August 23, 2013
St. Mary’s University student Ruth Torres (B.B.A. ’14) is one of 14 students nationwide to receive a scholarship funded by the Derek Hughes/National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPSLO) Educational Foundation.
Torres, a Financial Services and Risk Management major in the Bill Greehey School of Business, was awarded the Derek Hughes/NAPSLO Educational Foundation Insurance Scholarship. The $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually to exceptional students with an interest in a career in the insurance industry.
“Just to be acknowledged and given an opportunity like this – it’s hard to put into words,” Torres said. “This scholarship is a life-saver.”
Torres developed an interest in risk management while taking a course taught by David W. Sommer, Ph.D., the Charles E. Cheever Professor of Risk Management. Sommer has since become a mentor to Torres.
“Throughout the time I have known Ruth, I have been very impressed with her excellent questions and insights, and her desire to learn everything she can about risk management and the insurance industry,” Sommer said. “She is an amazing person, and she has an amazing future ahead of her.”
Outside of the classroom, Torres has worked for the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) for the past two and a half years in a variety of part-time roles. Torres plans to use her senior year to focus on academics and looking for possible full-time career opportunities for after graduation.
“I’m excited to explore the insurance industry and just get my foot in the door,” Torres said. “Anything I can get my hands on.”
Since it was founded in 1975, NAPSLO has become known as the authoritative voice on surplus lines and the important role they play in the insurance industry. The Derek Hughes/NAPSLO Educational Foundation scholarship program was established in 1998 to further the study of insurance and related fields.