2026
Actuarial Banquet – May 1, 2026, 5:30 P.M. at the Stadium Club
Our 2026 Actuarial Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. May 1, 2026, at the Aaron Leetch Club at the Hancock Stadium. This event is for our actuarial students and faculty, as well as invited guests. Registration is here: smartURL.it/ActuarialBanquet.
The speaker for May 1, 2026 will be: Mr. Charles Jenkins, FCAS, our alumnus and actuary at Country Financial.
2025
PIPA Broker (Business Casual) – November 20, 2025, 6–7 P.M. in STV 131
The Actuarial Club will hold an engaging business-casual presentation with PIPA Broker. You’ll learn how actuaries can leverage data, risk analysis, and digital tools in emerging online marketplaces. This is a great chance to broaden your perspective on nontraditional actuarial career paths and ask questions.
Movie Night (Casual) – November 18, 2025, 6–8 P.M. in STV 131
The Actuarial Club will host a relaxed movie night as we watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving! Come hang out, unwind, and enjoy a casual evening with fellow members.
Actuarial Exam Journeys (Casual) – November 13, 2025, 6–7 P.M. in STV 131
Ever wonder what the actuarial exam process looks like during college? Join us as two officers, Sadira Ali and Emma Ongman, share their unique exam journeys and experiences throughout college. You’ll hear about the strategies, challenges, and lessons they’ve learned along the way. From their first exams to where they are now. Whether you’re just beginning your exam path or looking for new study insights, this is a great opportunity to learn from your peers and ask questions in an open setting.
Jeopardy! (Casual) – November 11, 2025, 6–7 P.M. in STV 131
Test your knowledge and challenge your friends in a fun, fast-paced round of Jeopardy! This casual event is a great way to relax, meet other members, and show off your trivia skills.
November General Meeting (Casual) – November 6, 2025, 5:30–6:30 P.M. in STV 131
Thank you for joining our November General Meeting! We went over the November calendar and upcoming events, plus hosted a Pie Bidding War, a chance to bid for the opportunity to pie one of the officers! The highest bidder won the honor (and the laughs). It was an evening filled with fun, updates, and a great way to unwind with fellow members.
TIA & Exam Registration 101 (Business Casual) – November 4, 2025, 6–7 P.M. in STV 131
Get ready to make the most of your actuarial exam prep! This meeting introduced The Infinite Actuary (TIA), a leading actuarial exam study resource. Afterwards, the officers guided students through the exam registration process. Whether attendees were preparing for their first exam or planning ahead for future sittings, this event helped them understand how to use TIA effectively and navigate registration with confidence.
Asset Liability Management and Investments Presentation Part II – November 4, 2025, 6 P.M. on Zoom
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 6 p.m., Dr. Wei Hao, FSA, who works in investment division at State Farm, and used to be our adjunct faculty (but now his job with State Farm moved him to Texas) made the second presentation about asset-liability management and investments at an insurance firm in general.
Asset Liability Management and Investments Presentation Part I -October 30, 2025, 6 P.M. on Zoom
On Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 6 p.m., Dr. Wei Hao, FSA, who works in investment division at State Farm, and used to be our adjunct faculty (but now his job with State Farm moved him to Texas) made the first presentation about asset-liability management and investments at an insurance firm in general.
Pumpkin Painting (Casual) – October 30, 2025, 6–7 P.M. in STV 132
The Actuarial Club got festive and students took a break from the books and tap into their creative side at the Pumpkin Painting night. Pumpkins and paint were provided, and all participants brought their imagination. It was the perfect way to relax, meet fellow students, and celebrate the season with some fun.
LinkedIn 101 (Casual) – October 28, 2025, 6–7 P.M. in STV 131
Ready to level up your professional presence? The Actuarial Club hosted a relaxed LinkedIn 101 session where we walked through the basics of building a standout profile, networking tips, and how to make the most of online connections. Whether students were just starting out or looking to polish their pages, the event offered a great space to learn and ask questions.
State Farm: Day-to-Day Work & Exam Connections (Business Casual) – October 23, 2025, 6–7 P.M. in STV 131
Our alumnus Mr. Tyler Jenkins, FCAS from State Farm presented real-world examples of day-to-day actuarial work and showing how it connects to both CAS exams and DISC assessments. Whether students were figuring out which path fits them best or just wanted a deeper look into the field, the session was super valuable.
Actex: Generative AI & Study Resources (Casual) – October 21, 2025 6–7 P.M. in STV 131
Curious about how AI is changing actuarial learning? The Actuarial Club held a session with Actex to learn more about their study resources and how generative AI is redefining the way actuaries prepare for exams and grow their skills.
