The Risk & Insurance Education Alliance is proud to announce the recipient of the 2024 James “Jim” T. Lawrence, CIC Memorial Scholarship: Cassidy Kalisky, MBA, an account executive at GBMB Insurance Agency.

This memorial scholarship, founded in memory of the esteemed James “Jim” T. Lawrence, CIC, continues his legacy of nurturing emerging talent by providing educational opportunities to young people within the insurance industry.

Jim Lawrence, the founder of Alliance Insurance Services LLC and a revered figure in the insurance community, dedicated his career to elevating the standards of insurance education and practice. A distinguished faculty member of the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance for over three decades, Jim served on the CIC Board of Governors, taught the CIC Agency Management course extensively, and was admired for his profound commitment to his students and colleagues.

Jim’s philosophy transcended the mere transfer of knowledge; he believed in the transformative power of education to touch lives deeply, aligning with the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance’s mission to empower industry professionals to “Own Your Potential.”

The scholarship awards a young Texas agent, who has yet to take the CIC Agency Management course, the opportunity to advance their pursuit of earning the CIC designation. The chosen recipient, Cassidy Kalisky, embodies the qualities that Jim Lawrence championed throughout his illustrious career.

Cassidy Kalisky reflects on the impact of this recognition: “It’s quite a privilege to be recognized by such a prestigious organization which continues to honor the legacy of an amazing individual, Jim Lawrence, whose goal was to not only educate but also encourage and promote young people to become part of the insurance world.  This scholarship will allow me to continue pursuing an education in insurance and complete my CIC. The value of this scholarship extends beyond the classroom and textbook as it will undoubtedly further my skills to be an ethical and caring insurance professional for clients and colleagues alike.”

The Alliance is delighted to support Cassidy Kalisky as she continues to pursue excellence in her professional endeavors. Jim Lawrence’s spirit of generosity, mentorship, and profound industry impact lives on through this scholarship, fostering new leaders equipped to carry forward his vision.