A Win-Win for Risk Management Students and Global Insurance Leader

Two students in the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science (GSRM) at St. John’s University will have the balance of their tuition covered by Starr Insurance Companies, thanks to a new initiative known as the Starr Insurance Companies Scholars Program.

Through the highly selective program open to Risk Management and Insurance and Actuarial Science majors, two rising GSRM juniors, Lorenzo Casanova and Malaika Mfuko, will receive full payment of their remaining college academic obligations, a paid summer internship, and full-time employment within the Starr organization upon graduation from St. John’s.

Lorenzo and Malaika were selected by Starr based on their academic achievements at St. John’s, grade point average, extracurricular activities, work history, leadership positions, and interviews with a wide range of Starr administrators.

“For decades, Starr has been a staunch supporter of GSRM—especially its students,” said Brandon W. Sweitzer, Dean of the Greenberg School of Risk Management.

“The Starr Scholars program is the latest of the company’s many leading-edge efforts aimed at preparing young people well for entrance into myriad opportunities available in the risk industry. We congratulate Malaika and Lorenzo on their awards and wish them great success as they continue their learning and move into their early career years bolstered by Starr’s innovative support.”

Malaika works as a Student Ambassador for Undergraduate Admission, where she leads tours and talks to prospective students about St. John’s and college life. A resident student, she served as Vice President of the Century Hall Council, as well as a floor representative. She was also involved with Gamma Iota Sigma, the professional fraternity of risk management and actuarial science students, and the African Students Association.

“I worked so hard to be able to attend St. John’s University, so to be chosen for this highly selective program by Starr shows hard work does pay off,” said the Hamden, CT, native. “I am forever grateful to St. John’s and Starr because I know this is going to change my life for the better.”

Lorenzo is a member of Gamma Iota Sigma, the Leadership Development Program, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

“I am eternally grateful to those faculty at St. John’s who have encouraged and educated me through my first two years of undergraduate study,” said Lorenzo, who lives in nearby West Hempstead, NY. “I am also indebted to the wonderful staff at Starr for the amazing opportunity they have offered me.”

Next year, the pair will participate in Starr’s Summer Internship Program. Upon graduation, they will be placed into Starr’s Associates Program, where they will be embedded in various departments and work closely with senior mentors. Throughout the training program, they will become familiar with the processes, functions, and responsibilities within the organization.

In 2018, St. John’s received a $15 million donation from The Starr Foundation, the largest single gift in the history of the University. Funds were used to create the Maurice R. Greenberg Leadership Initiative, which focuses on expanding academic programs, enhancing teaching and learning activities and risk industry-focused professional programs, and attracting the best and brightest students from around the globe.