Dr. Jim Daniel became Director of Actuarial Studies in 1989 when the program returned to the Department of Mathematics in the College of Natural Sciences from the Finance Department in the School of Business. Jim and his wife Ann always have been involved with the program’s students and committed to building a quality program.

Jim began the annual “Risky Business” newsletter to keep in touch with alumni and introduce them to current students, but also to request funds for scholarships. Obtaining scholarship funds for actuarial students always has been a primary concern for Jim. When he began in 1989, there were no scholarships to support the program's 75 students. By 1990, the program had secured two scholarships of $1,000 each.

Student enrollment has now grown to about 200 students, and though more than doubled in size, maintains the feeling of a small community. The number and amount of scholarships has grown as well -- to 20 named scholarships, which distributed more than $75,000 in the 2009-10 academic year.

In honor of Jim’s dedication to strengthening the Actuarial Studies program, the Department of Mathematics plans to establish the Jim and Ann Daniel Endowed Scholarship for Actuarial Studies. Once established, this endowed scholarship will continue to grow, distributing more scholarship funds each year - strengthening the Actuarial Studies program and perpetually benefitting students.

Because of the program’s growth and the increasing rate of inflation and test fees, students are relying more than ever on scholarships and other financial support. This is a very special endowment and will be in addition to, but separate from, the program’s annual request for support in the spring. Please consider making an extra gift to the endowment this year. Your employer may be able to match both gifts!

As is typical of their commitment to the program, Jim and Ann also plan to donate to the effort, as well as leave a significant portion of their estate to the endowment, hopefully many years down the road.

If you were a recipient of an Actuarial Studies scholarship, you know how much it can help a financially-strapped student. If you did not receive a scholarship because funds were not available, you now have the chance to make it possible for someone else.

Individual gifts to this endowment will be held in a special account until we reach the first $25,000, the minimum funding level to establish an endowed scholarship. If gifts do not reach a minimum of $25,000, the funds will be used for one-time scholarships for students in the Actuarial Studies program. To date, a total of $5,000 has been raised toward the endowment.

Please consider making a gift to the endowment that will honor all that Jim and Ann have done for the Actuarial Studies Program, and help us advance the actuarial profession by supporting promising students in their studies.

If you are interested in making a gift to the Jim and Ann Daniel Endowed Scholarship for Actuarial Studies, please contact Olivia Thompson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call (512) 471-3299. You can also make a gift online.