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The O’Neill Group Offers Annual Gift to The University of Akron’s Risk Management & Insurance Degree Program

By September 1, 2018No Comments

 

The journey started for us in 2017, when we nominated and subsequently awarded The University of Akron’s College of Business Administration’s new Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) degree program a grant from the Westfield Insurance Foundation.

The grant was part of the https://www.westfieldinsurance.com/about-us/community, which invited The O’Neill Group (a Westfield independent insurance agent) to nominate a local nonprofit organization for the award.

“We have strong relationships with our agents, and we value the important role they play in their communities.” said Ed Largent, Westfield President & CEO, and Westfield Insurance Foundation chairman.

The university of akron’s risk management & insurance degree

The University of Akron launched their Risk Management and Insurance degree program in Fall 2017. Funding from the Westfield Insurance Foundation supported two programs:

  1. A “Risky Business” event that was held for freshman and sophomore students at The University of Akron to introduce them to the insurance industry
  2. A scholarship program for students pursuing a degree in Risk Management and Insurance from The University of Akron.

“The O’Neill Group embodies 30 fundamentals – one of which is ‘Make A Difference,” said Patrick O’Neill, President and CEO of The O’Neill Group.

“We are proud of the community we live and work in, and look for unique opportunities to support and partner with local nonprofit organizations. We’re excited to see The University of Akron offer the RMI degree program! As a proud alumnus of The University of Akron, I found it very fitting to nominate the College of Business Administration for the Westfield Legacy of Caring grant to benefit the launch of their new RMI degree program.” 

Beyond the scope of the grant, The O’Neill Group has continued their support and involvement through The O’Neill Group’s “Better TOGether” program. Our Better TOGether program offers each team member 30 hours paid time off per year to volunteer for a local non profit organization.

Pat O’Neill, a Certified Risk Manager at The O’Neill Group, will serve on the advisory board for the RMI program.

Dr. Jill Bisco, Assistant Professor of Finance and Risk Management and Insurance at The University of Akron commented,

“We are honored to receive this award from the Westfield Insurance Foundation, thanks to the support from The O’Neill Group. As is the case with many professions, Risk Management and Insurance is often misunderstood by young college students. Although most in the industry understand how exciting and fulfilling this profession can be, communicating this to college students can often be challenging. The funding will give us the opportunity to teach students that the insurance industry is a viable career option with a wealth of opportunity.”

In addition to the funds received from the Westfield Foundation, The O’Neill Group will also contribute annually to a scholarship fund for students pursuing the Risk Management and Insurance program at The University of Akron.