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Inside Risk & Insurance | Winter 2017

by Risk & Insurance Department Thursday, November 30, 2017

Student Life

U.S. News Ranking

U.S. News Ranks Wisconsin #3 for Insurance

U.S. News consistently lists Wisconsin as a top school in their Best Undergraduate Insurance Programs ranking. We believe our strong alumni presence and innovative academic and industry learning opportunities make all the difference in receiving this valuable distinction.
Fall 2017 Speakers

Executive Speakers Impart Valuable Perspectives on Leadership, Industry

Several speakers visited campus this semester, spending time with students to share insight on the future of insurance as well as give tips on effective leadership. Among them were Bob Hartwig, formerly President of the Insurance Information Institute, and Patrick Thiele retired CEO of PartnerRe and previous CFO of St. Paul (Travelers).
Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner

CCLB Offers Interactive, Memorable Event for Students

The Co-Curricular Learning Board's Fall event allowed students, with guidance from CCLB company representatives, to recommend regulatory solutions for cyber insurance. The keynote speaker was Ted Nickel, Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner and NAIC President. Mr. Nickel not only offered a fascinating set of comments, but also spent considerable time working with students on their proposals. It certainly was an evening to remember.
Jim Swanke

Spring Banquet Address Inspires with Success Toolkit

Our alumni inspire in way large and small, near and far. Jim Swanke (BBA, ’80, MBA, ’81), Principal at Willis Towers Watson, added to the inspiration collection through his Distinguished Alumnus address during our annual spring banquet. We are thrilled to be able to share a recorded version of Jim's message here.
CAS University Award 2017

Wisconsin Earns 2017 CAS University Award

The Casualty Actuarial Society has recognized the Wisconsin School of Business for our recurring innovative instruction in actuarial science. We are one of only three programs to receive the 2017 CAS University Award. Learn more »
Global Centers of Insurance Excellence

WSB's Risk and Insurance Recognized as Global Center of Insurance Excellence

The GCIE designation from the International Insurance Society was introduced this year and awarded to 22 programs around the world, including ours. Designee schools are selected based on several criteria including quality of course offerings, number of full-time faculty with research expertise available to students, and graduate and industry statistics. Learn more »

Alumni Highlights

Christy Kaufman

Alumna Recognized by Business Insurance

Christy Kaufman (BBA, ‘97, MS, ‘00) will be recognized December 14-15 in New York City as one of Business Insurance’s 2017 Women to Watch. Christy has been a strong supporter of women in the industry, the Risk and Insurance Department at WSB, and of individuals dealing with disabilities. She strives for excellence in every endeavor undertaken, and pushes those around her to do the same. We are honored that Christy is an alumna of our program, and a 2014 recipient of our Distinguished Friend Award.


Gwen Ezell - now Risk Management Manager, UW-Madison Office of Risk Management
Luke Frey - promoted to VP, Enterprise Risk Manager, Associated Bank
Larry Phillips - promoted to Assistant Vice President of Culture and Inclusion, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Have a professional update to share? Email the Department to be featured in a future newsletter.

American Risk and Insurance Association (ARIA) Brings Together Scholars from Around the World

A large group of faculty, PhD students, alumni, and friends gathered at ARIA’s Annual Meeting in Toronto, Canada this past August. It reminds us of the breadth of influence our program has in disseminating knowledge through research and education around the globe. We look forward to getting together again in 2018!

Alumni at ARIA 2017

Department Highlights

Shi Peng

Shi wins 2018 CAS Young Researchers Competition

Associate Professor Peng Shi received the 2018 Casualty Actuarial Society Young Researchers Competition. This award recognizes the work of actuarial academics or practitioners who earned their highest advanced degree no more than five years ago. The application includes a sample of work that is evaluated on the quality, relevance, and potential contribution to the property/casualty actuarial field. We feel incredibly proud that Peng Shi is a member of our faculty.

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