Department of Finance, Insurance and Law
Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management
Recognition STUDENT PROGRAM
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
BONE STUDENT CENTER
STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026 bone student
AGENDA
GREETING
Tice Sirmans
Interim Chair, Department of Finance, Insurance & Law
DINNER
OPENING REMARKS
Ajay Samant
Dean, College of Business
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
Tice Sirmans
Interim Chair, Department of Finance, Insurance & Law
James Jones
Director, Katie School of Insurance & Risk Management
CLOSING REMARKS
Tice Sirmans
Interim Chair, Department of Finance, Insurance & Law
FACULTY & STAFF AWARDS
• JILL BISCO
Outstanding Teaching Award
YAMAN ERZURUMLU Outstanding Research Award
ELI SHERRILL Outstanding Service Award
STUDY GRANT
•
SARA WALLER
Andrew T. Nappi International Study Grant OUTSTANDING STUDENT
AWARDS
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LUKE FINN
Charlie Norman Outstanding Senior in Finance
JAKE PODVRSAN
Charlie Norman Outstanding Junior in Finance
GRACE CITTADINO
Outstanding Senior in Risk Management & Insurance
CARLY PYE
Outstanding Junior in Risk Management & Insurance
ALUMNI AWARD
MEGAN KAPALA
Outstanding Finance Alumni Award
Megan serves as a lead advisor and relationship manager to high‑net‑worth individuals, families, and organizations at BMO Bank. She partners closely with clients to understand their lifestyle, career, philanthropic interests, and long‑term wealth planning goals. Together with her team, Megan develops tailored and continually evolving financial plans designed to optimize each client’s investment strategy and support ongoing lending and banking needs. As a fiduciary, she prioritizes her clients’ objectives and especially enjoys advising business owners on succession planning, estate planning, and tax strategies. Megan earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in Financial Planning from Illinois State University in 2018 (Summa Cum Laude). She later completed her MBA with distinction at DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business in 2023 and is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. She serves as an Ambassador for BMO’s Women & Wealth initiative, is a Next Generation Initiative member with the DuPage Foundation, and acts as the lead liaison for BMO’s Southwest Suburban region. A native of Tinley Park, Megan currently lives in Naperville with her husband, Vince, their daughter Charlotte, and their puppy, Cannoli. She enjoys cooking, fitness, and spending quality time with friends and family.
FINANCE AWARDS
The following students have earned recognition for their outstanding academic achievements as Finance majors (listed alphabetically by student).
GARRETT ALLAR
Community Bank Case Study Competition Scholarship
LESLIE ARIZMENDI
Jordan Styx Memorial Scholarship
ETHAN BELL
Finance, Insurance and Law Advisory Board Scholarship
NICOLAS BREITER
Finance, Insurance and Law Advisory Board Scholarship
BRENNAN BURNS
Dunn Family Scholarship
SIDDESH CHEKURI
Finance, Insurance and Law Advisory Board Scholarship
TIMOTHY CHOWLES
Community Bank Case Study Competition Scholarship
SOPHIA DEANCHING
COUNTRY Financial Scholarship
CARTER DENNISON
Morris Family Scholarship
COLLIN EISENBARTH
Kevin Stevens ClearPoint Financial Scholarship
International Association of Registered Financial Consultants National Plan Competition
LUKE ENGLER
Charles and Janet Sherburne Endowed Scholarship
CAITLYN FINFROCK
Finance, Insurance and Law Advisory Board Scholarship
International Association of Registered Financial Consultants National Plan Competition
CHASE GARNER
Morris Family Scholarship
ZOEY KLAVENGA
Finance, Insurance and Law Advisory Board Scholarship
KYLER KLINGS
Dunn Family Scholarship
MAKAYLA LAUDERBACK
Educational Investment Fund Scholarship
Educational Fixed-Income Fund Scholarship
ERIK MALDONADO
Watts Family Scholarship
KOLTON MANNIN
Finance, Insurance and Law Advisory Board Scholarship
JACOB MAUS
Community Bank Case Study Competition Scholarship
JACOB MONTANA
Educational Investment Fund Scholarship
SHANNON O’KEEFE
Finance, Insurance and Law Advisory Board Scholarship
DIYA PATEL
Finance, Insurance and Law Advisory Board Scholarship
TUCKER PETERS
Jeff Secord Outstanding Student Financial Planning Scholarship
ALLAN POTTER
Gary and Joan Ollman Scholarship
ADRIAN ROGOWSKI
Joseph Trefzger Scholarship in Finance
CADEN SCARLETT
Educational Fixed-Income Fund Scholarship
Community Bank Case Study Competition Scholarship
DARIA SWIERTOKA
International Association of Registered Financial Consultants National Plan Competition
MASON TRINCO
Joseph Trefzger Scholarship in Finance
COREY URBAN
LaVerne Cox Endowed Scholarship
VERONICA ZIEBA
LaVerne Cox Endowed Scholarship
2025-2026 FINANCE TEAM COMPETITIONS
Students are encouraged to take part in various team competitions that are offered throughout the year on a variety of topics.
COMMUNITY BANK CASE COMPETITION
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Vladimir Kotomin
Caden Scarlett Garrett Allar Jacob Maus Timothy Chowles
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS
NATIONAL PLAN COMPETITION
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Christopher Tamm
Caitlyn Finfrock Collin Eisenbarth Daria Swiertoka
RISK MANAGEMENT & INSURANCE AWARDS
The following students were selected to receive recognition of their outstanding academic achievements in risk management, insurance, and actuarial science (listed alphabetically by student).
SADIRA ALI
Edward B. Rust, Jr. Katie School Hall of Fame Scholarship Pinnacle Actuarial Resources Scholarship
JOHANNA AUSTIN
Katie School Alumni Scholarship
State Farm Insurance Scholarship
NOAH BADOWSKI
Patrick G. Ryan Endowed Scholarship
Lloyd’s America Scholarship
AUBREY CALL
Lori Goltermann Endowed Scholarship
MSIG Scholarship
MATTHEW CASELLA
St. Louis Chapter of RIMS Memorial Scholarship
AXA XL Scholarship
State Farm Insurance Scholarship
GRACE CITTADINO
Edward B. Rust, Jr. Katie School Hall of Fame Scholarship
COUNTRY Financial Scholarship
JOSEPH CONNOLLY
Gerald E. Myers Endowed Scholarship Munich Re Scholarship
AIDEN DE LA O
Gerald E. Myers Endowed Scholarship
ALLISON DEBOLT
St. Louis Chapter of RIMS Memorial Scholarship Associated Insurance and Risk Management Advisors Scholarship
SOPHIA EGAN
Gerald E. Myers Endowed Scholarship
JAVIER FIALEK
Auto-Owners Insurance Scholarship CNA Scholarship
JOSELYN FRY
COUNTRY Financial Scholarship RLI Scholarship
NICHOLAS GALIS
St. Louis Chapter of RIMS Memorial Scholarship Gen Re Scholarship
VIMBAI GWEKWERERE
Nierstheimer-Gurtner-Giese Family Endowed Scholarship MSIG Scholarship
ELIZABETH JOHNSON
Timothy W. Turner Scholarship RT Specialty Scholarship
MADISON JOHNSON
J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Markel Scholarship State Farm Insurance Scholarship
OLIVIA KEHRER
Katie School Alumni Scholarship
Chicago Chapter of RIMS Scholarship
BEN LEESE
St. Louis Chapter of RIMS Memorial Scholarship Gallagher Scholarship
MYA LEWIS
St. Louis Chapter of RIMS Memorial Scholarship
MASON LOUCKS
Association of Lloyd’s Brokers Scholarship Chubb Scholarship
NATHAN MANTHEY
Gerald E. Myers Endowed Scholarship Travelers Scholarship
State Farm Insurance Scholarship
MITCHEL MCANALLY
Nanette T. Meyer Scholarship
Surplus Lines Association of IL Scholarship
JOSEPH MINELLI
Timothy W. Turner Scholarship
J. Krug and Associates Scholarship
MICHAEL MUCHOWICZ
Gerald E. Myers Endowed Scholarship
ANDREW MUNN
American Ag Scholarship
Sompo International Scholarship
EMMA ONGMAN
Gerald E. Myers Endowed Scholarship
State Farm Insurance Scholarship
Rockford Mutual Endowed Scholarship
AMIT PACHHAI
Timothy W. Turner Scholarship Swiss Re Scholarship
ADARSH PATEL
Timothy W. Turner Scholarship AIG Scholarship
DIYA PATEL
St. Louis Chapter of RIMS Memorial Scholarship
EMMA PATRICK
NABIP Illinois - Gregory Smith Memorial Insurance Scholarship
MAREK PEDZIWATER
David Lockton Katie School Hall of Fame Scholarship Hub Scholarship
CARLY PYE
APIW Zurich Kathleen Savio Scholarship
GAVIN SERRA
Mark Willis Scholarship
Zurich North America Scholarship
JASON TARPEY
Waller Family Endowed Scholarship
Lockton Companies Scholarship
GIGI TERTIPES
Gerald E. Myers Endowed Scholarship
NATE TUSHINSKI
St. Louis Chapter of RIMS Memorial Scholarship
SARA WALLER
Markel Specialty Scholarship
VERONICA ZIEBA
J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr. Endowed Scholarship
Aon Scholarship
St. Louis Chapter of RIMS Memorial Scholarship
BROOKE ZOLFAGHARI
Katie School Alumni Scholarship
2025-2026 INDUSTRY AWARDS
Katie School students receive special recognition throughout the year for their academics, leadership, and industry engagement.
