Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame
The Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame was established to finally recognize the titans that have made significant and lasting contributions to the insurance, risk management, and actuarial science industries. Each year, a committee of distinguished executives from across the insurance industry selects recipients within these industries, who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, professional achievements, initiative, insight and ethics.
Honoring the Minnesota Insurance Industry
Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is the most distinguished recognition bestowed upon Minnesota leaders, innovators, and visionaries in the field.
It is not only a personal achievement, but also an opportunity for members to inspire and mentor students studying insurance, risk management and actuarial science industries throughout the United States. This recognition contributes positively to the overall perception of the insurance industry throughout the United States.
The Story of the Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame
In the 2021-22 academic year, three individuals, supported by their respective companies, embarked on a mission to expand the insurance school at the University of St ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½: Michael L Happe, CPCU, Senior Vice President of SFM Insurance Company, Wesley Griffiths, AVP, Actuarial & Analytics of Travelers, and April Gooding, Executive Vice President of the Big I MN.
Their goal was to address the countless job opportunities in the industry by equipping young college students from St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ with the necessary skills. Together, they partnered with the St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ College of Arts and Sciences, Opus College of Business and the Gamma Iota Sigma Insurance Fraternity to bring their vision to life.
Thanks to the support of generous individuals and companies, we were able to raise over $250,000 for the initiative. This funding supported internships, scholarships, educational programs for students and the hiring of a Director of RM&I in the first phase. Additionally, the initial funds raised allowed the GIS Insurance Fraternity to establish the Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame.
These efforts are helping us build toward a nationally-recognized insurance school known as the Center of Risk Management & Insurance. We aim to be a leader in graduating students in the fields of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported us in making our vision into a reality.
