Insurance Education Foundation Presents Lifetime Achievement Awards

Sept. 22, 2003, New Orleans - The Insurance Education Institute (IEI) celebrated its 15th anniversary Saturday at the 108th National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) convention by presenting lifetime achievement awards to two insurance professionals who have been highly instrumental in insurance education.

For 15 years, IEI has been dedicated to improving the understanding of insurance and its role in society in high schools throughout the United States and Canada. IEI programs have provided significant insurance education experiences for thousands of teachers and millions of students.

The IEI Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who:

Receiving the awards for their contributions to IEI were NAMIC President Larry Forrester and IEI Director Emeritus Bob Harrison.

Larry Forrester has been part of NAMIC since 1970, and has served as the association's president and CEO since 1988. He has been deeply involved in the formation and growth of the IEI since its inception, serving as its president and a member of the board of directors for several years. His commitment to the Foundation and its goals has contributed immeasurably to IEI's success.

Stephen Collesano, IEI chairman and vice president of American International Group Inc., said, "Larry Forrester is a special friend of the IEI. He was there at the beginning to help create and shape the organization, and in his role as chairman of NAMIC has continued to treat IEI in a very special way. We thank him for his guidance and support."

Bob Harrison enjoyed a 33-year career with Indiana Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company. He retired in 1995 after serving for 17 years as the company's president. Harrison served IEI as a board member for several years and also as the Foundation's CEO. He has remained committed to the Foundation and continues to provide support through fundraising and soliciting sponsors for IEI events.

"Bob Harrison has been tireless in his efforts to aid the cause of IEI," said Jack Clanton, CEO of The Insurance Education Institute. "As board member, CEO, volunteer and friend, he has helped organize, raised funds and-with his wife, Katie-has contributed countless hours to the continued development of the organization. For this he has our heartfelt thanks, even as his work continues."

The Insurance Education Institute is a nonprofit charitable organization devoted to improving public understanding of the role of insurance in society. The foundation pursues this mission primarily through the education of secondary school teachers and students.

For more information, contact IEI at 1-800-IEI-4811 or email info@IEI.org.