CPCU IN2RISK CONFERENCE
Grace Cittadino
Javier Fialek Mitchel McAnally Carly Pye
SPENCER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
CONSULTING SCHOLARS
Grace Cittadino Marek Pedziwater
2025-2026 TEAM COMPETITIONS
Students are encouraged to take part in various team competitions that are offered throughout the year on a variety of topics. The teams are blended with students from all different disciplines.
GAMMA IOTA SIGMA BOWERS AWARD – 3RD PLACE
Grace Cittadino
Zack Mazariegos Emma Ongman
Marek Pedziwater Carly Pye
SPENCER RIMS
RISK MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE
Matthew Casella
Madison Johnson
Emma Ongman
Sara Waller
SELECTIVE INSURANCE AGENCY
MANAGEMENT COMPETITION – 1ST PLACE
Noah Badowski
Andrew Cedeno
Grace Cittadino
Rae Mahalik
Jacob Maus
Carly Pye
RISK MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE
STRATEGIC COLLABORATORS (RISC)
SUMMIT + INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Sadira Ali Aubrey Dale Ben Leese
2025-2026 KATIE SCHOOL I-RAD
INSURANCE AND RISK ACUMEN DEVELOPEMENT
The purpose of the I-RAD Insurance and Risk Acumen Development badge program is to provide students with an opportunity to develop and demonstrate skills and knowledge sought after by industry employers, which they may not be able to attain from a traditional classroom experience. By demonstrating skills and knowledge in three categories, students who complete the badge program should be well suited to enter and excel in the insurance industry. The three areas of focus are non-course technical skills, industry understanding and soft skills.
Noah Badowski
Madison Johnson
Mya Lewis
Cheyenne Lutz
Nathan Manthey
Mitchel McAnally
Joseph Minelli
Julianne Neuhalfen
Emma Patrick
Marek Pedziwater
Carly Pye
Autumn Torres
Sara Waller
2025-2026 ACTUARIAL STUDENTS
The Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management provides financial support to actuarial students. We would like to congratulate those students for passing their actuarial exams this academic year, notated with an asterisk.
Matthew Adebiyi*
Sadira Ali*
Aidan Anderson*
Emmanuel Ansah*
Jasper Antonelli*
Johanna Austin*
Leah Barstow*
Garrett Bettis*
Bryce Bloemer
Joel Bulka*
Anna Burdzel*
James Calvert*
Matthew Casella*
Tycen Chaffin*
Georgie Connor
Arsh Dalal*
Dumisa Dhlamini*
Corey Gul*
Carly Habing
Ling Jiang*
Alexander Katsnelson*
Cheyenne Lutz*
Shane Macaulay*
Nathan Manthey*
Michael Muchowicz*
Emma Ongman*
George Opoku
Jeel Patel*
Shae Quinn*
Prince Rapoza*
Nathan Rudd
Delanie Ruffin*
Dean Shrofe*
Nathaniel Sobery*
Autumn Torres
Nico Venezia*
FINANCE, INSURANCE AND LAW DONORS
The following individuals and firms have donated funds for student and program support to the Department of Finance, Insurance and Law during the 2025 fiscal year.
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Michelle and Michael Hermann
Eric Schweitzer
Tice Sirmans
Robert Bennes
Camron Hinman
Nicholas Harfst
RYAN BURKS
Chip Krusemark
Albert Krusemark
Nora and Christopher Tamm
John Gillmann
Robert Parent
Nathan Jacobs
Nancy Tamakloe
Scott Joyce
Roger Swanlund
Penney Rodd
Sean Buchanan
Katelyn Friend
Molly and Scott Davis
Amy Landefeld
Robert Plankenhorn
Douglas Johnson
Mark Burns
Anthony Gonzalez
Yaman Omer Erzurumlu
Jill Bisco
Lisa Nicholas
Elizabeth Adams
Julie Karstens
Hayden Cox
Aaron and Sarah Vaughn
Michael and Mary Smrt
Collin and Laura Geninatti
Mark Whitaker
Charles R. and Joan M. McGuire
Charles Sherburne
Ted Porter
Jonathan Strok
Daniel and Julie Griminger
Akilah Mixon
Travis Vermillion
Zach Hitpas
Ronnell Robinzine
Adam Kveton
Venkatakrishnan Peruvemba
Greg and Traci Morris
Timothy and Wendy Papka
Courtney Graf
Melanie Lipp
Alan Cring
Numan Ahmed
Nicholas Blair
Amanda Trefzger
Gary and Debbi Tiffany
Kevin and Theresa Ahlgrim
Karim Massarani
Charles and Janet Sherburne
Ellen and Wesley Gates
Joseph W. and Connie L. Trefzger
Jeffrey and Carol Secord
Thomas Howe
Gary and Joan Ollman
Roger Sawnlund
Robert and Jennifer Parent
Dave and Kathleen Deneen
Don Duncan
Jeffrey and Julie Wilson
Frank, Jr. and Mary Haggerty
Michael Skelly
Nicholas and Beth Potthoff
Andrew Finks
Michel and Kary Lansden
Andrew Watts
Sean Sawanson
James Duff
Kirk and Michelle Klein
Richard and Tammy Neely
Michael and Sandra Price
Michael and Laura Taets
Penthea Rodd
Mitch Zippay
Nicole Barone
Breanna Shattuck
Oliver Ade
Jayne Allen
Phillip and Ashton Barling
Christopher Behrns
Kathy Chamberlain
Julian and Briana Chavez-Alvarez
Christopher Caveiro
William Cullen
Don Curby
Daryl Dagit
David and Kathleen Deneen
Erin Dullard
Ryan Dunn
Tom Ear
Chadd Folkes
Graham Homberg
George Idiyalu
Rebecca and William Johson
Nichole and Kyle Kelley
Joel Kiedaisch
Amy Krych
Alec Lance
Deven Maddox
Erik Maldonado
Dale Meredith
Chelsie Moore
Jerriann Myers Wilson
Dennis Nowaczyk
Gary and Joan Ollmann
Vincent Porter
James Pribel
Michelle and Daniel Rojo
Steve and Laurie Rolonitis
Rocco Sapienza
Brookie Scholl
Joni and Michael Staley
Kevin Stevens
Charles Sutton and Nikki Thanas
Lynn and Charles Sutton
Brad Thoele
Mikkel Vogele
CORPORATE DONORS
Afni, Inc.
COUNTRY Financial
CEFCU
Lockton Companies Inc.- Illinois Division
Travelers Insurance
Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc
Ryan Specialty Group
PMM Partners Inc
McBeath Financial Group
Capstone Financial Advisors
John Graham and Associates
Equitable Advisors
Barrington Private Wealth
JMG Financial Group
Altus Group
The Financial Planning Association
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Complete Equity Markets, Inc.
First American Bank
GATX Corporation
State Farm Companies Foundation
KATIE SCHOOL DONORS
The following organizations and individuals have donated funds to the Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management and its students.
