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ATLANTA–Six outstanding current and recent students of the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Studies at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business received Students of the Year Awards at the 9th Risk Science and Insurance Leadership Awards (Riskies), held September 21 at Center Parc Stadium.
Sponsored by AssuranceAmerica, the Students of the Year Awards recognize stellar students and alumni of the M.R. Greenberg School undergraduate and graduate degree programs: B.B.A. in Risk Management & Insurance (B.B.A. in RMI), B.B.A. in Actuarial Science (B.B.A. in AS), Master in Actuarial Science (M.A.S.) and Master of Science in Quantitative Risk Analysis & Management (M.S.-QRAM). Each awardee received $2,500 from AssuranceAmerica.
Hsiao-Yu Chu, student, M.A.S.
Hsiao-Yu Chu earned her undergraduate degree in Taiwan, where she worked in insurance for three years prior to entering Robinson’s Master of Actuarial Science program. In addition to excelling at her studies, Chu has passed five SOA exams and held a summer internship at SCOR. where furthered her expertise in reinsurance.
Jessica Macha, student, B.B.A. in AS
Senior Jessica Macha moved from Minnesota to Atlanta to study actuarial science at Georgia State. Macha, an inaugural Guy Millner Scholar, has completed three actuarial internships and passed three actuarial exams. Beyond her academic pursuits, Jessica is deeply committed to creating opportunities for individuals in risk management, insurance, and actuarial science.
Norma Maldonado (’23), B.B.A. in AS/RMI minor
Norma Maldonado participated in Robinson's Joiner Achievement Academy, now RISE: Robinson Immersive Sophomore Experience, where she gained skills that aided her as a Wholesale Specialty & Insurance Association diversity intern at RSUI Group. She also was active in Gamma Iota Sigma, an organization for students interested in careers in insurance, risk management, and actuarial science.
Wei Sen Ng, student, M.S.-QRAM/M.A.S.
Dual-degree student Wei Sen Ng is a part-time actuarial intern at Kuvare Holdings, where he contributes to the actuarial modeling team. In addition to his professional experience, he has participated in data and analytics sprints for Robinson’s Institute for Insight, including a project where he collaborated with an auto insurance company to develop a highly accurate pricing model.
Tajhae Smith (’23), B.B.A. in RMI
Tajhae Smith obtained his licensure as an independent insurance adjuster in the state of Georgia, then embarked on apprenticeships as a field adjuster, gained valuable experience working part-time at Lockton companies, and securing an internship position at State Farm. He is a TRAC associate at Marsh in the property practice.
Erin Woodside, student, B.B.A. in A.S. / B.B.A. in RMI
Bahamas native and dual-degree student Erin Woodside chose Georgia State due to its renowned actuarial program. After making the decision to double major, she joined Gamma Iota Sigma and has used her position as recruitment co-chair to develop soft skills and helping others find their way. Her post-graduation plans include pursuing her M.A.S.
Photo: Georgia State President M. Brian Blake, Norma Maldonado, Erin Woodside, Jessica Macha, AssuranceAmerica CEO Scott Pitrone, Hsiao-Yu Chu, Tajhae Smith, M.R. Greenberg School Chair Stephen Shore, Wei Sen Ng, AssuranceAmerica Vice President Anne Ostholthoff