07
August
2017
|
07:59 AM
America/Chicago

IRM Center Receives $50K from Myron F. Steves Company

Summary

By Mike Emery

 

The generosity of Houston's Steves family has greatly benefitted the University of Houston-Downtown's Insurance & Risk Management (IRM) Center. The Myron F. Steves Endowed Directorship was created to support IRM students and enhance the program's connection with the insurance industry. This substantial endowment recently expanded thanks to a $50,000 gift from the Steves family.

Fred Steves, chairman of Myron F. Steves & Company, presented this gift recently to IRM Center Director Priscilla Oehlert and Marilyn Davies College of Business Dean Michael Fields at the Steves office. Steves was joined by other team members from Myron F. Steves & Company, including Manuel Gardea, associate director of claims; Davidson Daily, comptroller; Rick Rader, associate director of information technology; and Janie Hernandez, associate director of customer care.

The $250,000 Myron F. Steves Endowed Directorship was established in 2012 and is used to provide scholarships to UHD IRM students.

"This endowment reflects the passion and professionalism of its namesake," Oehlert said. "We are extremely grateful for this gift and the support and ongoing generosity of the Steves family. The gift allows the IRM Center to offer students career and learning opportunities by providing an education in which they will experience a career path in the insurance and risk management industry. The degree prepares them to add value and make ongoing differences in an organization and prepares them to positively impact their families and their respective communities."

Myron F. Steves passed away in 2015 at the age of 103. The longtime Houstonian was a revered figure in the insurance industry and founded his namesake company in 1955. Today, Myron F. Steves & Company remains a leading managing general insurance agency and wholesaler specializing in coverage for personal lines, commercial transportation, commercial property and liability, professional liability, healthcare, brokerage and educators' personal liability.

Based in UHD's Marilyn Davies College of Business, the IRM Center offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Insurance and Risk Management. All industry-driven courses are offered online and prepare students for professional designations recognized by the industry. These include the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and other designations.