Alumnus Provides Support for Insurance Programs

Mr. Ernie Telford '69, recently retired chairman of American Wholesale Insurance Group, one of the country's largest independently owned wholesale brokerage firm, is providing seed money for the establishment of undergraduate programs in insurance and actuarial science at Northern Michigan University. By providing both financial support and invaluable networking connections, Mr. Telford has created an unique opportunity for the College of Business to offer a distinctive academic program to meet the needs of the insurance industry.  Dr. Rajib Sanyal, Dean-College of Business, noted that "Mr. Telford's generosity -- for which we are extremely grateful -- will provide additional options to students to specialize in, strengthen our ties with the insurance industry, and provide a distinctive dimension to the College of Business and Northern Michigan University".  Planning is underway to offer the program starting Fall 2010.  Mr. Telford's financial support will be used to develop the curriculum, hire new faculty, provide scholarships to students, support student internships, and bolster library resources.