The Vaughan Institute
of Risk
Management
March 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 heats up and we shake off the winter chill, we’re reminded that risk doesn’t take a timeout—just like March Madness. From navigating natural disasters to tackling emerging cyber threats, the world of risk is always in motion. As we gear up for our own Final Four competition at Insurtech New York, let’s dive into the latest updates and insights. | |
Key Performance Indicators
As of March 31, 2025
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409 students enrolled in the RMI program
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332 students enrolled in the RMI major
- 53 students enrolled in the RMI certificate
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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!
| | New Business Insurance Rankings | | | | |
The University of Iowa has surged to a top-five ranking in the nation for risk management and insurance. We're thrilled to be recognized among such prestigious peers, united in our shared mission to shape the future of the industry.
This year, enrollment in the 10 largest risk management and insurance programs across the U.S. reached 3,166—a significant increase from 2,802 last year, marking the first enrollment growth in five years, according to Business Insurance’s annual survey of RMI programs.
| | Scholarship Award Celebration | | A heartfelt thank you to the 100+ attendees who joined us for the 2025 Spring Scholarship Award Celebration. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and supporters, we were able to award over 70 scholarships to deserving students and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Case Competition participants. Your support continues to make a profound impact on the future of our students and the industry. | | A big Hawkeye thank you to our incredible panelists, Ryan Butler of Cottingham & Butler, Nicole Gunderson of ManchesterStory, and Jacob Unmacht of Lockton, for sharing their insights on "What I Didn’t Learn in School That Is Super Helpful to Know Now." Their valuable advice, coupled with some memorable stories, gave our students a real-world perspective on navigating the industry. | | A special video thank you from our students! | | |
Thought Leaders and Innovators Speaker Series
A big thank you to this great group who shared their expertise with our RMI students this month.
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Jason Gross
Chief Strategy Officer at TruStage
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Dan Israel
Managing Director at the Global Insurance Accelerator
| | Thank You to Advisory Board Member Vince Lamb | | |
"Thank you, Vince Lamb, for your exceptional leadership and dedication over the past four years as a valued member of our Vaughan Institute Advisory Board. Your contributions have played a pivotal role in our growth during this exciting period for the University of Iowa. We are deeply grateful for your inspiration and commitment in shaping the next generation of RMI leaders."
– Jim Lewis, Executive Director
| | Intercollegiate Insurance Sales Challenge | |
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A big thank you to Florida State University for hosting 14 teams from all over the country, including four University of Iowa students at the Intercollegiate Insurance Sales Challenge last week in Orlando!
In addition to the competition, students got to meet with the Disney World risk management team to learn about park safety coverage for natural disasters. From churro stands to resorts and roller coasters, Disney has a plan in place to keep their guests, employees, and assets safe.
Congratulations to all who participated in this wonderful event and our Hawkeye competitors!
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Cheer on the Hawkeyes Competing at
These Upcoming Events
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Insurtech New York
April 2–3, 2025
Cheer on our University of Iowa team as they 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.
Insurtech NY Participating students:
Kade Miller
Kaitlyn Elliott
Matthew Garland
Will Eastman
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Why Risk Management Students Should Attend
"A Day in the Future"
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If you're a risk management student looking to enhance your career, "A Day in the Future" offers a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders, engage in hands-on activities, and gain real-world insights into top companies.
Here's why you should attend:
Industry Connections: Meet employers like United Fire Group, TrueNorth, Transamerica, and Cottingham & Butler. Participate in alumni panels, company overviews, and networking lunches to connect with professionals actively looking for talent.
Exclusive Company Tours: Get a behind-the-scenes look at top firms, tour their facilities, and hear from current employees about their workplace culture.
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Hands-on Experience: Take part in the C&B Sales Challenge, role-play scenarios, and engage in Q&A sessions to refine your skills and gain valuable feedback.
Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with peers and professionals during the rooftop social event in a relaxed, informal setting.
Career-Boosting Exposure: This event is your chance to stand out to potential employers, showing your initiative and readiness to take on internships or full-time roles.
Don’t miss this chance to shape your future in risk management.
| | RISC Summit and Innovation Challenge | | |
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the first-ever RISC Summit and Innovation Challenge on November 5th and 6th at the University of Iowa. This premier event will showcase the brightest student minds as they compete for over $20,000 in the Super Bowl of student case competitions.
The challenge? Identifying emerging insurance trends that can be addressed with insurtech innovation. An exceptional lineup of global thought leaders will share their groundbreaking ideas in a dynamic Ted-Talk-style format, offering invaluable insights into the future of risk and insurance. This event promises to be a game-changer.
Join us at the University of Iowa as we host the first annual RISC (Risk & Insurance Strategic Collaborators) Summit, bringing together top programs to exchange best practices and collaborate on shaping the future of the industry. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this revolutionary event—mark your calendars now.
Interested in sponsoring or your school attending? Contact Jim Lewis at jim-lewis@uiowa.edu.
| | Study Abroad London - January 2026 | | |
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the birthplace of insurance.
In January 2026, the University of Iowa is taking you on an exclusive study abroad experience to the heart of the insurance world—London. From the historic halls of Lloyd's of London to the cutting-edge innovations at Lloyd's Lab, you’ll explore both the rich history and the exciting future of the insurance industry.
This is your chance to gain a deeper understanding of an industry that has shaped economies for centuries, while also witnessing firsthand how insurtech is revolutionizing the field.
Space is limited, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, network, and experience insurance like never before. Secure your spot today and be part of this incredible journey.
| | Student scholarship opportunities still available | | |
New York Insurance Scholarship Foundation - 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
| | Insuring a Paws-itive Future | | |
Gamma Iota Sigma students, in conjunction with Sigma Pi Fraternity, donated two SUVs full of pet supplies and toys for our local animal shelter.
A special thanks to GIS VP of Service and Scholarship, Mary Powers, for taking the time to coordinate and organize the event.
| | | Meet Fred Crawford, Executive in Residence on The Risk Biz | | |
In this podcast, Jim Lewis, Executive Director of the Vaughan Institute of Risk Management and Insurance, interviews Fred Crawford, the former president and COO of Aflac, who is now serving as the first Executive in Residence at the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business. They discuss Crawford’s extensive career in the risk management and insurance industries, touching on his leadership at Aflac and his vision for shaping the future of the industry. The conversation also covers the role of the Executive in Residence program in inspiring and equipping the next generation of professionals in risk management and insurance.
This podcast is in partnership with Gamma Iota Sigma.
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