Soccer Game with Gamma Iota Sigma (Casual) – October 19, 2025, 4–6 P.M. at Adelaide Field
Come out for a fun, casual soccer game at Adelaide Field! This joint event with GIS was a great way to get to know Risk Management and Insurance majors and help bridge the gap between actuarial science and risk management in insurance. No soccer skills required, just bring your school spirit and enjoy the afternoon!
Gamma Iota Sigma / Actuarial Club 101 (Casual) – October 16, 2025, 6:00–7:00 P.M. in STV 101
Come learn how the Gamma Iota Sigma and Actuarial Clubs are connected and how they interact with one another. The session covered why it’s important for actuaries to understand what brokers and underwriters do in their day-to-day work, and how that knowledge can give members an edge in their own career. Whether students were already involved or just exploring, it was a great opportunity to learn more and get engaged.
Interviewing 101 (Casual) – October 14, 2025, 6:00–7:00 P.M. in STV 131
Whether students were preparing for their first interview or looking to sharpen their skills, this session was for them. The session covered common interview formats, behavioral and technical questions, and shared tips for standing out to employers. Students came with questions and left feeling more confident.
Charlie Johnson Presentation (Casual) – October 9, 2025, 6:00–7:00 P.M. in STV 131
The Actuarial Club hosted a special presentation by our alumus, Mr. Charlie Johnson, FSA, CERA, MAAA, as he shared valuable insights on how to pass actuarial exams and why students should be taking them. Whether they were just beginning their exam journey or looking for strategies to improve, it was a great opportunity to learn from someone who’s been there.
Game Night with Gamma Iota Sigma (Casual) – October 9, 2025, 4:30–5:30 P.M. in STV 219
We came together for a fun Game Night hosted by our GIS Liaison, Marek Pedziwater! We teamed up with Gamma Iota Sigma to help bridge the gap between Actuarial Science and Risk Management & Insurance. It was a great chance to meet new people, connect across majors, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.
October General Meeting (Casual) – October 1, 2025, 6-7 P.M. in STV 131
Thank you for joining our October General Meeting! We shared some exciting upcoming opportunities, discussed feedback we had received from employers, and went over course registration to help everyone prepare for next semester. Whether you were new to the club or a returning member, we hope it was a great chance to stay informed and get involved.
New York Life: Institutional Annuities (Business Casual) – September 25, 6-7 P.M. in STV 131
Representatives from New York Life gave a presentation on institutional annuities, a niche but growing part of the actuarial field. Whether students were exploring career paths or just wanted to expand your knowledge, this session was informative and insightful.
Picnic Social (Casual) – September 24, 2025, 6-8 P.M. at People’s Park
Celebrate being done with Meet the Firms at our relaxed picnic at People’s Park! Enjoy some snacks, chat with friends, and unwind after a busy few weeks. It’s a great chance to debrief and connect outside the classroom.
Presentation on Hedging of Variable Annuities by Mr. Isaac Nyarko, FSA – September 23, 2025, 6-7:50 P.M. on Zoom
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 6 p.m. – 7:50 p.m., there was a special presentation by our alumnus Mr. Isaac Nyarko, FSA, an actuary at Reinsurance Group of America (RGA), on hedging of deferred annuities contracts. This event was held over Zoom, please e-mail: actuary@ilstu.edu to gain access to the Zoom session.
Leadership in and beyond the Classroom (Casual) – September 19, 2025, 3-4 P.M. in STV 131
Wrap up the week with a conversation about leadership with our alumnus Mr. Aaron Hillebrandt, FCAS, MAAA, CPCU, on Friday, September 19, 3–4 p.m. Learn how to grow as a leader during your college years and beyond.
Meet The Firms: Our Main Employment Event (Business Professional) – September 18, 2025, 6-8:30 P.M. in Prairie Room
Our main actuarial employment event, Meet the Firms, was held on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center on campus of Illinois State University. Detailed information is posted here: smartURL.it/MeetTheFirms, and registration for employers is here: smartURL.it/MTFregister. Please e-mail actuary@ilstu.edu if you have questions or concerns.
Presentation on Fixed Annuities by Mr. Noah Du, ASA – September 18, 2025, 2 P.M. in STV 136A
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 2 p.m. in STV 136A there was a special presentation by our alumnus Mr. Noah Du, ASA, of Nationwide Insurance, about fixed annuities.
Milliman Social Night (Casual) – September 17 , 6–8 P.M.
