2023 Impact Report
About the Foundation
Mission
The mission of the ICT Education Foundation is to promote career opportunities in the Property and Casualty insurance industry, through scholarships and other financial support, for university students enrolled in risk management and insurance programs at participating Texas universities.
Message from the Executive Director
For over two decades, the ICT Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, has nurtured and supported the next generation of insurance professionals by raising and distributing over $1.5 million in scholarships, to 727 Texas students aspiring to build a career in the Property and Casualty (P&C) industry, and educational funding to 12 Texas universities. Our generous supporters include insurance companies, reinsurers, law firms, and other industry groups, as well as individual industry professionals.
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer 11-member board of trustees representing a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences and takes immense pride in our efforts to advance insurance education and careers. The board sets direction for the Foundation and collaborates with our partner universities to provide financial support and resources while identifying and encouraging students focused on pursuing a career in our industry.
This 2023 ICT Education Foundation Impact Report commemorates the achievements of the past year and serves as a tool for our supporters, partner universities, ICT members, and the public to understand the importance and results of this effort. Last year, we gave 40 scholarships totaling $75,000 to students at our partner universities and provided our partner universities $29,600 to support their education programs and student activities. We also visited with insurance classes at the universities to talk about the state of the Texas property and casualty market and career opportunities in property and casualty. In July 2023, we had the honor of hosting a group of students as part of the ICT/AFACT Property and Casualty Symposium to provide them with an opportunity to hear about the latest industry issues and network with industry professionals.
We cannot overstate the pivotal role played by professors and educators at the nine Texas universities to encourage learning and explain the nuances of insurance to the students. Their dedication to education and collaboration has significantly contributed to the Education Foundation’s success, and we express our sincere gratitude to each of them.
In closing, we appreciate the numerous individual donors and companies who provide the financial support that makes the Education Foundation’s work possible. But we always could use more help as we seek to sustain and, where possible, grow this program. If you know of a colleague interested in supporting the Education Foundation, or if your company is not a supporter but would like to be a part of this philanthropic effort, kindly share this report, and encourage them to join the effort. If you haven’t contributed before, consider joining us in continuing to build a strong future for our industry.
Albert Betts, Jr.
Executive Director, Insurance Council of Texas
Board of Trustees
The Education Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees dedicated to promoting insurance education and helping to inspire and grow the next generation of insurance professionals.
We want to thank our 2022-2023 Trustees for their time, service, and dedication in making the ICT Education Foundation a success.
Tony Gonzalez – Board President, American Coastal Insurance
Joseph Johnson – Board Vice President, United Fire Group (Retired)
Angela Doss, Nationwide
John Henle – Union Standard
Felicia Hutchins – State Farm
Erica Rivera – State Auto
Max McClure – Steadily
John Schramm – Outgoing ICT Board Chair
Craig Sparks – Union Standard (Retired)
Rick Gentry – Insurance Council of Texas (Retired)
Albert Betts, Jr., Ex-officio – ICT Executive Director
The Foundation is dedicated to attracting the next wave of insurance professionals by supporting their education in collaboration with our partner universities. Over the past 20 years, our scholarship program and Foundation have aided over 700 students through initiatives like scholarships, networking events, and facilitating interviews at the annual ICT P&C Insurance Symposium. It is essential for us to cultivate a pool of talented students, actively engage them in the industry, and equip them to emerge as the future leaders in the field.”
I am immensely proud of the Foundation’s accomplishments and the doors we’ve opened for the next generation. Our collaboration with partner universities, professors, and educators through the ICT Education Foundation is not just a partnership; it’s a commitment to forging a clear path for capable and driven professionals. This collaboration ensures that individuals not only understand the intricacies of the industry but are also prepared to work diligently, making substantial and impactful contributions to the field. Together, we are shaping a future where knowledge meets motivation, creating a workforce ready to navigate the challenges of tomorrow.”
I am proud to support the ICT Education Foundation and the invaluable work they undertake in shaping the future of the industry. By contributing to this foundation, we are actively participating in the growth of the P&C industry and ensuring that the next generation is well-prepared from day one. The foundation’s commitment to education and placing young people in this thriving industry, I am honored to be part of this journey toward a bright future. Together, we can empower the upcoming generations to excel in the dynamic and exciting industry.”
Participating Universities
Since 2002, the ICT Education Foundation has shaped careers in the P&C insurance industry. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we’re dedicated to supporting students enrolled in risk management and insurance programs through scholarships and financial assistance. Our partner Texas universities receive grants to support Gamma Iota Sigma chapters, CPCU and other insurance certification, efforts, industry conference fees, travel costs, and participation in various industry events.
Thank You to Our Supporters
100% of donations go toward providing scholarships and educational support.
Learn more and donate online at insurancecouncil.org/educationfoundation.
