Over $30,000 was raised this fall at the 18th Annual Risk, Insurance and Health Management (RIHM) Alumni & Friends Golf Outing organized by the RIHM Department and its student professional organization, Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS). More than 100 alumni and friends of the program participated in the socially-distanced event at the North Hills Country Club in Glenside, Pa.
The proceeds generated from the outing are distributed back to the RIHM Department and GIS.
RIHM Assistant Professor of Practice John Dormuth, BBA ’94, led the organization of the event again this year. He graduated from the Fox School with bachelor’s degree, double majoring in accounting and risk management and insurance. After working more than two decades in the insurance and risk industry, Dormuth returned to the school in 2016 as an adjunct and now full-time faculty member and director of Industry Relations at RIHM.
“In partnership with RIHM, GIS offers students opportunities to take industry designation exams, attend national conferences and take part in many other professional development activities throughout the academic year. The funds raised at this event go directly toward enhancing the student experience,” Dormuth says. “In addition to this golf outing, we also put on a celebration of student and alumni achievement known as the ‘Awards for Excellence Dinner’ that raises in excess of $250,000 each year and serves as an annual reunion of sorts.”
Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Awards for Excellence Dinner was postponed to 2021, leaving the golf outing as one of the most important fundraising events on the RIHM calendar.
Prizes in the form of credit to the North Hills Country Club Pro Shop were awarded to individuals for achievements on the prize holes, and the top-3 foursomes also earned prizes. All participants received a commemorative Temple/NHCC Sterling glasses set.
“This year, we also hired Fly by Ry Productions, a videography company based in Ambler, to film the event via drone and take still photos that will serve as a reminder of the outstanding day,” Dormuth says.
For the student participants, the outing also helps illustrate how golf can provide valuable networking opportunities.
“Risk Management, insurance and actuarial science is a very network-driven profession,” Dormuth said. “Golf is something that has perennially been something that people in this field make time for when possible. Even in these current circumstances, people look to golf to share camaraderie while being able to socially distance.”
In a few months, preliminary planning will begin for the 2021 event, which will be held Monday, Sept. 20, once again at North Hills Country Club.
“(North Hills Country Club) really enjoys our group and was quick to get the outing on their events calendar,” Dormuth says. “One of the added bonuses is that I get the opportunity to work with Jack Connelly at North Hills, who is a bit of a local legend, as a former tour player and President of the PGA.”