Public Announcements
Congratulations to our 2025-26 CICPCU Scholarship Recipients!
We are proud to recognize Gavin Serra, Marek Pedziwater, Emma Ongman, and Sara Waller as this year’s scholarship recipients.
All four are Illinois State University students and members of Gamma Iota Sigma – the collegiate organization for students pursuing careers in insurance, risk management, and actuarial science. We look forward to formally honoring them at the 2026 CPCU Spring Symposium Networking Mixer on April 20.
Gavin Serra
A senior double majoring in Finance and Risk Management & Insurance, Gavin has earned waivers for three CPCU exams through his coursework. Last summer, he participated in the Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management’s international internship in Portugal and Singapore. In Portugal, Gavin engaged directly with the CPCU Europe Chapter, which he says “gave me exposure to how the CPCU Society operates globally, connecting classroom knowledge with real-world industry challenges.” Since May 2025, he has been a Personal Lines intern with Associated Agencies, an insurance and risk management firm in Rolling Meadows, IL. After graduation, Gavin will join Zurich as a market-facing underwriting trainee on their Occupation Accident team in Schaumburg, IL.
Marek Pedziwater
A sophomore double majoring in Finance and Risk Management & Insurance, Marek has held leadership roles in several student organizations, including the Illinois State Data Science/Mathematics/Statistics Club, the Actuarial Science Club, Gamma Iota Sigma, Tau Kappa Epsilon, the Illinois State Business Week Team, Order of Omega, and the Big Red Marching Machine and ISU Basketball Drumline. Last summer, he participated in the Casualty Actuarial Society Independent Study Program and served as an Actuarial and Data Analytics intern at the Illinois Department of Insurance. This summer, Marek is a Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA) intern, splitting his experience between an underwriting role with Great American Insurance in Cincinnati and a brokerage position with Bridge Specialty Group in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Reflecting on his experience, he shares, “Connecting with industry leaders through the CPCU Central Illinois Chapter has deepened my understanding of current challenges and future trends in insurance, inspiring me to excel in my career.”
Emma Ongman
A senior majoring in Actuarial Sciences, Emma has passed three actuarial exams and three modules. She currently serves as president—and is a former peer mentor program coordinator—of ISU’s Actuarial Science Club. Since May 2023, Emma has interned in the Life/Health Actuarial Department at State Farm®, gaining experience in Health, Prophet, and Asset Liability Management. After graduation, she plans to continue her career at State Farm in the Life/Health Actuarial Department. Emma expresses her gratitude: “The CICPCU Chapter has provided invaluable knowledge, connections, and guidance that have significantly shaped my academic and professional journey.”
Sara Waller
A junior double majoring in Risk Management & Insurance and Finance. Sara is currently pursuing her CPCU designation. She serves as vice president of Internal Affairs for the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma and is a member of GIS’s Grand Chapter Student Advisory Council. Last summer, she interned at RT Specialty in Chicago, a wholesale brokerage, and plans to intern in the Alternative Risk business unit at RT Specialty’s parent company, Ryan Specialty, this summer. Sara shares, “Participating in CICPCU events has enhanced my understanding of industry trends, the role of ethics in insurance, and strengthened my enthusiasm as an aspiring underwriter.”
Congratulations again to Gavin, Marek, Emma, and Sara! We wish you continued success in your academic and professional endeavors.
Learn more about how we support college students, including free undergraduate membership, at: https://bit.ly/3EcTh01
