St. John’s University Raises Nearly $2.4 Million at Annual Insurance Leader of the Year Dinner

Daniel S. Glaser
January 18, 2019

St. John’s University hosted its 24th Annual Insurance Leader of the Year Award Dinner on January 16, raising nearly $2.4 million to fund student scholarships and support program initiatives for the School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science (SRM), part of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business.

This year’s dinner was held in honor of Daniel S. Glaser, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., who was named the 2018 Insurance Leader of the Year. The prestigious Insurance Leader of the Year Award, presented annually since 1995, recognizes the contributions of outstanding individuals whose leadership in the worldwide insurance and financial services industry sets them apart from their peers.

Included in the total dollars raised was $250,000 in restricted funding, established by the honoree’s company as the Marsh & McLennan Companies Scholarship for students in risk management and insurance and actuarial science disciplines.

The event, held at the New York Marriott Marquis in Manhattan, drew a crowd of more than 1,200 members of the global insurance industry, senior leadership from the University, students, faculty, business executives, guests, family, and friends—and this year, high school students who hope to enroll in SRM upon graduation.

“St. John’s University is extremely grateful for the continued support and the demonstrated leadership of those who work in the global insurance industry,” said Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, Ph.D., President of St. John’s. “Thanks to the commitment of so many extraordinary industry professionals, the next generation of insurance leaders is poised to follow in the footsteps of leaders like Daniel S. Glaser, and others, whom this annual dinner recognizes.”

According to Norean R. Sharpe, Ph.D., Dean of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, “This extraordinary annual event highlights the continued strength of the relationship between St. John’s University and the global insurance industry.”

“Tonight, for the 24th time, we assemble many from our business to do two things: honor one of our peers, and thank all whom are present, and many others, for the financial support they have committed to the School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science,” said Kevin H. Kelley, Chairman of the Board of Overseers, SRM; Vice Chairman, Global Risk Solutions, Liberty Mutual Group, in his welcoming remarks. “These individuals and companies ensure that those who teach and study at the School can continue to make meaningful additions to the future leadership of the risk and insurance industry.”

Mr. Kelley continued, “In Dan, we know we have an industry stalwart. You have been a good competitor, and you have been a very good friend and colleague for so many of us in the room this evening. Without question, you have earned the Insurance Leader accolade.”

The Invocation was then given by Rev. Bernard M. Tracey, C.M., M.Div., Executive Vice President for Mission at St. John's University.

The award to Mr. Glaser was presented by two industry colleagues, friends, and the Honorary Co-Chairmen of the dinner, Brian Duperreault, President and Chief Executive Officer, American International Group, Inc., and Evan G. Greenberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chubb Limited / Chubb Group.

“Dan is a good man—and a great person,” said Mr. Duperreault. “He has done a fabulous job with Marsh & McLennan, taking the company to greater and greater heights, and he knows the future is still in front of him.”

“Dan is an optimist and believes in the potential of all people, encouraging his colleagues to strive to achieve their dreams,” said Mr. Greenberg. He also noted the strong and enduring life lessons Mr. Glaser received from his parents. “Dan's commitment to family is well-known, particularly his dad, to whom Dan attributes many of his leadership instincts and values.”

“To receive this honor surrounded by my family, my friends, and the incredible people I have worked with is a moment I will cherish forever,” said Mr. Glaser as he accepted his award. “I have tremendous admiration for St. John's School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science. You run a world-class program and you continue to recruit, nurture, and develop the next generation of leaders in our industry. I am truly humbled to join the prestigious list of Insurance Leader of the Year Award recipients.”

Mr. Glaser extended a special appreciation for the Marsh & McLennan global team. “I accept this honor on behalf of more than 65,000 Marsh & McLennan colleagues around the world who serve as trusted advisors in the areas of risk and strategy. I would not be here without this extraordinary group of individuals who thrive on helping companies and individuals—and even sometimes whole countries—change anything they think is possible.”

The Award Selection Committee was chaired by Ellen Thrower, Ph.D., Professor Emerita and Retired Executive Director, St. John's University’s SRM, and includes George Bernstein, Esq., of The Bernstein Law Firm, P.L.L.C. (Washington, DC); Robert P. Hartwig, Ph.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Finance and Director–Center for Risk and Uncertainty Management, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina; Joseph Mauriello, Retired Deputy Chairman and COO of KPMG LLP; Michael J. Morrissey, President and CEO of the International Insurance Society; Patrick J. Shouvlin, Retired Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; and Peter B. Walker, Director of McKinsey & Company (New York).