In life we all need different types of insurance: health, car, and even renters insurance. Yet many bright students miss opportunities to work in the insurance industry, which is something the R.I.S.E. Opportunity Foundation wants to change. Learn more about how a $2.5 million gift from the foundation will support the establishment of a new risk management institute at Fisk University in the official release below.

Fisk University is thrilled to announce a $2,500,000 gift from the R.I.S.E. Opportunity Foundation to support the development of the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Risk Management Institute. The Institute will focus on preparing Fisk students for outstanding careers in the insurance industry. Over the past five years, Fisk has strategically emphasized the importance of educating the next generation of c-suite executives and business leaders. “The insurance industry provides so many exciting opportunities, and we look forward to seeing Fisk students assume leadership roles within Ryan Specialty and across the industry,” said Michael Blackshear, Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer (Ryan Specialty Group). “This institute is a bold and innovative approach to addressing a need within the insurance industry, and the foundational gift will include faculty, student and programmatic support,” said Patrick Phillips, CEO of the R.I.S.E. Opportunity Foundation.

For the past five years, Fisk has experienced record enrollment and fundraising numbers. More and more students are interested in business and now with this Institute, Fisk will provide students a significant advantage vis a vis careers in the insurance industry. The Institute will include courses in risk management and actuarial sciences as well as specific leadership programing from executives in the industry. “We are so excited about this Institute and what it will do for our students, said Fisk President Vann Newkirk. “Fisk has positioned itself as a leading institution in terms of the next generation of c-suite executives and business leaders, and our students are continually looking for opportunities.”

According to Jens Frederiksen Executive Vice President, “Fisk has established a host of elite corporate partnerships to offer our amazing students all the support and exposure required for them to excel at the highest levels. This investment from the R.I.S.E. Foundation and the Ryan family is game-changing, and we are beyond grateful.”