Published April 15, 2019
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana (IIABL) recently announced
a $50,000 donation to ULM’s Risk Management and Insurance Program.
“The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana is one of the most prominent and influential organizations in Louisiana. For many
years, IIABL has been a strong partner to the program. We are extremely honored by
this commitment to continue to support and grow the ULM RMI program,” said Christine
Berry, Professor of Risk Management and Insurance and program director.
“Our curriculum has a heavy emphasis on the distribution side of the insurance business
so the strong ties with one of the most prominent agents associations in Louisiana
is very fitting. IIABL staff and members work closely with ULM RMI faculty and staff
to assist them in recruiting and preparing exceptional future insurance professionals
for Louisiana and beyond," she said.
Just since 2016, more than a dozen ULM RMI graduates have gone to work for Louisiana
independent agents and brokers, either as producers or account managers.
Johnny Beekman III, President of the IIABL Board of Directors, made the donation Monday
at ULM.
"Education is a personal goal of mine," said Beekman. "Education is the key to the
future. We are proud to partner with you and look forward it."
Jeff Albright, Chief Executive Officer for the IIABL, said, "I have had the pleasure
of meeting with many of the ULM Risk & Insurance Program students over the past several
years. They are bright, capable young people with a passion for working in our business.
The ULM Risk & Insurance Program is a tremendous resource for the Louisiana insurance
industry."
Albright has served as a member of the Industry Advisory Council to ULM’s program
and has spoken at ULM RMI Society meetings and other ULM RMI events numerous times
over the years.
“As a ULM RMI alumni and active member of the IIABL, I couldn’t be more excited about
this gift. ULM’s RMI program gave me a solid foundation to become a highly successful
Louisiana independent agent,” said Ernest Finch, 2008 ULM RMI graduate and former
member of the IIABL Board of Directors.
ULM’s program was ranked ninth in the nation by Business Insurance in the fall of
2018 and is the largest RMI program in the state of Louisiana.
From the IIABL website: The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana is the go to information
resource and primary advocate for independent insurance agents in Louisiana. IIABL
is a member-based, professional trade association serving more than 400 independent
insurance agents, meeting the education, political and business needs of members to
maximize business opportunities.
Above photo:
The University of Louisiana Monroe Risk Management & Insurance Program received a $50,000 donation from the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana at a presentation on Monday, April
15, 2019. Pictured from left are, Dr. Christine Berry, Professor of Risk Management
and Insurance and program director, Dr. Ron Berry, Dean of the College of Business
and Social Sciences, Johnny Beekman III of Assured Partners in New Orleans and President
of the IIABL Board of Directors and ULM President Dr. Nick J. Bruno.
Srdjan Marjanovic/Marketing and Communications
