BrickStreet Mutual Boosts Marshall University Insurance Program

BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Co. announced a $50,000 gift to Marshall University to benefit the Lewis College of Business.

The contribution will further the development of an Insurance and Risk Management program at the university. According to Marshall officials, no other institution in West Virginia offers a similar program

Dr. Stephen Kopp, president of Marshall University; Dr. Ron Area, CEO of the Marshall University Foundation, Inc.; and Dr. Chong Kim, dean of the college of business, accepted the gift Tuesday during a check presentation at the new Marshall University Foundation Hall, home of the Erickson Alumni Center.

“This is a great opportunity for BrickStreet to partner with Marshall University to help foster careers in the insurance industry,” said Greg Burton, president and CEO of BrickStreet. “We have been a proud sponsor of Marshall for several years, and are pleased to make a donation that will offer students educational opportunities in an area so crucial to our business and our industry as a whole.”

Kim said demand from the insurance industry prompted development of the program.

“College graduates in this field are in high demand, but without help from the private sector, it would be difficult to implement a program like this,” he said. “BrickStreet’s gift will help provide our students with an education in a field that offers tremendous career opportunities. We are honored to accept their donation.”

Kim acknowledged the work of the steering committee and chairman Ross Johnson, president of Mountain State Insurance Agency, Inc., for their work to develop the program.

Kim said the first course in the new program was available this semester, and the minor will be offered beginning next spring. The major in Insurance and Risk Management will be offered beginning in fall 2011 or spring 2012.