2023 Corporate Partners
We rely on the generosity of individual and corporate donations to fund scholarships and grants, making a direct impact on our mission. These contributions drive the heart of our foundation and empower the pursuit of education.
Thank you for supporting the next generation of insurance professionals!
Texas Farm Bureau
General Reinsurance Corp.
Germania Insurance
AAA Texas
Atlas General Agency
Chubb Lloyds Ins Co of TX
CNA Insurance Group
Farmers
Gallagher Re
Mitchell Williams
Progressive County Mutual Ins Co
State Farm Fire & Casualty Co
Thompson Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP
Travelers Prop Cas Co of Amer
Union Standard Insurance Group
United Fire
USAA Casualty Insurance Company
Insurors Indemnity Co
Locke Lord LLP
State Auto/Liberty Mutual
talkStrategy, LLC
Veritex Bank
Burns Anderson Jury & Brenner LLP
Hochheim Prairie Farm Mut Ins Assn
Universal North America Ins Co
Questpro
2023 Individual Donors
In 2023, individual donors collectively contributed $16,170 to the Education Foundation through direct donations or actively participating in the night at Top Golf and Silent Auction during our 2023 Property & Casualty Insurance Symposium. Your impactful contributions play a vital role in shaping the future of education, and we’re truly grateful for your support!
Anonymous
Bill & Jacky Thornton
Craig Sparks
Albert Betts Jr.
Angela Doss
Chris Daughtery
John Henle
Joseph Johnson
Max McClure
Michael Gerik
Paula Harmon
Rick Gentry
David Weber
Debra Lee Richardson
Felicia Hutchins
John Schramm
John Sepehri
Linda Schmidt
Terry Porter
Tony Gonzalez
Brian Keefer
Connie Johnson
David Sommer
John Stuckemeyer
Joseph McCormick
Juan Padron
Richard Johnson
Scott Gainey
Shirley Bowers
Angie Cervantes
Audrey Tedore
Curtis (Lee) Seidlits
Davida Redwine
Donna Wright
Linda Vallejo
Mary Hernandez
Nedra Francisco
Nichole Van Roekel
Rich Johnson
Ty Simmons
Wayne Ottoway
Angie Dietz
Craig Sepich
Luke Horton
Mark Hanna
Titiana Clark
2023 Legacy Partners
Thank you to our 2023 Legacy Donors! Legacy Partners are individuals who have donated for either five, ten and fifteen years.
Lyndell Haigood
Tom Fitzpatrick
Craig Sparks
Joseph Johnson
Rick Gentry
Terry Porter
Tony Gonzalez
Albert Betts
Barbara Schoenfeld
Byron Smith
Camille Garcia
David Lavergne
David Sommer
David Weber
Debra Lee Richardson
Dorothy Langley
Gerald Ladner
James Garven
Jack lkenaga Jr
James (Jim) Harms
John Schramm
John Stuckemeyer
Juan Padron
Keith Mitchell
Linda Schmidt
Lonnie Van Houten
Marvin Kelly
Lynn (Lynette) Brewer
Paula Harmon
Mark Hanna
Michael (Mike) Gerik
Ronald (Ron) Cobb
Sharon Johnson
Stuart Colburn
Steve Nichols
Terry Porter
Timothy McCoy
Ty Simmons
Wayne Ottaway
Wendy Braniff
William (Bill) Huff
William (Bill) Parrillo
William (Bill) Weldon
2023 Distribution Totals
scholarships
students
Academic Achievement Awards
partner universities
$75,000 in scholarships given to 40 students in 2023 – $29,600 in Academic Achievement Awards given to our 10 partner universities.
Since the Education Foundation’s inception in 2002, we’ve awarded over $1.5 million in grants and scholarships, including $1,092,237 to 727 students, $417,720 in AAA funding, and $17,500 in other academic donations.
Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to the 2023 scholarship recipients, whose dedication and commitment to learning are truly commendable. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will undoubtedly make in their academic pursuits. Thanks to the generous support of out donors and sponsors we were able to award 40 scholarships to well deserving students include. And a special “thank you” to our scholarship committee that assisted reviewing over 140 student applications and helped select the scholarship recipients. The committee included Board of Trustee members, John Henle, Angela Doss, and Max McClure. Additionally, ICT staff members, Albert Betts, Paula Harmon, and Rich Johnson were also members of the committee.