Take a break from the formal setting and join us for a fun night of ping pong and billiards at the Bowling and Billiards Center! Our alumnus Mr. Greg Coffman, ASA, MAAA, from Milliman were there to chat about job opportunities and help you unwind before Meet the Firms.
Cigna Company Presentation: Case Study on Providers & Insurance – September 16, 2025, 6-7 P.M. in STV 131
Our alumni Mr. Tyler Berndt and Mr. Luke Stachowski from Cigna walked us through an engaging case study that highlighted the relationship between healthcare providers and insurance companies. A great way to see real-world applications of actuarial work!
Presentation on modeling of catastrophe risk by Ms. Minchong Mao, FCAS, ASA – September 16, 2025, 3-5 P.M. on Zoom
On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. there was a special presentation by Ms. Minchong Mao, FCAS, ASA, Managing Director, Reinsurance Solutions at Aon, on modeling of catastrophe risk. This event was held over Zoom, please e-mail: actuary@ilstu.edu to gain access to the Zoom session.
Country Financial: Starting a Career + Industry Insights (Business Casual) – September 15, 2025, 6–7 P.M. in STV 131
Our alumni Mr. Caleb Diffor and Mr. Sebastian Czerwinski from Country Financial shared tips on starting your actuarial career, preparing for exams, and understanding industry events that impact their work.
Meet the Firms Prep (Casual) – September 11, 2025, 6-7 P.M. in STV 131
With Meet the Firms right around the corner on September 18, come prepare with the Actuarial Club Officers! We went over how to dress professionally, what an elevator pitch is (and how to craft one), and what to expect at the event. Whether you’re attending for the first time or just want a refresher, this session is for you.
Core Specialty Insurance Company Presentation: Reserving 101 (Business Casual) – September 10, 2025, 6:30-7:30 P.M. in STV 131
Curious about what “reserving” really means in the actuarial world? Our alumna Ms. Sejal Pamnani from Core walked us through the basics of reserving. Ideal for anyone looking to broaden their technical knowledge and get exposure to this important actuarial role.
Resume Check (Casual) – September 9, 2025, 6-7 P.M. in STV 131
Didn’t make it to the Resume Review on September 4? No problem! This follow-up session was open to everyone. We went over resumes, answered questions, and helped you refine your document—perfect for anyone looking to make final updates before recruiting events.
Travelers: P/C Hot Topics (Business Casual) – September 8, 2025, 6-7 P.M. in STV 131
Join us for a session with our alumna Ms. Katie Johnson from Travelers, who presented on key Property & Casualty industry hot topics. A great opportunity to deepen your industry knowledge and ask questions!
Actuarial Research Event – September 5, 2025
Date and Time: September 5, 2025, Time: 4 pm. Location: Williams Hall, Room 111, on campus of Illinois State University. If you plan to come to the event, please send an e-mail telling us that to: actuary@ilstu.edu.
Presentation: “Optimization and Machine Learning for Insuring the Electric Vehicle Ecosystem”
By Dr. Mehdi Karimi, Assistant Professor, Illinois State University
Abstract: Electric vehicles (EVs) and their associated charging infrastructure are rapidly transforming the transportation landscape, but they also introduce a host of emerging risks that challenge traditional insurance frameworks. From battery degradation and cyber-physical vulnerabilities in both public and home EV charging stations to autonomous driving features and high-cost component replacements, these systems require a rethinking of how risk is assessed and priced.
In this talk, we examine key challenges in insuring both EVs and EV charging stations (EVCSs), highlighting why conventional actuarial models fall short in capturing these evolving risk dimensions. We present a data-driven modeling framework that integrates modern tools from optimization, statistical learning, and deep neural networks to enable dynamic and personalized premium pricing. Designed for both technical and non-technical professionals, this session bridges academic insight and practical implementation, and outlines collaborative opportunities to develop scalable, intelligent solutions for the future of EV insurance. Updated event flyer is here.
Actuarial Club Presents: Resume Review – September 4, 2025
The Actuarial Club presented a Resume Review workshop on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131. The dress code is casual. We went over how your resume should be formatted, what to include (and what not to), and tips for standing out. Students also had time to work one-on-one with officers to get feedback and make improvements. Perfect for anyone preparing for Meet the Firms on September 18.
Pinnacle Actuarial Resources Presentation – September 3, 2025
The Actuarial Club hosted Pinnacle Actuarial Resources on Wednesday, September 3th, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131. The dress code was business casual. Our alumni Mr. Trenton Lipka, FCAS, MAAA, Ms. Lizzie Stremming, and Mr. Jabari Washington, FCAS shared their career journeys and what day-to-day work looks like as actuarial consultants.
