Zurich seeks applicants for advanced degree scholarship for diverse talent

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 25, 2023 – Applications are being accepted now through July 17 for Zurich North America's Zurich Fellows scholarship, which was created last year to help diverse talent pursue advanced degrees in insurance-related fields.

Zurich plans to award scholarships of up to $3,500 each to support studies at St. John's University's Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science. Zurich awarded 11 scholarships last year and is looking to continue its support in the 2023-2024 academic year.

The scholarship can be applied toward the following degrees:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Enterprise Risk Management
• MBA in Risk Management
• MBA in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
• Master of Science (M.S.) in Actuarial Science
• M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management
• M.S. in Risk Management and Risk Analytics

Applications are open to candidates in the U.S. and Canada, including Zurich employees and non-employees. Students have the option to pursue their studies online, in person or in any combination that best meets their needs. Neither an insurance background nor being on campus at St. John's University in New York City is required.

"I am delighted that we are collaborating with St. John's University to offer these scholarships for the second year in a row," said Jeanette Kilo-Smith, Zurich North America's Head of Diversity and Inclusion and the Executive Sponsor of the scholarship program. "The Zurich Fellows program reflects our commitment to help recruit, retain and advance diverse talent in our business and industry."

St. John's University's renowned risk management programs draw students from around the world. Several Zurich leaders are alumni, including a former CEO of Zurich Insurance Group, in whose name Zurich endowed the James J. Schiro/Zurich Chair in Enterprise Risk Management in 2010. Another alumnus is Gerald Chiddick, who is Midwest Regional Executive for Zurich North America. Kristof Terryn, CEO of Zurich North America, serves on the board of the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management.

The Fellows program is aimed at people with a wide range of undergraduate degrees and work backgrounds who want to make a positive impact on resilience.

"The opportunities in insurance are as diverse as the talent we want to attract to this great industry," said Bart Shachnow, Sales Performance Director at Zurich North America. "A person with a background in fine arts could pursue a position specializing in underwriting masterpieces for museums and private collections. Someone with a background in environmental studies could pursue a position in the energy or agricultural practice of an insurer. The options are varied and broad."

Zurich plans to award up to seven scholarships annually.

"With the Zurich Fellows scholarship, Zurich is showing leadership in developing talent in the insurance and risk management fields," said Amber Steiger, Director of Graduate Admissions at St. John's University. "We applaud Zurich's investment in promoting a diverse, inclusive and equitable industry that reflects the communities it serves."

Learn more and apply for the Zurich Fellows Scholarship. The application deadline is July 17, 2023.

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About Zurich North America

Zurich North America is one of the largest providers of insurance solutions and services to businesses and individuals. Our customers represent industries ranging from agriculture to technology. Zurich North America is part of Zurich Insurance Group, a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in global and local markets. Read more at www.zurichna.com/services/about-zurich.

Media contact:

Clare Fitzgerald, clare.fitzgerald@zurichna.com