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Christopher Craveriro
Laura Gomberg
Dawn and Patrick Forden
Derek and Kristine Wissmiller
Mary Jo and William Murphy
James Bowen
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Rob and Katherine McDade
Ed Rust Jr., and Sally Rust
Justin Waller
Carol and Steven Johnson
Sara Waller
Megan Smalter
Sarah Anderson
Erika Sreenan
Marcie and Adam Stephan
William Lally
Jill and Tyler Hall
Peter and Kathleen Savio
Allen Kus
Andrew Vuong
Leatha Pierce
Lauren Melzer
Stanley Yanz
Aaron Augustyniak
Walter Cain
James Jones
Mark and Jennifer Loveall
Holly Myers
Dawn and Blake Kuppersmith
Thomas Mullins
Pamela and Kerry Adams
Michael Liedke
Thomas Fitzgerald
Brett Glaser
Norm Nierstheimer
Ethan Witting
Dow and Stephanie Ragan
Lee Bullwinkel & Barbara Devignier
Jean Celestin
Jon Perry
Jayne and Adam Carver
Nicholas Borus
David Ocasek
Casey Koontz
Sue Edmonson
Jeanette Bourey
Mimi Fiske
Sandy Willis
Travis Kniep
Natalia Donohue
Mike Andersen
Debbie and Bruce Babcock
CORPORATE DONORS
American Agricultural Insurance Co
RLI Insurance Company
Aon Re Inc
Auto-Owners Insurance
General Reinsurance Corporation
Travelers Companies Foundation
Surplus Lines Association of Illinois
State Farm Companies Foundation
Arthur J. Gallager Foundation
CNA
Pinnacle Actuarial Resources Inc.
Swiss Reinsurance
Zurich North America Insurance Company
St. Louis Chapter of Risk Management and Insurance Society
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Munich Reinsurance America Inc.
Rockford Mutual Insurance Company
AIG Chicago
Sompo International
Markel Assurance Corporation
J. Krug and Associates Inc
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group USA
Associated Agencies
RLI Insurance Company
Allied World Insurance Company
Arch Insurance Group
AXA XL
Berkley Custom Insurance Managers
Chubb Charitable Foundation
COUNTRY Financial
Gen Star
Hub International
Lockton Companies LLC
McBeath Financial Group
National Association of Benefits
Old Republic Genearl Services, Inc.
Risk and Insurance Management Society Inc
Ryan Specialty Group
Selective Insurance Company of America Foundation
Spencer Educational Foundation Inc.
The Hartford
Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman and Dicker LLP
WSIA Education Foundation
FIL EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENT FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Jim Andreoni - Northern Trust Wealth Management
Arijan Arslani - Calamo Investments, Chicago
Brian Christiansen - David Vaughn Investments, Peoria
David Deneen - Wells Fargo Advisors, Bloomington
Andy Finks - COUNTRY Trust Bank, Bloomington
Ryan Forberg - RMB Capital Management, Chicago
Ryan Hypke - COUNTRY Financial, Bloomington
Thomas Howe - Illinois State University
John Jaburek - Wells Fargo Advisors, Itasca
Stella Liao - Illinois State University
Chelsie Moore - COUNTRY Financial, Bloomington
Matt Riley - Hickory Point Bank
Ajay Samant - Illinois State University
Tice Sirmans - Illinois State University
Greg Stephens - State Farm, Bloomington
Jon Strok - COUNTRY Financial, Bloomington
Mike Trompeter - Chicago Atlantic
FINANCE, INSURANCE AND LAW ADVISORY BOARD
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Kathy Chamberlain - COUNTRY Financial, Bloomington
Daryl Dagit - Savant Capital Management, Peoria
Scott Davis - Renaissance Wealth Management, Bloomington
John Kerr - State Farm Insurance, Bloomington
Kedric Meredith - JBT Corporation, Chicago
Greg Morris - Archer Daniels Midland, Chicago
Joel Myers - COUNTRY Financial
Robert Parent - State Farm Insurance, Bloomington
James Pribel - Consultant, Chicago
Mike Price - David Vaughan Investments, Peoria
Steve Rolinitis - Caterpillar, Peoria
Ajay Samant - Illinois State University
Tice Sirmans - Illinois State University
Eric Schweitzer - Challenger Gray, Chicago
Jeffrey Secord - Renaissance Wealth Management, Bloomington
KATIE SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD OF EXECUTIVES
Uli Boeing - Gen Re, Chicago
Walter Cain - Chubb NA, Milwaukee
Kevin Conner - Travelers Insurance
Seth Davis - RLI Insurance Corp, Peoria
Bryon Ehrhart - Aon plc, Chicago
Ryan Fee - Chicago Chapter of RIMS
Mimi Fiske - Markel Corporation, Chicago
Joe Fitzpatrick - MSIG Holdings (U.S.A.), Chicago
John Hammond - AIG
Josh Harwood - AXA XL, Chicago
Aaron Hillebrandt - Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, Inc., Bloomington
Bill Jones - Lockton Companies, Chicago
James R. Jones - Illinois State University
Kelly Kinzer - Zurich North America
Adam Kopcio - Sompo International, Chicago
Tom Krug - J. Krug and Associates, Itasca
Blake Kuppersmith - Swiss Re, Alpharetta, GA
Andy Martin - American Ag
Terry McCann - RT Specialty, Chicago
Rob McDade - COUNTRY Financial, Bloomington
Lauren Melzer - Hub International Limited
CJ Metcalf - Illinois Department of Insurance
David Ocasek - Surplus Line Association of Illinois, Chicago
John O’Donnell - Afni, Inc., Bloomington
Eric Pan - Gallagher
Tai Rutledge - CNA, Chicago
Dr. Ajay Samant - Illinois State University
Teresa Serverson - Kite Realty, Chicago RIMS
Randy Schlosser - Munich Re America, Chicago
Skip Schrayer - Associated Insurance & Risk Management Advisors
Tie Sirmans - Illinois State University (Ex-Officio)
Gavin Souter - Business Insurance, Chicago
Pat Talley - Lloyd’s America, Frankfort, KY
Dr. Aondover Tarhule - Illinois State University
Andy Wieduwilt - State Farm, Bloomington
ABOUT US
The Department of Finance, Insurance, and Law at Illinois State University offers majors in both Finance and Risk Management and Insurance, plus minors in Financial Planning and in Risk Management and Insurance. These programs are intended to help prepare students for careers in financial services and to develop skills in critical thinking, written and oral communication, professionalism, and ethical decision making. The curricula of the department maintain its relevancy with the advice of industry professionals that sit on the Finance, Insurance and Law Advisory Board.
The Finance major prepares students for careers in corporate finance, investment management, financial institutions, or real estate. The curriculum guides students toward several professional designations, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP). A distinctive feature of the finance curriculum is the opportunity to link theory with financial practice. The Educational Investment Fund (EIF), a student managed equity portfolio with a market value of about $1,400,000, allows students to earn academic credit while making actual investment decisions with feedback from industry professionals on the Educational Investment Fund Board of Directors. A second student managed portfolio course is the Educational Fixed Income Fund (EFIF), which focuses on bonds and currently has a market value of about $1,300,000. Finance students also interact with industry through the Illinois State Students in Finance (ISSF) student organization and the Institute for Financial Planning and Analysis. Additionally, students participate in internship experiences, both locally and in major metropolitan areas.
The Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) major prepares students for careers in the insurance industry and in the field of risk management.
The Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management was established in 1991 to help students in insurance interact with industry professionals through research projects, industry conferences, mentorships, Katie School alumni events, and visits to board member companies. The Katie School International Internship Program allows students to intern internationally in insurance markets including London, Bermuda, Zurich and Johannesburg with internship opportunities in many domestic locations as well.
The student organization Gamma Iota Sigma provides a professional and social environment for students with community service events, engaged speakers, etiquette dinners, soft skill workshops, mock interviews and other enhancements.
Other opportunities for students include Toastmasters to develop public speaking capabilities, the Katie School Certification in Leadership and Business Acumen Program to enrich skills and knowledge sought by industry, and the Ambassador program which sends RMI majors into high school classes to highlight careers and opportunities in the insurance industry. Additional high school outreach programs include the Midwest High School Scholars Analytics Academy, and the Redbird Risk Management Challenge.
