Walker College of Business News
Appalachian Students Learn the Ropes at RIMS – New Orleans
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| Conference Attendees – Front row, left to right: Dr. Karen Epermanis, Hollan Bradley, Amber Jackson, and Bethann Eckenrod. Back row, left to right: Garrett Anderson, Tyler Adamson, Yogesh Amar, Dr. Dave Wood, and Brandon Scott. |
Appalachian State students and faculty enjoyed a week of learning and networking by attending this year's National Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) Conference in New Orleans, La. Two students, senior Bethann Eckenrod and junior Tyler Adamson, were each named as an Anita Benedetti Student Involvement Program (ABSIP) recipient, and attended the conference as part of that program. Five additional students attended, with partial financial support from the Carolinas RIMS Chapter.
The trip began with the ASU crew volunteering its time and talents to help clean up New Orleans and restore City Park. Hundreds of volunteers from the risk management community worked Sunday to help restore the area. Volunteers were successful in painting 150 yards of fence and clearing brush from 700 yards of land at City Park.
"I was so proud of our students for suggesting that we participate as a group toward this worthwhile effort,” said professor Karen Epermanis. "Their interest in helping others and the community really shows the Appalachian spirit.”
From there, both students and faculty spent three days learning more about topics of interest. Workshops covered areas such as pandemic risk, terrorism, enterprise risk management, business continuity and workers compensation claim trends. The State of the Industry luncheon panel was also a highlight, during which top executives from pre-eminent insurers and brokers discussed the state of our industry.
Students were not disappointed with the myriad of networking opportunities. Armed with freshly printed business cards, they hit the exhibit hall with fervor. The most common comment from students was, "I can't believe how big this Exhibit Hall is!” Evenings were spent meeting people from both the insurance and brokerage side of the industry at various hospitality functions and private dinners. The Appalachian group sends thanks to Angela Matherly, Director, Risk Management, FairPoint Communications, Inc. and Carolinas Chapter RIMS Delegate for her assistance in arranging invitations to many of these functions.
Next year's conference is set for San Diego, Calif., and students are already talking about having an opportunity to attend.The selection process will be very competitive.
Enjoying a meal in New Orleans at The Oyster Bar
