54th Annual national conference

September 24th through September 27th, 2025, members of the University of Olivet’s Gamma Iota Sigma Alpha Alpha Chapter had the incredible opportunity to attend the 54th Annual National Conference in Hartford, Connecticut.

The conference was packed with learning experiences that pushed us outside of the classroom and into real conversations about the insurance, risk management, and actuarial science industries. From panel discussions to professional development workshops, we were able to connect with leaders who gave us insight into career paths, current industry challenges, and ways to stand out as young professionals.

The keynote speakers were nothing short of inspiring. Each one brought a fresh perspective and a challenge to think bigger—about leadership, diversity, resilience, and the future of our industry. Hearing directly from those who have already made an impact left us motivated to bring new ideas and energy back to campus.

One of the most valuable parts of the conference was meeting other GIS chapters from across the nation. We traded stories about what makes each chapter unique, compared events, and brainstormed how to grow involvement on our campuses. These conversations reminded us that while every chapter faces different challenges, we’re all working toward the same mission: preparing students for success in the insurance industry.

Beyond networking, the trip gave our members a chance to bond as a chapter—whether it was exploring Hartford together, attending breakout sessions side by side, or celebrating each other’s accomplishments throughout the event.

A huge thank-you goes to the Grand Chapter staff for making this conference such a success. From coordinating speakers to ensuring smooth logistics, their hard work created an environment where we could truly learn, connect, and grow.

We return to Olivet inspired and excited to continue building on what we’ve learned—both in our studies and in our chapter. The 54th Annual GIS National Conference was more than just an event; it was a reminder of the opportunities and the community that come with being a part of Gamma Iota Sigma.