The Katie School also offers a wide array of programs to industry including the Insurance Executive Forum, the Lloyd’s of London Conducting Business in the U.S. Program, the Katie School Hall of Fame, the Katie School Innovation and Leadership Awards, the Katie School Symposium, the Katie School Golf Classic, and the Katie School Financial Regulators Program.
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The Department of Finance, Insurance, and Law and Katie School of Insurance & Risk Management thank the following faculty members and staff who assisted in organizing this year’s awards.
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FINANCE, INSURANCE & LAW HONORS TEAM
Awards Selection Committee
Yaman Erzurumlu Assistant Professor
Eli Sherrill Associate Professor, Honors Team Chair
Joseph Trefzger Professor
KATIE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Awards Selection Committee
Tice Sirmans Interim Department Chair
Kevin Ahlgrim Associate Professor
James Jones Executive Director, Katie School
Zifen Zeng Assistant Professor
FACULTY & STAFF BANQUET COMMITTEE
Tice Sirmans Interim Chair
Sally Rowan Administrative Aide
Kylie Maurer Program Coordinator
DEPARTMENT FACULTY AND STAFF
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Dr. Tice Sirmans, FIL Interim Department Chair
James Jones, Katie School Director
Sally Rowan, Administrative Aide
Kylie Maurer, Program Coordinator
Danielle Cannon, FIL Academic Advisor
Mark Fauble, FIL Academic Advisor
Kathy Sims, FIL Academic Advisor
Christopher Tamm, Finance Internship Coordinator
James Jones, Insurance Internship Coordinator •
Kevin Ahlgrim, Associate Professor
Jill Bisco, Assistant Professor
Tamra Connor, Professor
Md Raihan Uddin Chowdhury, Assistant Professor
Darren Clerkin, Instructional Assistant Professor
Alan Cring, Instructional Assistant Professor
Isarin Durongkadej, Assistant Professor
Tim Eckhardt, Instructional Assistant Professor
Yaman Erzurumlu, Assistant Professor
Jeffrey Hahn, Instructional Assistant Professor
Thomas Howe, Professor Emeritus
Vladimir Kotomin, Professor
Stella Liao, Associate Professor
Gunratan Lonare, Assistant Professor
Dalia Marciukaityte, Associate Professor
Kristen Nancarrow, Instructional Assistant Professor
Daniel Nash, Instructional Assistant Professor
Yayuan Ren, Associate Professor
Eli Sherrill, Associate Professor
Michael Stivers, Instructional Assistant Professor
Christopher Tamm, Associate Professor
Joseph Trefzger, Professor
Timothy Trombley, Associate Professor
Abhishek Varma, Professor
Katrin Varner, Associate Professor
Zifen Zeng, Assistant Professor
STUDENT BIOGRAPHIES
GARRETT ALLAR Garrett Allar is a senior from Westchester, Illinois, majoring in Economics with a minor in Mathematics. Active within his department, Garrett serves as the Vice President of the Economic Students Association and has competed in a national community banking case study competition. His academic work focuses on applied economic research and data analysis, which includes a capstone project evaluating county level foster care outcomes. After graduating in May 2026, Garrett intends to pursue the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) credential and is interested in gaining experience in banking and credit analysis.
SADIRA ALI is a senior from Elgin, Illinois, majoring in Actuarial Science and minoring in Risk Management & Insurance. She has held a variety of leadership roles in Gamma Iota Sigma and the Actuarial Science Club, with most recently serving as the Vice President of Industry Relations. She recently competed in the RISC Summit and Innovation Challenge at the University of Iowa, where her team placed third. After graduation, she will be a full time Actuarial Analyst at Pinnacle Actuarial Resources.
LESLIE ARIZMENDI is a senior from Zion, Illinois majoring in Finance with a minor in Risk Management and Insurance. Active in Association of Latino Professionals for America and current Marketing Director. Leslie also volunteers at the Midwest Food Bank and Feed my Starving Children. After graduating in 2026, Leslie plans to pursue a Financial Advisor position at a bank.
JOHANNA AUSTIN is a freshman from Bloomington, Illinois, who is majoring in Actuarial Science. She is a member of Gamma Iota Sigma and active in the Actuarial Club, in which she will be a General Officer next academic year. She has passed the two preliminary actuarial exams and plans to continue studying when she has chosen an exam path. After graduation, she will pursue a career as an actuary. Her interests outside of academics include drawing and creative writing.
NOAH BADOWSKI is a junior from Romeoville, Illinois, majoring in Risk Management & Insurance at Illinois State University. He is actively involved in the Gamma Iota Sigma Alpha Kappa Chapter, where he will serve as VP of Internal Affairs for the 2026–2027 academic year, and Phi Gamma Nu, where he previously served as Vice President of Marketing. Noah has gained industry experience through his Summer 2025 internship with Amwins in Chicago as a Wholesale Property Intern and was selected for this year’s Katie School’s International Internship at Lloyd’s of London. After, he will join Sompo International as a Professional Lines Underwriting intern in Summer 2026. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in the insurance industry as either a broker or underwriter in the Chicagoland area. In his free time, Noah enjoys listening to music, weightlifting, and staying involved in the ISU community.
ETHAN BELL is a senior from LaSalle, Illinois, majoring in finance. He is a part of the Executive Board for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Healthy Black Men, and the National Association of Black Accountants. He also volunteers his time with the West Bloomington Revitalization Project and his fraternity’s mentor/mentee group, Guide Right. Post graduation, he secured a full time job in corporate finance through Wesco International’s Finance Development Program.
NICOLAS BREITER is a senior finance student with a minor in accounting from Schaumburg, Illinois, Nic has been a large part of Men’s Club Volleyball at Illinois State and has helped grow the club financially through fundraisers and in role as Treasurer last year. Nic interned with Associated Agencies this past summer in Risk and Data Analytics and is still working with them now helping in the Accounting department. He plans to work with Ferguson/Wesco after graduating as a Credit Trainee/in their Finance Leadership Development Program.
BRENNAN BURNS is a junior from Plainfield, Illinois, majoring in Finance and Accounting with a minor in Mathematics. He is active within the School of Music at ISU, playing Trumpet in the Pep Band, Jazz Band, and Big Red Marching Machine as a section leader. This summer, he will be returning to State Farm to intern for the Accounting team after a successful summer on the Expense Optimization and Planning team. After graduation, Brennan plans to complete the CPA exam and further develop as a Finance Professional.
AUBREY CALL is a junior majoring in Risk Management & Insurance. She is actively involved in Gamma Iota Sigma, Women In Business, and is a Business Week Mentor to two mentees. She also has a leadership position in her sorority as Judicial Chairman. Aubrey has secured a Summer 2026 internship with Midwest Insurance Company, where she will be focusing on Workers Comp Underwriting and Policy Administration. She is passionate about developing her professional skills and is excited to start her career in the insurance industry after graduation.
MATTHEW CASELLA is a junior from Johnsburg, Illinois, who studies Actuarial Science and minored in Risk Management & Insurance. He is actively involved in the Actuarial Club as Secretary and Treasurer and in Gamma Iota Sigma as Treasurer. During the school year, he has taken part in the 2026 Spencer RIMS Case Competition along with members of Gamma Iota Sigma. He has had a past internship opportunity at Pinnacle Actuarial Resources as an Actuarial Intern. Over the summer, Matthew has opportunities to be part of the 2026 International Internship in Zurich, Switzerland, and be part of the 2026 Actuarial Internship at Zurich NA in Schaumburg, IL
TIMOTHY CHOWLES Timothy Chowles is a junior at Illinois State University majoring in Artificial Intelligence, with an expected graduation in December 2026. Highly engaged on campus, Timothy is the President of the Illinois State Real Estate Investing Club and works as a Resident Assistant. He also serves as a Sign Language Interpreter and a Volunteer Income Tax Assistant. Professionally, he is an Acquisitions Intern at Rockport Equity and previously worked as a Data Science Intern at Siemens
EDA. Additionally, Timothy is a dedicated Engineer in the Illinois Army National Guard, having achieved Distinguished Honor Graduate status in his training.
