Keep up on everything GIS, including the Annual International Conference,
 GIS growth and activities, local alumni chapters and much more!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR A SPECTACULAR ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE!
OVER 60 SPONSORS COMMITTED TO THE FUTURE OF GIS!

This year, more than 500 students and advisors, countless alumni, and upwards of 250 industry representatives gathered from September 29th through October 1st, at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. 

Over 60 organizations participated in the career fair with over 400 first round interviews being held on-site  during the first two days. Attendees took a trip to the Columbus Zoo on the opening night. There were more than 60 industry and student led educational and informational sessions over the course of the event that encouraged student participation and sharing of experiences and ideas. These sessions will lead to growth opportunities and creative ideas for students and other attendees.





A number of speakers donated their time to share their insights during the general sessions. Friday's opening breakfast session included two incredible speakers, Mike Miller, Treasurer, Derek Hughes/NAPSLO Educational Foundation and Mark Berven, President and Chief Operating Officer, Nationwide Property & Casualty Operations. During the luncheon, Nicole Michaels, Operational Excellence and Performance Improvement and Insurance Leader with Ernst & Young, addressed the crowd. 

During the awards dinner, GIS was fortunate to have Patrick Kinney as the keynote speaker. Patrick is Executive Vice President, Field Management at Travelers, and delivered a moving and motivational speech that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. 



Dive In Festival events occurred with great success. GIS was part of this global event to bring significance to diversity and inclusion in the insurance industry.  GIS was honored to be selected as a location for Dive In, and thankful to the facilitators and attendees for making it a success.

Also announced during the Conference were the results of the student vote for the two International Student Representatives (ISRs). This year, Celeste Azubuike, of the Alpha Mu chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University was voted into the role, and Sarah Rumon of the Beta Pi chapter at St. Thomas University was voted in for her second term as ISR. Congratulations to both Celeste and Sarah.
  
The Grand Chapter would like to thank the 2016 Conference Sponsors and Sustaining Partners who make this event possible. GIS is grateful for the variety of contributions the sponsors make year after year, allowing GIS to achieve the goals for the Conference. #GammaIS #GIS2016 #CareerTrifecta
GIS PARTICIPATED IN DIVE IN!
THE FESTIVAL FOR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN INSURANCE

Gamma Iota Sigma was selected to be a participant in the 2016 Dive In Festival, a global effort to change the insurance industry's view
 of diversity and inclusion, spearheaded by Inclusion@Lloyd's. The GIS Annual Conference was one of only three US locations chosen for this cross-market, industry-wide, global event! 

Allstate and IABA partnered with GIS locally to put together the event.



During the Conference, our partner organizations and the student-organized GammaSAID Council (Gamma's Solutions for Authenticity Inclusion and Diversity Council) hosted a series of sessions and workshops designed to encourage engagement, discussion and visibility of Diversity & Inclusion! 

The Friday morning Opening Session kicked off with GIS Trustee and Lloyd's Northeast Regional Director Glenn Dorr introducing a video featuring Lloyd's CEO Inga Beale that focused on the company's innovative efforts to attract, engage, and empower a diverse workforce, as well as the rationale and benefits of doing so. To follow, GIS Executive Director Noelle Codispoti presented a video launching GammaSAID. On the final day of the conference, the GammaSAID Council led three sessions focusing on critical and provocative topics, including an Authenticity Lab. The Council will continue to develop programming and resources.

Attendees at each of the sessions showed enthusiasm for the subject matter and had positive feedback. GIS will work to participate in other Dive In events in the coming years, continuing to help shape the industry's views on this important topic. 
#GammaIS GIVING BACK
CELEBRATING OUR 4th "GIS WEEK OF GIVING"

  

Gamma Iota Sigma was overjoyed to partner with the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) and Dress for Success during the 45th Annual International Conference.  This was a kick off to the GIS 4th Annual Week of Giving and the Annual Conference included an incredibly successful donation drive that to benefit  Dress for Success of Columbus!

The mission of Dress for Success  Columbus is to promote the economic independence of women in need by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Please visit  www.dfscmh.org  for additional information.
 
GIS held a donation drive on Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30 during the Annual International Conference.  The clothing drive was promoted within each individual chapter and students committed to bringing toiletries, clothing, shoes, bags and jewelry along with them to the Conference and made their significant donations in boxes set up during the Career Fairs.  GIS looks forward to participating in other Dress for Success events and fundraisers in the future.
ALUMNI NEWS
ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR GOES TO BRIAN BOWERMAN!

