Michigan’s Hastings Mutual Insurance Continues Partnership with Olivet College

Michigan-based Hastings Mutual Insurance Co. committed $100,000 over four years towards an endowed scholarship fund for Olivet College insurance students. To date, $75,000 has been contributed to the fund with the remaining $25,000 installment to be completed in February 2012. In the past two years, Olivet College has awarded four scholarships to students in varying amounts from the fund.

The relationship between Hastings Mutual Insurance Company and Olivet College has existed for more than 30 years starting when the college began its Insurance and Risk Management program in the early 1980s. Hastings Mutual, an A+ rated and award-winning regional property/casualty insurance carrier, has taken a special interest in Olivet College and is committed to supporting its mission of insurance education.

“The long term interests of Hastings Mutual and the insurance industry as a whole are best served by increasing the number of college graduates who are determined to make insurance their career path,” said Bill Wallace, president and CEO of Hastings Mutual. “Olivet College is located in our surrounding community, allowing us to develop a strong partnership and ultimately draw some of our best interns and employees from its insurance program.”

Hastings Mutual also partners with the college by covering the cost of students’ fees associated with national insurance tests from the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters, informally known as The Institutes. More than 300 students have benefited from this commitment over the years, some students having their fees covered for multiple tests.

Additionally, Hastings Mutual has hosted Olivet College students for onsite training with insurance technology systems and on several occasions, Bill Wallace has visited the Olivet campus to speak to classes of insurance students.

Hastings Mutual recently sponsored the complete renovation of one Olivet classroom that seats about 120 students. The renovation included new carpet, furniture, state of the art technology, fresh paint, and other décor.

Hastings Mutual participates in practice interviews, career fairs and internship programs with Olivet College students. This lasting partnership extends beyond the college experience allowing Hastings Mutual to hire Olivet graduates into the company as insurance professionals.

Olivet College is a private, four-year liberal arts institution that was founded in 1844. Olivet College is located in south central Michigan in the city of Olivet, a community of about 1,700 people.

Source: Olivet College, Hastings Mutual

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Education Michigan Universities