NEW YORK (April 29, 2015) — At the RIMS 2015 Annual Conference & Exhibition Finale, RIMS Executive Director Mary Roth announced Appalachian State University’s risk management student team as the winners of the Spencer-RIMS Risk Management Challenge. The team, comprised of four risk management students, competed against 18 other universities and delivered the award-winning risk management presentation in front 100 industry leaders at RIMS ‘15.
Members of the Appalachian State University’s winning team included:
• Eric Vickers
• Wesley McDaniel
• Bruce Thomas
• Grant Jared
• Academic Advisor: Dr. Karen Epermanis
“Universities and their students are realizing the rewarding career opportunities that are available within risk management and the Challenge is yet another way for us to showcase this exciting profession,” said RIMS Executive Director Mary Roth. “Congratulations to the Appalachian State University and all of this year’s participants for delivering outstanding presentations. We look forward to welcoming them back as industry executives.”
Brion Callori, the Chairman of the Spencer Educational Foundation, said, “For the Spencer Board of Directors, there is no greater feeling than seeing the excitement and passion about the risk management profession in the faces of these exceptional students. Congratulations to Appalachian State, all of the competing teams, their academic advisors and to all of the professionals who continue to support our mission and the future of the industry.”
The challenge began with 20 universities, three months ago, who were each presented with a risk management situation. The teams developed programs to address the situation and eight of the teams were selected to attend RIMS ’15. During the conference, the field was narrowed to three and those finalists presented one last time in front of risk professionals at the conference.
Second place in this year’s Challenge was Missouri State University and the third place team was Temple University. The first place university received $4000, second $3,000 and third $2,000.
About RIMS Annual Conference & Exhibition
Launched in 1963, RIMS Annual Conference & Exhibition attracts some 10,000 risk and insurance professionals at all experience levels, business executives with risk management interests, brokers, insurers and service providers for the ultimate educational and networking experience. The four-day event offers more than 120 educational sessions, keynote presentations, special events and an expansive Exhibit Hall with more than 400 exhibitors. Following New Orleans, the event will be hosted in San Diego in 2016. For more information, visit www.RIMS.org/RIMS15.
For more information, contact:
Josh Salter, Director of Communications, (212) 655-6059 or JSalter@rims.org
About RIMS
As the preeminent organization dedicated to promoting the profession of risk management, RIMS, the risk management society®, is a global not-for-profit organization representing more than 3,500 industrial, service, nonprofit, charitable and government entities throughout the world. Founded in 1950, RIMS is committed to advancing risk management capabilities for organizational success, bringing networking, professional development and education opportunities to its membership of more than 10,000 risk management professionals who are located in more than 60 countries. For more information on RIMS, visit www.RIMS.org.