GRACE CITTADINO is a senior studying Risk Management & Insurance with a minor in Financial Planning. She has been a member of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma for four years, serving as Secretary and currently as President. She has also been a member of the Chi Omega sorority, where she volunteers and fundraises for Make A Wish Illinois. After graduation, Grace is excited to go back to Munich Re as an Underwriting Graduate Trainee in the Chicago office.
SIDDESH CHEKURI is a sophomore from Normal, Illinois, majoring in finance with a minor in computer science. He is a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional co ed business fraternity, and serves as a mentor for ISU’s Business Week. This summer, Siddesh will intern at JPMorgan, gaining hands on experience at the intersection of finance and technology.
JOSEPH CONNOLLY is a junior from Lisle, Illinois, studying Risk Management & Insurance. He is actively involved in the College of Business. He works as a Social Media intern and ambassador for the College of Business. Joseph is active within Phi Gamma Nu, where he has held multiple leadership positions. He is also as involved within Gamma Iota Sigma, where he has gotten the position of Director of Publicity for the 2026 2027 school year. This past summer, he worked as a Property Damage Claims intern with Warrior Insurance Network. Joseph has secured a summer 2026 internship with HUB International as an Employee Benefits Intern in Chicago. Joseph plans to pursue a career in Risk Management post graduation, with interests in underwriting and reinsurance.
AIDEN DE LA O is a junior double majoring in Accounting and Finance, with a minor in Financial Planning. He has served as the Vice President of Human Resources for Pi Sigma Epsilon, works on campus as an Accounting Tutor, and has been a College of Business mentor for two years. This summer, he will be interning at Captive Resources, LLC, in the Itasca Finance department, where he will be helping captive members understand their financial performance and presenting financial analyses bi monthly.
SOPHIA DEANCHING is a junior majoring in finance with a minor in financial planning at Illinois State University and is from Frankfort, Illinois. She has been actively involved in student organizations such as Women in Business and the Association of Finance & Accounting Women, where she has participated in professional development and networking opportunities. Sophia has completed a wealth management internship at Morgan Stanley, gaining hands on experience in financial planning, client relations, and investment analysis. She is also a member of the Honors Program and maintains a strong academic record. After graduating in 2027, Sophia plans to pursue a career as a Certified Financial Planner.
ALLISON DEBOLT is a junior from Deer Creek, Illinois, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Risk Management & Insurance and Finance at Illinois State University. She is actively involved in campus organizations, including Delta Sigma Pi, where she serves as Vice President of Scholarships and Awards, as well as Beta Gamma Sigma, Gamma Iota Sigma, and the Business Week Mentorship Program, where she serves as a mentor. Allison has gained professional experience as a Teaching Assistant in the College of Business and through a Property and Casualty Claims internship with State Farm. She will be returning to State Farm as a summer 2026 intern.
CARTER DENNISON is a junior from Illinois majoring in finance and accounting. He is the VP of Finance in Delta Sigma Pi and founder of the ISU Banking & Capital Markets Club. He recently completed a Venture Capital internship at Meridian Capital and has operated a sneaker investment business. After graduating, Carter plans to pursue a career in investment banking with long term goals in private equity.
SOPHIA EGAN is a junior from Park Ridge, Illinois, majoring in Finance with minors in Economics and Risk Management & Insurance at Illinois State University. She is an active member of Gamma Iota Sigma and serves as the Marketing Chair for Illinois State Students in Finance. Sophia is currently seeking a summer internship and plans to pursue a career as an underwriter, with the long term goal of becoming an insurance broker. Outside of academics, she is passionate about risk assessments, loss ratios, and analyzing market trends. A fun fact about Sophia is that she traveled to Denmark this past October.
COLLIN EISENBARTH is a senior from Chillicothe, Illinois, majoring in Finance with a minor in Financial Planning and Insurance. He serves in the Illinois Air National Guard and is an active member of Illinois State Students in Finance. For over two years, Collin has interned at Renaissance Wealth Management in Bloomington, Illinois. After graduating in 2026, he will join Renaissance full time as an Associate Advisor, pursuing a career in wealth management as a Certified Financial Planner professional.
LUKE ENGLER is a senior from Des Plaines, Illinois majoring in finance with a minor in financial planning. He is an active judo instructor at multiple jiu jitsu gyms in the area. After graduating in 2026, Luke will move back home and begin searching for new and existing local business owners to collaborate with and help them get everything they need to ensure Des Plaines stays full of strong, stable, family owned, businesses.
JAVIER FIALEK is a senior from Huntley, Illinois, studying Risk Management & Insurance and Finance. He is active in Gamma Iota Sigma, where he is the Director of Professional Development, and Delta Sigma Pi. He interned at IMA Financial Group this past summer on the Commercial Lines team. Outside of academics, he enjoys being active and any outdoor activities. After graduating in May, Javier plans to move to Denver, Colorado, to work at CNA as a Construction Underwriter Trainee.
CAITLYN FINFROCK is a senior from Bloomingdale, Illinois, majoring in finance with a minor in financial planning. She is an active member of Illinois State Students in Finance, where she serves as Vice President. Last summer, she interned at Capstone Financial Advisors in Downers Grove, Illinois, gaining hands‑on experience with real client tasks. After graduating in May, Caitlyn plans to pursue a career as a Certified Financial Planner.
LUKE FINN is a senior from Aurora, Illinois majoring in finance with a minor in economics. Active as President of Illinois State Students in Finance and Treasurer of Redbird Barbell, Luke takes pride in serving the ISU community. This summer, he will start full time at International Motors in Lisle, working as a member of the Finance and Accounting Leadership Development (FALD) program. This three‑year rotational program gives broad exposure to working within corporate finance at a multi billion dollar firm.
JOSIE FRY is a junior from Springfield, Illinois, studying Actuarial Science and minoring in Risk Management & Insurance. She is involved in Gamma Iota Sigma as a general member and serves as Director of Outreach, and she is actively involved in Women in Business. Josie completed a rotational internship for the INS Companies as a Regulation Intern during Summer 2025. This upcoming summer, she will serve as an Actuarial Intern at RLI, where she looks forward to gaining hands on experience in specialty insurance and developing practical actuarial skills. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career as an actuary in the insurance industry, applying data analytics and risk modeling to support informed decision making.
CHASE GARNER is a junior from Yorkville, Illinois, majoring in finance and risk management and minoring in economics. A recruitment chair for the Illinois State students in Finance and a member of Gamma Iota Sigma, Chase also spends lots of his time golfing and hanging out with friends. This summer, he intends to take online courses in Financial Modeling and Bloomberg Market Concept courses to continue to develop technical skills in the field of finance. After graduation in 2028, Chase plans to pursue a career as a Certified Financial Analyst.
NICHOLAS GALIS is a junior at Illinois State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Risk Management & Insurance. Before transferring to Illinois State, he spent three years working in high voltage electrical construction with IBEW Local 196, where he learned discipline, focus, and responsibility in demanding environments. At Illinois State, Nicholas is actively involved in Gamma Iota Sigma and will serve as the 2026–2027 Director of Outreach for the Alpha Kappa Chapter. He is also the Vice President of Community Service for Delta Sigma Pi and a 2026 WSIA intern, gaining experience in the wholesale and specialty insurance market and building connections within the industry. Outside of school, Nicholas volunteered in Masaya, Nicaragua, with Chosen Children’s Ministries,
teaching English to underprivileged students. He enjoys spending time outdoors, especially fishing. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in Commercial Brokerage in the Excess and Surplus Insurance Markets.
VIMBAI GWEKWERERE is a graduate student from Zimbabwe, obtaining her MBA with an undergraduate degree in Risk Management & Insurance. She has an interest in Insurance and Risk Management and is pursuing the CPCU. Her career goals are to be in Insurance as an Underwriter or claims adjuster. For her long term goals, she plans to start a broking firm in Zimbabwe in order to create employment. Outside of academics, Vimbai enjoys hiking and cooking in her free time.
ELIZABETH JOHNSON is a senior majoring in Human Resource Management with a minor in Risk Management & Insurance. Throughout her time at Illinois State University, she has been actively involved in Phi Gamma Nu, Society for Human Resource Management, the Business Week Mentor Program, and Gamma Iota Sigma. She has also gained hands‑on experience through HR internships with G&W Electric and Flexco. After graduation, Elizabeth plans to return to the Chicagoland area to pursue a career in Human Resources in the Insurance industry.
