N.J. RIMS chapter donates $100,000 to Spencer Educational Foundation

The New Jersey Chapter of the Risk & Insurance Management Society Inc. has made a $100,000 donation to the Spencer Educational Foundation Inc., New York-based RIMS announced Thursday.

The funds will go toward the creation of a $5,000 New Jersey Chapter Scholarship that will be presented annually to support graduate and undergraduate students studying risk management and insurance, according to RIMS. The first scholarship will be awarded in spring 2014.

“With this generous donation from RIMS New Jersey Chapter, the Spencer Educational Foundation will continue in its mission to provide bright and talented students with the financial means to enter into this industry and achieve their professional goals,” said Peggy Accordino, chairwoman of the Spencer Educational Foundation, in a statement.

“We are delighted to participate in the growth and development of tomorrow's industry talent,” said Danielle B. Roth, president of the New Jersey RIMS chapter and a three-time Spencer scholarship recipient, in the statement. “The New Jersey RIMS chapter is thrilled to provide future industry leaders with financial support to obtain an education in risk management and insurance,” said Ms. Roth, who also is director-risk management for Verizon Communications Inc. in Basking Ridge, N.J.

Since 1972, the Spencer Educational Foundation has awarded more than $5 million in scholarships and $2.2 million in grants to students pursuing degrees and universities offering programs in risk management and insurance. This year, the Spencer Educational Foundation awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships and more than $300,000 in grants, according to RIMS.