Actuarial Club Presents: Actuarial 101
The Actuarial Club presented Actuarial 101 on Thursday, August 28, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131. The dress code was casual. Join us for an overview of the profession, what actuaries do, and where we work. Hosted by members of our actuarial board. Strongly recommended if you are newer to the profession!
CNA Company Presentation
The Actuarial Club hosted CNA Insurance on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131. Join Ms. Carly Habing, Mr. Josh Collier, FCAS, and Ms. Allie Lynn, FCAS from CNA for a hands-on Property & Casualty case study. This was a great opportunity to dive into real-world actuarial work. The dress code was business casual.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Presentation
The Actuarial Club hosted Blue Cross Blue Shield on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131. Our alumnus Mr. Scott Damery, FSA, MAAA, covered Medicare 101 and discussed career opportunities at Blue Cross Blue Shield. It was a great chance to learn about health insurance from an experienced professional. The dress code was business casual.
Actuarial Club: First meeting of the Fall 2025 semester
The first meeting of the Actuarial Club for the Fall 2025 semester was held on Monday, August 25, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131. Come meet the board, hear about this year’s plans, and learn how to get involved.
Society of Actuaries team visit
The Society of Actuaries team visiting our program held a conversation with actuarial students, both undergraduate and graduate, on Wednesday, May 15, 2025, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 401.
Actuarial Banquet 2025
Our 2025 Actuarial Banquet was held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Aaron Leetch Club at the Hancock Stadium. This event is for our actuarial students and faculty, as well as invited guests. Registration is here: smartURL.it/ActuarialBanquet.
The speaker at our 2025 Actuarial Banquet was Mr. Dominic Moore, FSA, an alumnus of our program and an actuary at State Farm.
April 22, 2025: Actuarial Day Event – Hosted by Illinois State University and the Society of Actuaries
Society of Actuaries, the largest professional organization of actuaries, held a special event for high school students (morning session) and college students (afternoon session) on April 22, 2025 on campus of Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. The event will be held in Prairie Room in Bone Student Center, on campus of Illinois State University. This event will be an engaging, informative sessions about the actuarial profession, one of the best if not the best job in the United States of
America.
High schools/high school students registration is here: smartURL.it/HighSchools-April22-2025.
We welcome group visits from high schools especially. In the morning session for high schools, breakfast and lunch will be provided. Society of Actuaries will reimburse high schools’ expenses, specifically: Society of Actuaries is offering up to $500 reimbursement for transportation to the event to the first 6 schools who register with more than 20 students attending. We reserve the right to close registrations when the event is full.
College students registrations is here: smartURL.it/College-April22-2025.
The afternoon session will be dedicated to current college/university students who want to learn more about actuarial careers and best ways to prepare for them.
Thank You & Ice Cream Social
The Actuarial Club held a final actuarial club event of the year on Thursday, April 17th, 5-6 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 132. Students wrote thank you notes to professors and enjoyed a free ice cream bar.
CNA Company Presentation
The Actuarial Club hosted CNA company presentation on Wednesday, April 16th, 6-7p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131. Our alumni Mr. Josh Collier, FCAS, and Ms. Allie Lynn, FCAS, discussed non-traditional roles available to actuaries in the property and casualty insurance industry.
Root Insurance Company Presentation
The Actuarial Club hosted Ms. Chelsea Adler, FCAS, MAAA, an actuary for Root Insurance on Monday, April 14th, 6-7p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131. Root Insurance is a fast-growing insurer in the insurtech/fintech space. Ms. Adler talked about insurtech and gave advice for young actuaries.
Milliman Networking and Bowling Social
The Actuarial Club held a fun social with Milliman’s Financial Risk Management (FRM) practice for some casual networking and free bowling on Thursday, April 10th, 6-8 p.m. at Bowling & Billiards Center.
Charlie Johnson Presentation
The Actuarial Club hosted our alumnus Mr. Charlie Johnson, FSA, CERA, on Monday, April 7th, 6-7 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131. Mr. Johnson talked about risk capital, including how insurance companies use capital and measure company performance.
Annual Alumni Picnic 2025
The Actuarial Club hosted the second Annual Alumni Picnic on Saturday, April 5th, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at People’s Park (located at the corner of School St and W. Beaufort St).