$5,000 Scholarship Recipients
Bryan Alvarado
University of Houston – Downtown Campus
Enzo Terrell
University of North Texas
Jose Gutierrez
St. Mary’s University
Matthew Dehn
University of North Texas
Megan Beach
St. Mary’s University
$2,500 Scholarship Recipients
Alexander Rodriguez
University of Houston – Downtown Campus
Alvaro Arcia Lopez
St. Mary’s University
Armando Ramirez
Baylor University
David Adame
University of Texas Dallas
Jake Faryniarz
St. Mary’s University
Kendra Turner
St. Mary’s University
Liliana Rojas
St. Mary’s University
Mason Parr
University of North Texas
Muskaan Josan
St. Mary’s University
Rylie Mooney
University of North Texas
$1,000 Scholarship Recipients
Aaron Flores
St. Mary’s University
Abdullah Mohammad Mahi
St. Mary’s University
Alena Nguyen
University of Texas Dallas
Alexa Ramirez
St. Mary’s University
Arya Sefidgar-Djedi
University of Texas Dallas
Bilal Abdulwadood
University of Texas Dallas
Carroll Montgomery
University of Texas San Antonio
Catherine Koja
University of North Texas
Daniel Salameh
University of Texas Dallas
Daysha Watts
Baylor University
Erik Dillard
St. Mary’s University
Ethan Tran
University of North Texas
Gabriel Ramirez
St. Mary’s University
Harizah Kabiruddin
University of North Texas
Issiah Henderson
University of Texas San Antonio
Jason Garcia
University of Texas Dallas
Kristin Dinh
University of Houston Main Campus
Lauren Silva
University of Texas San Antonio
Mai Nguyen
University of Texas Dallas
Rita Dicarlo
Baylor University
Trista Dodd
University of North Texas
Ubaldo Silva Jr.
University of Houston Downtown Campus
Van Dang
University of North Texas
Veronica Garcia
St. Mary’s University
Zikhozonke Gwengu
University of Texas San Antonio
Student & Professor Spotlights
Thanks to the support of our corporate and individual sponsors, the Education Foundation awarded scholarships to 40 students in 2023.
2023 Student Spotlights
Receiving this scholarship means that I am on track with my set goals. I am moving towards my goal of promoting the RMI world to people who are unsure of what is going on within our industry. Our industry is short of great marketing for it to flourish and reach the replacement amounts for the number of folks retiring. Being awarded this scholarship means that I am capable of achieving great goals within the state of Texas and promote the Risk Management and Insurance world!”
Receiving this scholarship has given me the opportunity to focus on my classes and not have to work extra hours next semester. I can prepare for my career after graduation, and I am able to focus on my professional development and can participate in travel opportunities and spend more time supporting my campus organizations. Risk Management and Insurance offers a career based on a great balance between relationship-building and analysis.”
Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to continue my endeavors in the insurance industry. This scholarship has provided financial support that will allow me to purchase pre-licensing courses and exam prep material to attain my P&C Insurance License.”
ICT Scholarship Alumni Success Stories
Levi Moreno
UTSA, 2016 recipient of ICT Education Foundation Scholarship
- Current Position and Company: I am a Senior Actuarial Analyst at Tokio Marine HCC. I started in reserving for various specialty lines and have rotated into rate filing.
- Career Milestones: I am now in a managerial role working with interns and entry level analysts. Potentially, I’m just a few months from achieving my ACAS designation!
- Challenges and Learnings: My first company went into receivership as COVID hit, and I was fortunate to find an opening at TMHCC. The role was almost entirely in reserving, and I had no prior experience. It was overwhelming and new, but it broadened my understanding of insurance.
- Enjoyment in the Industry: I enjoy both learning and teaching the construction of pricing models. The sky’s the limit on refining models – there’s always something new to learn and explore.
- Scholarship Information: The scholarship helped me financially through college. Additionally, the conference in Austin allowed me to make industry connections, opening the door to my first entry-level position.
Adam Busch
University of North Texas, 2016 recipient of ICT Education Foundation Scholarship
- Current Position and Company: Managing Director for Middle & Large Commercial Business at The Hartford.
- Career Milestones: I received the APCIA Emerging Leader award in 2021, and I was transitioned into a leadership role in 2022. Now, I’m grateful for the opportunity to further develop my skills as a Managing Director.
- Enjoyment in the Industry: Insurance is a relationship business. I really enjoy all the people I’ve worked with throughout my career. The network I have cultivated is what I enjoy the most working in this industry.
- Scholarship Information: When I received the scholarship in 2016, I felt that ICT ws investing in my future. It validated my decision to pursue a career in P&C.
2023 ICT/AFACT Property & Casualty Insurance Symposium
The ICT/AFACT Property & Casualty Insurance Symposium stands as the primary and largest fundraising event for the ICT Education Foundation through sponsorships, corporate donations, and other events like a silent auction and Top Golf Networking event. The Symposium exemplifies a commitment to advancing education within the insurance industry. Recognized for its prominence, it is a vital source of financial support for the foundation’s mission. The event enables the foundation to contribute to academic pursuits through scholarships and additional financial aid to our partner universities, fostering educational opportunities and empowering the next generation of industry professionals.