MADISON JOHNSON is a senior studying Risk Management & Insurance and Finance with a minor in Financial Planning. She is very involved in Gamma Iota Sigma, the Katie School, and the College of Business. She restarted the chapter of Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate, where she serves as President, and serves as the Director of DEI for Gamma Iota Sigma this year. She is involved in the Professional Sales Institute, Sales Excellence Academy, and International Business Association. Maddie had the opportunity to go to Zurich, Switzerland, to complete the Katie School International Internship this past summer and came back to complete an internship with Gallagher in Risk Control Consulting. After graduation, she will be working at Bridge Specialty as an Associate Broker.
OLIVIA KEHRER is a freshman from St. Libory, Illinois, majoring in Actuarial Science at Illinois State University, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She is an active member of the Actuarial Club and Gamma Iota Sigma, which has helped her grow her professional network and expand her knowledge of the actuarial science industry. Outside of academics, she is also a member of CHAARG, a fitness organization that keeps her active and involved in the community. After graduation, her goal is to work as an actuary using data analysis and statistics to evaluate and manage financial risk.
KYLER KLINGS is a senior from Washington, Illinois double majoring in finance and accounting. This summer, he’ll be interning with State Farm as a Financial Operations Intern. After graduating in 2026, Kyler will pursue his master’s in accounting here at ISU.
ZOEY KLAVENGA is a senior from Fulton, Illinois majoring in finance and accounting with a business analytics minor. She is active in ISSF, AFWA, and AMA. This summer she will be interning with the City of Bloomington in the community development department, homing in her analytics and marketing skills. After graduating this May, Zoey plans to pursue a career to become a CPA and further education.
MAKAYLA LAUDERBACK
Makayla Lauderback is a senior at Illinois State University. She is majoring in finance. Makayla is from Normal, Illinois and works as a bank teller at Bloomington Municipal Credit Union. She is certified in Microsoft Excel from Wall Street Prep. After graduation, she seeks to pursue a career in finance.
BEN LEESE is a junior from Rockford, Illinois, majoring in Risk Management & Insurance. He is active in Gamma Iota Sigma and currently serves as the Vice President of Social Affairs for the Actuarial Club. He also placed third in the RISC Summit and Innovation Challenge at the University of Iowa and is currently working on a project for Pinnacle U. After graduating, Ben plans to pursue a career in specialty lines underwriting and work towards earning the CPCU designation.
MYA LEWIS is a senior from Johnsburg, Illinois, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Risk Management & Insurance at Illinois State University. She is actively involved in Gamma Iota Sigma, where she serves as Director of Fundraising. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in the insurance industry.
MASON LOUCKS is a senior from Crystal Lake, Illinois, majoring in Risk Management & Insurance. He is active in Gamma Iota Sigma and currently serves as the Director of Recruitment, helping grow the organization. He was selected to be an international intern in Bermuda for the summer of 2025 through the Katie School and was also an underwriting intern at Chubb Insurance. After graduating in May, Mason will be
joining Chubb full time in their underwriting training program. His career goals are to obtain his insurance designations and help people get interested in the insurance industry. Mason is also fluent in Spanish and hopes to use it as an advantage in his career one day.
ERIK MALDONADO is a senior at Illinois State University majoring in Finance. He is actively involved in student leadership, serving as External Vice President for ALPFA and Vice President of External Affairs for Alpha Kappa Psi, where he focuses on building corporate partnerships and connecting students with professional opportunities. He was also involved in Illinois State Students in Finance, participating in career and networking events. Erik has gained professional experience through an internship with Protiviti in Internal Audit and Financial Advisory and has accepted a full time position with the firm after graduation. He plans to pursue a career in consulting, where he hopes to help organizations solve complex problems and improve performance while continuing to grow as a leader.
KOLTON MANNIN is a junior from Mahomet, Illinois majoring in general finance and Financial Accounting. Executive in Illinois State Students in Finance as the treasurer, active in Alpha Kappa Psi, professional business fraternity, and mentor in business week. Kolton will be a tax intern at Forvis Mazars in Decatur this summer. After graduating in 2027, Kolton plans to complete his CPA and CFA and work in the finance industry or finance adjacent.
NATE MANTHEY is a sophomore Actuarial Science major at Illinois State University. He is actively involved in Gamma Iota Sigma and the Actuarial Science Club, where he has served as the volunteer coordinator for both organizations, helping to plan and organize service initiatives. Nate has secured a Summer 2025 internship with Country Financial as a Property & Casualty Actuarial Intern. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a full time actuarial career while working toward earning his professional designations. Outside of academics, Nate is involved in the pep band and engages in student ministries on campus.
JACOB MAUS is a senior from Tinley Park, Illinois who is double majoring in Finance and Risk Management & Insurance. He is active in Gamma Iota Sigma. He is currently working for HDI Global as a captive underwriting intern where he has gained hands on experience in risk evaluation, underwriting processes, and captive insurance structures. Through this role, he has developed a stronger understanding of how underwriting decisions are made and how alternative risk financing solutions support businesses. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in underwriting while working toward professional designations such as the CPCU or ARM.
MITCHEL MCANALLY is a senior from Mahomet, Illinois, majoring in Risk Management & Insurance and minoring in Financial Planning. He is active in Gamma Iota Sigma, Illinois State Students in Finance, and the CPCU society. He is currently working under a State Farm Insurance agency as a P&C Specialist. This summer, he will be interning with Swiss Re in their Professional Liability lines. After graduation, Mitchel plans to pursue a career as an Underwriter.
JOSEPH MINELLI is a senior from Mount Prospect, Illinois, majoring in Risk Management & Insurance at Illinois State University. He is actively involved in the Gamma Iota Sigma – Alpha Kappa Chapter and the Katie School. Joseph has completed multiple internships with HDI Global in Chicago, most recently serving as a Claims Intern, and also interned with J. Krug & Associates in Itasca. He also participated in the Katie School’s International Internship Program in London, where he gained exposure to the Lloyd’s of London Markets. After graduation in May 2026, he plans to pursue a career in Commercial Underwriting and is excited to continue building his knowledge of risk, relationships, and the insurance marketplace.
JACOB MONTANA is a senior from Rockford, Illinois majoring in finance with a minor in economics. He previously served as Social Chair and board member of Illinois State Students in Finance. Jacob has gained hands on experience through his accounting internship at OrthoIllinois and is currently enrolled in the student managed Educational Investment Fund course, where he previously focused on equity analysis and now works on fixed income portfolio management and analysis. After graduating in 2026, he plans to pursue a career in wealth management or asset management.
MICHAEL MUCHOWICZ is a sophomore from Tinley Park, Illinois, majoring in Actuarial Science and minoring in Spanish. He is serving as a CAS Student Ambassador for the Actuarial Club and is the treasurer for the Math Tutoring Club. He also plays the baritone in the Big Red Marching Machine. This summer, he will be interning at Country Financial in their Life department.
ANDY MUNN is a senior from Normal, Illinois, majoring in Risk Management & Insurance and Finance. He is active in Gamma Iota Sigma, where he serves as Director of Alumni Affairs, and Delta Sigma Pi, where he previously served as President. After working as a WSIA intern last summer, he plans to move to Cincinnati after graduation to work at Core Specialty as an Underwriter in the Primary Casualty division.
SHANNON O’KEEFE is a junior from Chicago, Illinois majoring in finance, pursuing a minor in both financial planning and insurance. Active in Accounting and Financial Women’s alliance and Tri Sigma sorority. After graduating in 2027, Shannon plans to pursue a career as a Certified Financial Planner.
EMMA ONGMAN is from Springfield, Illinois, majoring in Actuarial Science. She is active within Gamma Iota Sigma and is currently the President of the Actuarial Club. During her time at Illinois State, she has passed three actuarial exams and three FSA modules. Emma has been working for State Farm within their Life/Health Actuarial Department since the Summer of 2023, and will continue to work there full time upon graduation in May.
AMIT PACHHAI is a Graduate Actuarial Student at Illinois State University with a passion for mathematical modeling and financial analysis. Originally from Nepal, he is currently navigating the path toward becoming a Fellow Actuary. His long term vision is to leverage his international education to establish a pioneering actuarial consultancy in Nepal, bridging the local gap.
