Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame
About Us
The Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame was established to finally recognize the titans of the insurance industry in Minnesota in the disciplines of Insurance, Risk Management, and Actuarial Science. It serves as a tribute and acknowledgement to the visionaries who have truly made an impact in this field. The esteemed Center of Risk Management and Insurance Program, located at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, was carefully chosen as the esteemed institution to house this distinguished program of national recognition.
At A Glance
Each year the Minnesota Insurance Hall of Fame recognizes insurance, risk management and actuarial science professionals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, professional achievements, initiative, insight and ethics. A selection committee of distinguished executives from across the insurance industry selects the recipients.
Being inducted into the Hall of Fame 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 state of Minnesota and the United States. This recognition contributes positively to the overall perception of the insurance industry throughout the United States.
In addition to honoring established professionals, the advisory council of the Center of Risk Management & Insurance program also awards scholarships each year to deserving students. This provides support and encouragement to the next generation of insurance, risk management and actuarial science professionals.
The Story of 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 Thomas. Their goal was to address the countless job opportunities in the industry by equipping young college students from St. Thomas with the necessary skills.
Leading the way were 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. Together, they partnered with the St. Thomas 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 some visionary 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. Our next goal is to build a Center of Risk Management & Insurance at the university. Additionally, the initial funds raised allowed the GIS Insurance Fraternity to establish the Insurance Hall of Fame.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these individuals and companies for their generous support. Our next goal is to create 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.
Submit a Nomination
To be eligible for consideration, nominees must be identified as individuals who have truly made a mark within the insurance, risk management, and actuarial science industries. We seek nominees who have gone above and beyond to contribute to the success of their businesses, as well as demonstrated their ability to serve the public to the best of their ability. It is important that these nominees are widely recognized within their industry as leaders and innovators, and have set themselves apart through exceptional lifetime accomplishments. Additionally, nominees who serve as positive role models for others in the industry, exhibit the highest standards of ethical conduct, and have contributed meaningfully to their community.