In 2015, GIS created the Alumnus of the Year award to recognize the the great work and volunteer efforts of our alumni who continue to contribute in success of our organization and go above and beyond.   Congratulations to Brian Bowerman, who was named the recipient this year. Brian works tirelessly behind the scenes always focusing on fundraising. He was instrumental in the success GIS had in gaining the support of Ohio based firms for this year's conference.  He has served as a resource and ambassador at the chapter level, being instrumental in reactivating his alma mater this year at Beta Chapter at Bowling Green State University and getting a new chapter charter approved at Ohio Dominican University.  Brian is also a member of the GIS Board of Trustees.

GIS is extremely thankful for Brian's constant efforts in the name of GIS. He makes a difference in the organization each day, and this honor is well-deserved!
AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR THE 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS!

Individual Awards:

Alan. C. Williams: The Alan C. Williams Leadership Award was established to recognize the one individual member of Gamma Iota Sigma that sets the best example for all other members and is our best ambassador to the insurance, risk management and actuarial science industries at the International Level as well as the local and regional levels.  In other words, the Alan C. Williams Leadership Award is the highest honor an individual member can receive from the Grand Chapter.

Alex Diverde, Alpha Chi Chapter, Bradley University 


Warren L. Weeks: 
This award is given to encourage individual member leadership and to further the goals of the fraternity.  It is a tribute to the memory of an outstanding teacher and insurance industry leader and to our first Grand Chapter President.  


Carolyn Murset, Sigma Chapter, Temple University
Omar Powell, Tau Chapter, Howard University
Sarah Rumon, Beta Pi Chapter, University of St. Thomas


Elizabeth Lange: This award is intended to recognize a member of a Gamma Iota Sigma collegiate chapter best exemplifying the personal character and values of Elizabeth Lange. Successful chapter, family and community contributions will hold a higher priority for the recipient than solely individual recognition.

Aliyah Rolack, Tau Chapter, Howard University


Thomas J. Miles: 
This award was cre
ated in 2007 to honor the contributions to Gamma Iota Sigma of Tom Miles, professor emeritus of Central Michigan University and longtime advisor of the Nu Chapter. Established to  recognize the one individual member of Gamma Iota Sigma that best represents the qualities of scholarship, leadership, character, and service exemplified by Dr. Miles. 

Colin Anderson, Sigma Chapter, Temple University

Alumnus of the Year Award: 
In 2015, GIS created the Alumnus of the Year award to recognize the the great work and volunteer efforts of our alumni who continue to contribute in success of our organization and go above and beyond.  

Brian Bowerman , CPCU, CSSC, Westfield Services Leader
Beta Chapter Alumnus, Bowling Green State University


Chapter Awards:
Chapter Awards are given based on information submitted on the monthly chapter reports, and communication between the chapters and the Grand Chapter. 

Bowers Award:  The Edison L. Bowers Award was established in 1972 and is the oldest and most coveted of all the awards conferred by the Grand Chapter.  Created to recognize the one single chapter that demonstrates the most well-rounded and organized program for each scholastic year, this award is the highest honor a chapter can receive from the Grand Chapter.    

Alpha Iota, St. John's University


Superior Chapters
Alpha Alpha, Olivet College
Alpha Iota, St. John's University
Chi, Drake University
Nu, Central Michigan University
Sigma, Temple University 

Excellent Chapters
Alpha Chi, Bradley University
Alpha Kappa, Illinois State University 
Beta Gamma, California State University, Fullerton
Beta Lambda, Butler University
Alpha Mu, Virginia Commonwealth University
Rho, Appalachian State University

Well-Rounded Chapters
Alpha Epsilon, Indiana State University
Alpha Psi, University of Central Arkansas
Alpha Tau, University of North Carolina Charlotte
Beta Epsilon, University of Central Oklahoma
Beta Eta, Northern Michigan University 
Beta Iota, Troy University
Beta Phi, University of Texas at Dallas
Beta Pi, University of St. Thomas
Beta Rho, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Beta Theta, East Carolina University
Beta Zeta, University of North Texas 
Lambda, University of South Carolina
Omega, Middle Tennessee State University
Phi, Ball State University 
Tau, Howard University
Upsilon, Ferris State University
Xi, University of Connecticut
Zeta, Georgia State University 

Most Improved Chapter

Beta Lambda, Butler University

Special Achievement Award
Beta Rho, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh 
Beta Phi, University of Texas at Dallas

Best Kept Secret Award
Alpha Mu, Virginia Commonwealth University 


Black & Gold Awards


Sigma: 

Alumni Student Mentorship Program 
Excel Training Workshop Series
Fox's Got Talent
Intern Testimonial Interviews

Alpha Iota: 
Gamma Gala: Humans of New York
Gamma in New York
Gamma Embarks on Central Park

Chi: 
GIS Actuarial Conference

Nu: 

Gamma Gets Fit

Beta Xi: 
Young Risk Professionals Mentorship Program


The International Chapter Awards:
The International Chapter Awards were created to develop chapter activities around the five vital areas of participation in Gamma Iota Sigma: Chapter Management, Membership Development, Alumni Relations, Public Relations, and Community Service. 

