled in the RMI major
58 students enrolled in the RMI certificate
27 students enrolled in the University of Iowa's MBA program with an RMI focus
1 student enrolled in the RMI PhD program
106 anticipated May RMI graduates

New records

Hawkeyes Win National Case Competition

A big round of applause for our team of Hawkeyes—Maggie Coffey (senior) and Daniela Paladino (junior)—for taking first place at the Global Insurance Symposium Student Case Competition. A record number of schools from across the country submitted their video responses to tackle the question: “What trends present the greatest opportunities for growth in the insurance industry, and how can insurers effectively leverage these trends?”

With a focus on addressing the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, Maggie and Daniela impressed the judges with their forward-thinking strategies. A special thanks to the three insurtech companies who mentored our students—Faura, Sola, and Virtual Assistant Labs.

We’d also like to give a special shoutout to their teammate, Carson Houg, who was called away to represent the Hawkeyes at a national track meet—showing the many talents of our students.

Want to watch their winning presentation? Click the video below.

Why Participate in Case Competitions?

Hear From Our Students

We’re often asked by students, “Why should I take the time to participate in case competitions?” Beyond being a standout addition to any resume, these competitions offer invaluable real-world experience—sharpening problem-solving skills, boosting confidence, and preparing students to excel in interviews and professional presentations.

Don’t just take our word for it—see what some of our recent case competition participants have to say about the impact of these experiences.

Introducing Our New Ad Campaign:

Inspiring the Next Generation

After hearing from so many across our industry about the ongoing talent shortage, we knew it was time to take action and expand our reach. That’s why we’ve launched an exciting new advertising campaign aimed at high school students—introducing them to the dynamic, rewarding, and sometimes unexpected opportunities a career in Risk Management and Insurance can offer. From making a real-world impact to earning competitive salaries and solving complex problems, we’re showcasing a future they can get excited about.

We invite you to check out the campaign—and help us spread the word. Share it with your family, friends, and colleagues. Together, we can inspire the next generation of creative problem solvers and build a future-ready leadership pipeline for our industry.

Hawkeyes Shine at InsurTech New York Final Four

Congratulations to our outstanding team of Hawkeyes—Matthew Garland, Kade Miller, Kaitlyn Elliott, and Will Eastman—who represented us at the InsurTech New York Final Four Student Case Competition.

These students had an incredible experience in New York, from presenting their ideas on stage against top-tier competitors to attending the industry-leading conference. They even took time to explore the city and visit one of our advisory board members, Brad Dyslin. What a way to learn, connect, and compete.

A special thank you to Kara Hoogensen at Principal for being the award sponsor and post-event celebration host with all students.

Hawkeyes Excel at the Inaugural

Cottingham & Butler Sales Invitational

A huge thank you to Cottingham & Butler, a proud supporter of the Hawkeyes, for hosting more than 20 of our RMI and sales students at the first-ever Cottingham & Butler Sales Invitational. A total of 65+ students participated from 10 schools around the Midwest.

Students spent a rewarding day in Dubuque, gaining valuable insights into sales within the insurance industry. We’re also proud to share that Hawkeyes Caleb Dicken and Erin Schultz brought home second and third place honors, respectively, in the competition.

Congratulations to RMI Faculty Member Richard Peter

We’re proud to celebrate Richard Peter on being awarded the Nationwide Insurance Professorship. His dedication to teaching and research has been instrumental in shaping the success of our students at the Vaughan Institute.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Nationwide and Vaughan Institute Advisory Board Member Michael Moore, Vice President of Personal Lines Field Product at Nationwide, for their generous support. Their commitment helps us retain one of the brightest minds and most passionate student advocates in Risk Management and Insurance.

Thank you to University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson for being such a strong advocate for our RMI program.

Upcoming Events

Insure Your Future Kick-Off at the

Principal Charity Classic

The Insure Your Future program is a unique, introductory internship designed exclusively for freshmen and sophomores to spark early interest in the risk management and insurance industry. With over 90% of participants returning to the industry the following year, the program has proven to be a powerful solution to the industry's talent shortage—attracting and inspiring a new generation of professionals.

Each year, approximately 80 to 90 students intern with 25 to 30 companies, including leading carriers, brokers, and innovative insurtech startups. With an outstanding average rating of 4.9/5, the program consistently earns high praise from both students and employers.

If your company isn’t involved yet, ask yourself: Why not? Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the next wave of industry leaders.

Join the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) to learn how your organization can participate in summer 2026.

Registration required for event attendance. If you are a company interested in sponsoring an IYF intern next summer, contact Michael Gould for more information.

Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 3:30-6 p.m.

Location: Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321