Advancing Opportunity, Inspiring Leadership

The Maguire Academy of Insurance and Risk Management will celebrate 20 years since its foundation with a landmark event on Oct. 15, 2026, at the Kimmel Center. The evening will honor industry leader Thomas P. Nerney, MBA ’96, Chairman, president and chief executive officer of USLI, with the Executive of the Year award to celebrate a career defined not only by business success, but also a deep commitment to education, mentorship and philanthropy. 

As part of this milestone celebration, the Academy is seeking to raise $2 million to establish a permanent endowment that will provide full scholarships to economically challenged students pursuing careers in risk management and insurance. 

Nerney’s dedication to creating opportunities for others reflects the spirit of this initiative and the mission of the Academy and Saint Joseph’s University.

“This scholarship will give talented students access to life-changing educational opportunities that prepare them to enter the workforce and make an impact,” explains Nerney. “The opportunity to graduate debt-free with so many educational advantages will set them far ahead of their peers from other institutions.”

For two decades, the Maguire Academy has developed the next generation of insurance professionals, connecting students with industry leaders and preparing them for successful careers. This initiative will build upon that legacy by expanding access to education and creating new pathways for future leaders to enter and strengthen the insurance and risk management profession.

“The Maguire Academy is consistently innovating its curriculum, providing rich thought leadership within the industry and connecting students to unmatched career opportunities,” remarks Mary Ann Cook, MBA, EdD, executive director of the Maguire Academy. “Tom’s lifelong dedication to making education more accessible aligns exactly with the launch of our Academy’s newest endowed scholarship.”

Established in 2006 by James J. Maguire, BS ’58, H ’14, founder of the Philadelphia Insurance Company, Saint Joseph’s Maguire Academy of Insurance and Risk Management promotes and supports education in insurance, risk management and actuarial science. The Maguire Academy provides scholarships, internships and co-op experiences, counseling, and assistance with career placement. It supports the University’s Department of Finance, which houses the risk management and insurance and actuarial science programs. 

For information on sponsorship for the Maguire Academy Executive of the Year dinner, please contact Peter Castagna, executive director of major gifts, at pcastagn@sju.edu or 610.660.3443.