ADARSH PATEL is a junior from Paris, Illinois, majoring in Risk Management & Insurance with a minor in Economics at Illinois State University. He currently holds a 3.8 GPA. He is actively involved in Alpha Sigma Phi, where he serves as Director of Professionalism and Involvement, and is also a member of Delta Sigma Pi and Gamma Iota Sigma. Aside from his coursework and involvement, Adi has worked as a Tele‑Sales Life Insurance Agent with Family First Life
and previously worked as a Hotel Front Desk Clerk, where he built strong customer service and bookkeeping skills. Adi has secured a Summer 2026 internship with American International Group as a Commercial Underwriter.
DIYA PATEL is a senior from Union, Illinois majoring in finance and risk management with a minor in financial planning. She is active in Phi Gamma Nu and the Honors Program and also participates in a fellowship program for financial planning. After graduating this May, she’ll work at Northern Trust as an analyst under their corporate finance unit.
EMMA PATRICK is a sophomore from Glen Carbon, Illinois. At Illinois State University, she is majoring in Actuarial Science, where she serves as a General Officer of the Actuarial Club and is actively involved in Gamma Iota Sigma. Emma has been an Actuarial Intern at Reinsurance Group of America since Summer 2025, gaining hands on experience in the insurance industry. Her career goal is to earn her FSA designation and build a well‑rounded actuarial career by exploring different areas of the field and continually learning new concepts.
MAREK PEDZIWATER is a sophomore from Plainfield, Illinois, double majoring in Risk Management & Insurance and Finance with a minor in Music. He serves as a Resident Assistant and as a student worker in University Risk Management. Marek is actively involved in campus leadership, serving as Treasurer of Order of Omega; Treasurer and Professional Development Chair for Tau Kappa Epsilon, where he previously served as Recruitment Chairperson and Housing Chairperson; Actuarial Liaison for Gamma Iota Sigma; and Trivia Plus Coordinator for the Illinois State Business Week Team. He also serves as Drum Captain for the Big Red Marching Machine. Last summer, he worked as a Data Analyst Intern at the Illinois Department of Insurance in Chicago, and
this summer, he is a WSIA Intern, splitting his experience between an Underwriting Intern role in Cincinnati with Great American Insurance and a Brokerage Intern position with Bridge Specialty Group.
TUCKER PETERS is a senior from Galesburg, Illinois, majoring in finance with a minor in financial planning. For the past two years, Tucker has interned at Northwestern Mutual. After graduating in 2026, Tucker plans to pursue a career as a Certified Financial Planner.
JAKE PODVRSAN is a junior at Illinois State University, majoring in Finance and Managerial Economics with a minor in Spanish. He is originally from Arlington Heights, Illinois. On campus, Jake is actively involved in student organizations, serving as Secretary of the Pre Law Club and Captain of the ISU Mock Trial Team. Professionally, Jake currently works as an intern in real estate private equity, gaining hands on experience in underwriting and financial analysis. He has also accepted a corporate accounting and finance position in Chicago, where he plans to continue developing his skills in financial strategy and business operations. Jake is interested in pursuing a career at the intersection of finance, law, and real estate.
ALLAN POTTER is a senior from Chicago, Illinois majoring in finance. Active in Illinois State Students in Finance, Allan is also in the ISU Honors Program, works part time in the Special Olympics Illinois finance department, has passed his SIE exam and will sit for his CFA level 1 exam this May. This past summer Allan interned as a summer analyst at Goldman Sachs in Dallas. Upon graduating, Allan will return to Goldman Sachs to work full time as an analyst in Asset Management.
CARLY PYE is a junior from Naperville, Illinois, studying Risk Management & Insurance. She is currently serving as the Secretary of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma and has accepted the role of President for her senior year. She is also the Honor Council Chairwoman of her sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma. Additionally, she serves as a member of the Gamma Iota Sigma Student Advisory Council for the Grand Chapter. Carly interned with Amwins Brokerage in Chicago in the Healthcare Division last year. For Summer 2026, she has accepted two internships, the first in Bermuda as part of the Katie School International Internship Program. Upon her return, she will be joining The Hartford in Chicago in Construction Casualty. Carly greatly enjoys international travel and hopes to build a career abroad in her future.
ADRIAN ROGOWSKI is a junior from St. Charles, Illinois, majoring in Finance with a minor in financial planning at Illinois State University. He is actively involved in Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, where he has been elected President for the Fall 2026 Spring 2027 term. Adrian also co founded a Totes for Hope, a student initiative that raised over $1,200 for charity, and serves as a business week Mentor for first year students. Passionate about investing and financial markets, he plans to pursue internships in investment analysis or financial planning and ultimately build a career helping individuals and organizations make sound financial decisions.
CADEN SCARLETT is a senior from Evansville, Indiana, majoring in finance. He is a member of the men’s tennis team and the CSBS team at Illinois State. Last summer, he worked as a Marketing Analytics Intern for the Wichita Wind Surge, a Double A baseball team, where he gained experience working with data and marketing. After graduating, Caden plans to move to Atlanta to begin his career as a financial advisor at Georgia Financial Advisors.
GAVIN SERRA is a senior from Schaumburg, Illinois, double majoring in Risk Management & Insurance and Finance. He has been a member of Gamma Iota Sigma since the start of his junior year and has completed two internships. First, the Katie School International Internship to Portugal and Singapore, second, a Personal Lines Internship at Associated Agencies, where he still works as an online employee. As of November, Gavin has accepted a position with Zurich Insurance Group to start his career as a Market Facing Underwriting Trainee on their Occupational Accident Team, following his graduation. Outside of school, Gavin has also participated in an Insurance Sales Competition and the 2025 URMIA Annual Conference in Las Vegas. While beginning his career, he also has his eyes set on becoming a member of the CPCU society.
DARIA SWIERTOKA is a senior from Manhattan, Illinois majoring in Finance with a minor in Financial Planning. She is an active member of Illinois State Students in Finance and was previously involved in Gamma Iota Sigma and served as a captain of a collegiate esports team. In her free time, Daria volunteers at the local animal shelter. This summer, she will develop professional financial plans for her family members and manage social media for a startup company. After graduating in 2026, Daria plans to pursue a career as a Certified Financial Planner.
JASON TARPEY is a transfer junior from Geneva, Illinois, pursuing a double major in Finance and Risk Management & Insurance. He is an active member of Gamma Iota Sigma and currently serves as Recruitment Chair for Illinois State Students in Finance. In Summer 2026, he will join Lockton in Chicago as a Risk Solutions Intern, gaining hands on experience in the insurance brokerage industry. Following graduation, Jason intends to continue his career in Chicago, building a long term future in insurance brokerage and risk advisory services.
GIGI TERTIPES is a junior from Coal Valley, Illinois, majoring in International Business and Risk Management & Insurance. She currently serves as Secretary of the International Business Association and Transition Seminar Coordinator on this year’s Business Week Team. Gigi is also a general member of Gamma Iota Sigma and Women in Business. This summer, Gigi will participate in the Katie School International Internship program, spending three weeks in Bermuda shadowing several insurance companies. After returning, she will begin a Property Underwriting Internship with HDI Global in Chicago. Gigi is passionate about international insurance and hopes to one day be able to build a career abroad.
MASON TRINCO is a senior from Hoffman Estates, Illinois majoring in Finance with a minor in Risk Mgt. and Insurance. Mason is active in Illinois State University’s Sigma Pi Fraternity as the current Alumni Chair. Mason has participated in numerous philanthropy events through the Fraternity for the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) along with community service events that helped the community of Bloomington Normal. This summer Mason is pursuing internships and entry level offers to help boost experience in the field. He plans to work in corporate finance or insurance.
NATE TUSHINSKI is a junior majoring in Risk Management &Insurance. He transferred from Valparaiso University in Spring 2025 and will serve as the Director of Volunteer Efforts for Gamma Iota Sigma for the 2026‑2027 school year. He has accepted an intership at Travelers for their Select Underwriting team, and his career goal is to keep landing into leadership opportunities and climb the ladder with the ultimate goal of becoming a General Manager for a Baseball Team.