2015-2016 Chapter Awards:
Alpha Alpha, Olivet College:  Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service,  Membership Development, Public Relations.

Alpha Epsilon, Indiana State University:  Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service,  Membership Development, Public Relations

Alpha Iota, St. John's University:  Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service,  Membership Development, Public Relations

Alpha Kappa, Illinois State University:  Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service,  Membership Development, Public Relations

Alpha Lambda, Missouri State University:  Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service,  Membership Development, Public Relations

Alpha Mu, Virginia Commonwealth University:  Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service,  Membership Development, Public Relations

Alpha Omega, St. Joseph's University: Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service, Membership Development, Public Relations 

Alpha Psi, University of Central Arkansas: 
Chapter Management, Alumni Relations,  Membership Development

Beta Alpha, University of Iowa:  Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service, Membership Development

Beta Beta, New Mexico State University: Chapter Management, Community Service, Membership Development, Public Relations

Beta Epsilon, University of Central Oklahoma:  Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service,  Membership Development, Public Relations

Beta Lambda, Butler University:  Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service,  Membership Development, Public Relations

Beta Mu, University of Colorado Denver:  Public Relations 

Beta Phi, University of Texas at Dallas:  Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service,  Membership Development, Public Relations

Beta Pi, University of St. Thomas: Chapter Management, Community Service,   Membership Development, Public Relations

Beta Xi, St. Mary's University: Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service, Membership Development, Public Relations

Chi, Drake University: Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service, Membership Development, Public Relations

Eta, University of Georgia: Community Service, Membership Development, Public Relations

Epsilon, University of Alabama 
Chapter Management,  Membership Development 

Iota, Florida State University: Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service, Membership Development, Public Relations

Lambda, University of South Carolina: Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service, Public Relations

Nu, Central Michigan University: Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service, Membership Development, Public Relations

Phi, Ball State University: Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service, Membership Development, Public Relations

Pi, Mississippi State University:  Community Service,  Membership Development, Public Relations

Rho, Appalachian State University: Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service, Membership Development, Public Relations

Sigma, Temple University: Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Community Service, Membership Development, Public Relations

Tau, Howard University: Chapter Management, Alumni Relations, Membership Development, Public Relations

Xi, University of Connecticut

Chapter Management, Alumni Relations,  Membership Development


Roll Call Winners:

Roll Call videos and performances were presented on Saturday morning by each participating chapter. Each chapter had one vote to make for their favorite roll call performance. 

Winner: 
Beta Iota at Troy University "Closer"

Troy University's Roll Call Video

Runner Up: 
Xi at University of Connecticut  "The Most Interesting Actuary In the World"

University of Connecticut's Roll Call Video


Congratulations to all the award winners!

SAVE THE DATE!

The GIS 46th Annual International Conference will be held September 28th through the 30th in Dallas, Texas! 

Mark your calendar! 


ATTENTION ALUMNI!
TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET INVOLVED IN GIS EVENTS!
 
The GIS Philadelphia Alumni Council's First Event was a success! There were 12 alumni in attendance for a happy hour at a rooftop beer garden downtown (event photo of some of the participants pictured below). 

It is never too late to get involved in our Alumni Chapters.  Please keep your Alumni Chapter photos coming. At your meetings, outings and events, please snap a photo and send them to the Council or Chapter leaders.

Thank you and congratulations on a great event, GIS Philly Alumni!


Join a chapter near you, or start one in your city! Please contact one of the regional chapter leaders below or Alumni Council President, Jake Timmins at  Jake.Timmins@rtspecialty.com  or Vice President, Sabrina Hanitz at  Sabrina.Hanitz@AIG.com  for information on starting a chapter in your area! 