Pinnacle Tour
Pinnacle Actuarial Resources hosted a company tour in its Bloomington, Illinois head office for our students on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Presentation by Mr. Dave Cummings, FCAS, President of the Casualty Actuarial Society
On April 1, 2025, at 6 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 101, join us for an engaging visit with Dave Cummings, FCAS, President of the Casualty Actuarial Society to explore the boundless opportunities awaiting the next generation of property/casualty actuaries. Dave shared insights on the skills that define the actuary of the future and how the CAS is preparing actuaries to move beyond traditional roles in pricing and reserving to become globally sought-after professionals capable of transforming data into impactful insights. Drawing from his own career journey, Dave explored the powerful blend of analytical and leadership skills shaping the future of risk management, with a focus on actuarial applications of AI. This session was designed to ignite your passion for the work of actuaries and expand your view of the field. Bring your questions and get ready to be inspired!
RGA company presentation
The Actuarial Club hosted a meeting with RGA (Reinsurance Group of America) on Monday, March 31, 2024, 6-7 p.m. Our alumni Ms. Kelsie Rebhan, FSA and Mr. Levi Triplo ran an interactive department sampling discussion of actuarial work.
Casualty Actuarial Society Student Ambassadors Presentation
On Wednesday March 26, 2025, 6-7 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131, our Casualty Actuarial Society Student Ambassadors, Mr. Jesse DiDomizio and Ms. Sadira Ali, analyzed two research papers published by the Society. These papers covered how evolving technology could affect the actuarial reserving process as well as the implications of social inflation for pricing insurance.
Milliman company presentation
The Actuarial Club hosted a presentation by Milliman consulting company on Monday, March 24, 2025, 6-7 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131. Milliman’s health practice presented an overview of changes to Medicaid in current environment and how these changes affected the work of health actuaries. They also discussed client management strategies for consulting actuaries
Workers’ Compensation presentation by actuaries from Pinnacle Actuarial Resources
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 4 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 311, Mr. Tyler Tran, ACAS, MAAA and our alumnus Mr. Jabari Washington, FCAS from Pinnacle Actuarial Resources made a presentation about Workers’ Compensation insurance.
Actuarial Club presents: Public speaking practice
The Actuarial Club held an event to practice public speaking skills on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131. Various aspects of public speaking were practiced including presentation, interviewing, and impromptu skills.
Martello Re company presentation
The Actuarial Club hosted a presentation by Martello Re on Monday, March 17, 2025, 6-7 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131. Martello Re is a relatively new life and annuity reinsurer. Ms. Jordan Nadar, FSA, CERA, gave an introduction to this side of the industry, how different reinsurance structures can support insurers, and a myriad of emerging trends. These include a discussion of increased reinsurance competition, predictive modeling and AI used for policyholder assumptions, and the new US market for longevity swaps.
March General Meeting
The Actuarial Club held its March General Meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 6-7 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131.
COUNTRY Financial company presentation
The Actuarial Club hosted a presentation by a team from COUNTRY Financial on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 6-7 p.m in Stevenson Hall room 131. Mr. Charles Robinson and our alumnus Mr. Sebastian Czerwinski discussed the strategies and challenges behind natural disaster risk and how COUNTRY addresses this.
Personal Branding Workshop
The Actuarial Club hosted a personal branding workshop on Monday, February 24, 2025, 6-7 p.m in Stevenson Hall room 131.
Actuarial Club presents: Trivia social
The Actuarial Club hosted a joint trivia social event with Gamma Iota Sigma on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 219.
State Farm company presentation
The Actuarial Club hosted a presentation by State Farm on Monday, February 17, 2025, 6-7 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131. Our alumnus Mr. Tyler Jenkins discussed a case study to show a day in the life of a pricing actuary.
Actuarial Club presents: Jeopardy social
The Actuarial Club hosted a monthly social event on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 6-7 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131.
Casualty Actuarial Society liaisons presentation
The Actuarial Club hosted a presentation by Casualty Actuarial Society liaisons on Monday, February 10, 2025, 6-7 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131.
February General Meeting and Elections of Actuarial Club
The Actuarial Club held its February General Meeting and Elections on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 6-7 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131.
Actuarial Club presents: Virtual Mental Health Session
Ms. Aree Bly, the actuarial author of The Sustainable Brain, hosted an interactive virtual discussion on mental health on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 6-7 p.m.
Pinnacle Actuarial Resources Presents: Property & Casualty Reserving
A team of actuaries from Pinnacle Actuarial Resources presented about property and casualty insurance reserving on Thursday, January 16, 2025, 4 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 311.
January General Meeting of Actuarial Club
The Actuarial Club held its January General Meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 6-7 p.m. in Stevenson Hall room 131.
For information on previous events held by the Actuarial Program, please visit our Events Archive.