COREY URBAN is a junior from Bolingbrook, Illinois, majoring in Finance and Risk Management and Insurance with a minor in Military Science at Illinois State University. Active in Army ROTC and involved in multiple business based organizations, Corey is a member of the professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi and the insurance fraternity Gamma Iota Sigma. He also serves as a resident assistant in Watterson Tower. After graduating, Corey will commission as an Army officer and plans to pursue a professional career in finance and risk management.
SARA WALLER is a junior double‑ majoring in Risk Management & Insurance and Finance. She has been an active member of Gamma Iota Sigma for the past two years and currently serves as Vice President of Internal Affairs for the Alpha Kappa Chapter. In the next academic year, she will transition into the role of Vice President of Student Affairs. In addition, she serves on the Grand Chapter’s Student Advisory Council. She was also a member of the Spencer RIMS case competition team. This past summer, Sara interned at the RT Chicago office. This coming summer, she will participate in the Katie School International Internship in Zurich, Switzerland, followed by an internship with Ryan Alternative Risk.
VERONICA ZIEBA is a senior from Orland Park, Illinois, double majoring in Finance and Risk Management & Insurance. She is active in Delta Sigma Pi and has held several leadership roles. She is also a part of Gamma Iota Sigma and is the Vice President of Student Affairs. Veronica is also a member of the Intramural Lacrosse Team. After graduating in 2026, Veronica will begin her career with Amwins Access in their Underwriter Development Program, where she will gain hands on experience in commercial lines and develop her skills as a future production underwriter.
BROOKE ZOLFAGHARI is a sophomore from Bloomington, Illinois, majoring in Risk Management & Insurance. She has been involved in Gamma Iota Sigma. Brooke will be joining State Farm in June 2026 as a Property & Casualty Claims intern, where she will gain insight into a variety of different areas within claims and learn about other insurance operations. Her career goal is to work in commercial underwriting.
2025 GAMMA IOTA SIGMA STUDENT EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
YEAR-ROUND EVENTS
Gamma Iota Sigma Chapter Meetings – Monthly Fall and Spring Career and Internship Fairs GIS Alumni Mentoring Program
INDUSTRY
EVENTS & PRESENTATIONS
RLI x Peoria Chiefs Game: 12 attendees
Markel L&L: 22 attendees
Zurich L&L: 17 attendees
GenStar L&L: 16 attendees
Lockton L&L: 17 attendees
Gallagher HQ Visit with SEA: 15 attendees
Warrior Insurance L&L: 17 attendees
Safety National L&L: 27 attendees
WSIA L&L: 15 attendees
CPCU Annual I-Day: 13 attendees
CPCU I-Day Dinner: 10 attendees
Great American L&L: 23 attendees
J. Krug L&L: 18 attendees
Marsh McLennan Agency L&L: 19 attendees
Arch L&L: 21 attendees
Risk Mgr. on Campus L&L #1: 19 attendees
Risk Mgr. on Campus L&L #2: 13 attendees
Risk Mgr. on Campus Dinner: 17 attendees
GIS x DSP DEI Panel: 18 attendees
Gen Re Presentation: 25 attendees
RLI Underwriting Immersion: 12 attendees
MSIG L&L: 32 attendees
AmWins L&L: 22 attendees
CNA L&L: 19 attendees
RIMS Webinar: 6 attendees
Actuarial – BCBS: 19 attendees
Actuarial – CNA: 21 attendees
Actuarial - Pinnacle: 29 attendees
Actuarial – Travelers P/C: 21 attendees
Actuarial – Core Reserving 101: 17 attendees
Actuarial – Country Financial: 22 attendees
Actuarial - Cigna: 19 attendees
Actuarial – Milliman: 17 attendees
Actuarial – Aaron Hillebrandt: 10 attendees
Actuarial – New York Life: 13 attendees
Actuarial – Charlie Johnson: 20 attendees
Actuarial – Actex: 15 attendees
Actuarial – State Farm: 19 attendees
Actuarial – PIPA Broker: 15 attendees
Actuarial – Country Financial: 16 attendees
Actuarial – State Farm P/C: 15 attendees
Sompo L&L: 21 attendees
Chubb L&L: 24 attendees
Actuarial Club – Zurich: 12 attendees
CPCU Ethics L&L: 15 attendees
Lloyd’s L&L: 18 attendees
Actuarial – CNA: 17 attendees
Burns & Wilcox L&L: 26 attendees
Hyatt RM L&L
History of Insurance Regulation L&L
Travelers L&L
COUNTRY Financial L&L: 19 attendees
CPCU Student Mixer
Munich Re Fireside Chat: 13 attendees
CONFERENCES
GIS Leadership Symposium: 3 attendees
Chicagoland Risk Forum: 12 attendees
GIS Annual Conference: 8 attendees
Katie School Executive Forum: 8 attendees
Target Markets Conference: 1 attendee
In2Risk Student Program: 4 attendees
Arch Broker Reception: 6 attendees
RISC Summit: 3 attendees
GIS Regional Conference: 12 attendees
NRRA Annual Conference: 4 attendees
RIMS ERM: 4 attendees
GIS Regional Conference: 12 attendees
RIMS RISKWORLD: 12 attendees
Inland Marine Underwriters Assn: 2 attendees
WSIA Extreme Risk Takers Symp: 39 attendees
WORKSHOPS
Resume Review: 17 attendees
Conference Etiquette: 22 attendees
Business Writing Workshop: 28 attendees
GIS/Actuarial Club 101: 33 attendees
Dinner Etiquette: 14 attendees
International Info. Session: 13 attendees
Actuarial 101: 26 attendees
Actuarial – Resume Review: 24 attendees
Actuarial – Meet the Firms Prep: 32 attendees
Actuarial – Interviewing 101: 21 attendees
Actuarial – LinkedIn 101: 21 attendees
Actuarial – TIA: 16 attendees
Actuarial – Exam Journeys: 23 attendees
Actuarial – Research PPT Night: 12 attendees
Actuarial – Mental Health: 13 attendees
Actuarial – ERM 101: 19 attendees
Actuarial – E&S 101: 15 attendees
Actuarial – Captives 101: 17 attendees
Actuarial – Shark Tank: 11 attendees
Conference Etiquette: 20 attendees
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Clean the Street (every month): 10 attendees
Safe Harbor Volunteering (x2): 3 students
YWCA Volunteering Event: 2 attendees
Million Meal Pack Volunteering: 3 students
Veterans Day Card Making: 14 attendees
Dog Toy Making Event: 15 attendees
SLAB-A-QUE
Bake Sale Fundraising Event: 7 attendees
Actuarial – Humane Society: 2 attendees
Hygiene Care Packing Kit: 11 attendees
Actuarial - Midwest Food Bank: 6 attendees
School Street Food Pantry
Children’s Hospital Card Making: 3 attendees
SOCIAL EVENTS
Katie School Alumni Golf Outing: 19 students
Festival ISU
Gamma Picnic: 17 attendees
Soccer Game: 3 attendees
BloNo Pizza Social: 25 attendees
Ice Cream Social: 23 attendees
GIS/Act Sci Game Night Social: 22 attendees
Rader Farms Social: 12 attendees
SLAB in the Snow WinterFest
GIS/Act Sci Game Night: 20 attendees
Gamma Pilates: 13 attendees
Actuarial – Pumpkin Painting: 17 attendees
Actuarial – Jeopardy: 15 attendees
Actuarial – Festival of Trees: 5 attendees
Actuarial – Movie Night: 18 attendees
GIS/Act Sci Poker Night: 15 attendees
Actuarial – Picnic: 16 attendees
Actuarial - Star Wars Episode IV: 10 attendees
Cat Cafe: 4 attendees
COMPETITIONS
Selective Insurance Company National Collegiate Competition -Insurance Agency
Simulation (1st Place Nationally Earned GIS $): 6 members
Spencer - RIMS Case Competition: 4 members
University of Iowa Insurtech Pitch Competition (3rd Place Nationally): 3 members
INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS
(3 weeks job shadowing abroad)
Lloyd’s of London and London Insurance Markets
Bermuda Insurance Markets
Zurich, Switzerland Insurance Markets
An equal opportunity /affirmative action university encouraging diversity