National Chapters
Role First Name Last Name Email Phone
President Jake Timmins Jake.Timmins@rtspecialty.com  214-254-4797
Vice President Sabrina Hanitz Sabrina.Hanitz@aig.com 312-972-5996
Regional Chapters
Chapters First Name Last Name Email Phone
Atlanta Ben Robbins ben.robbins@genre.com  404-365-6858
Atlanta Lindsey Harrell lindsey.harrell@amwins.com 678-586-2291
Charlotte Annalie  Ricketts Annalie.ricketts@amwins.com 919-801-4158
Chicago Jon Perry jon.perry@awac.com 312-646-7760
Dallas Kenneth Rawls Kenneth.Rawls@ACEGroup.com 469-744-6814
Dallas Ali Rosenberg ali_rosenberg@rpsins.com 515-664-6607
Des Moines Austin Neimanis Neimanis.Austin@principal.com 515-988-6990
Des Moines Elizabeth Cokel elizabeth.cokel@mmc.com 217-357-5665
Houston Ashton Baca Ashton.Baca@aig.com 713-342-7603
Houston Jonathan Thompson jonathan.thompson@aig.com 817-709-4065
Indianapolis Sam Weiss sam.weiss@nyhart.com 317-845-3525
Kansas City Jeff Sandy JSandy@riskinnovationsllc.com 816-896-8145
Kansas City TJ Collins tjcollins@psgins.com 816-410-3866
Los Angeles Dymphna Menendez dymphna.menendez@aig.com 213-689-1889
Miami Page Hoggle PHoggle@CRCIns.com 561-213-7081
New York City Simone Blond Simone.Blond@Mercer.com 516-659-2568
New York City Brittany Sakson Brittany.sakson@zurichna.com 570-604-3073 
Philadelphia Chelsea Thorpe Chelsea.Thorpe@aig.com 215-630-2091
Philadelphia Juliette Bachalany Bachalany-Juliette@aramark.com 215-409-7648
Richmond Geoffrey Bernardo bernardogw@vcu.edu 540-520-1711
Richmond Joshua Rubin Rubinjl3@vcu.edu 703-623-2050
Southbend Andrew Graman agraman@gibsonins.com 812-890-1715 
St. Paul Anna Rockers ARockers@archinsurance.com 651-855-7154
St. Paul Mike Jennings Jennings.mike@principal.com 815-685-0981

DONATE TO GIS TODAY!
IT IS EASY TO CONTRIBUTE!

Making a contribution towards the future of GIS is easy. Simply visit the website through the link below and set up a one-time or recurring contribution. Submit your donation in your name, or consider making a donation in honor of, or in memory of, an individual or organization!

Thank you for helping to make the future of GIS brighter!
STUDENT NEWSLETTER

Check out the student newsletter to learn more about what our talented students and alumni are up to. Read on to see how the industry and the Grand Chapter connect with our students, and to learn more about our chapters.

Click the link below to read the Student Newsletter that was sent to students on October 7, 2016.
GIS CAREER CENTER 
FIND THE BEST TALENT TODAY!
 
Visit the GIS Career Center. It is the ideal place to post insurance industry entry-level positions and internships to gain the attention of students focused on finding insurance careers.

If you are looking for the perfect hire, let the GIS Career Center work for you! Our brilliant students will find you! Post your opportunities in our career center and make the hiring process a breeze. 


THANK YOU TO OUR SUSTAINING PARTNERS!
MAKING THREE YEAR COMMITMENT TO THE GROWTH OF GIS!

Enjoy the Perks! 
At this year's GIS Conference, Sustaining Partners received priority booth locations during the career fair, as well as recognition on banners and other promotional materials during the conference. Being a Sustaining Partner provides you with greater access to GIS, granting an executive from your organization a position on the GIS Board of Trustees, access to meet and greet GIS student leaders and the Leadership Conference, and so many other opportunities not afforded to all sponsors.
Becoming a sustaining partner to GIS means having your organization make a direct and lasting impact on the development of the next generation of insurance professionals. With your support, GIS will be able to increase the number of strategic initiatives designed to promote the educational and professional development of collegiate students pursuing careers in the industry. Determine how your dollars are spent, while gaining benefits afforded exclusively to this category of sponsors.


 

VISIONARY LEVEL

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Click the red button above or contact GIS Executive Director Noelle Codispoti at  noelle.codispoti@gammaiotasigma.org  to hear the benefits today!
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STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

Noelle Codispoti
Executive Director

Sharla Floyd
Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives
 
Grace Grant
Director of Chapter Services

Alyson Koehler
Director of Marketing and Communications

Your feedback is welcome! 
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Meg Allwein
President

Glenn Dorr
Executive Vice President

Jason Warden
Vice President

Jeff Henry
Vice President

John Hammond
(Immediate Past President)
Sabrina Hanitz
Secretary

Wes Griffiths
Treasurer

Jake Timmins
Alumni Representative

Jake Timmins
Alumni 
Representative
Jacob Galecki
Industry Representative
Dr. RB Drennan
Faculty Representative
Dr. Karen Epermanis
Faculty Representative

Celeste Azubuike
Student Representative
Sarah Rumon
Student Representative
Noelle Codispoti 
Executive Director