April 14, 2025
RMI Students Gain Real-World Experience in Atlanta Through Spring Leadership Adventure
In March 2025, 30 of East Carolina University’s top Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) students from the College of Business traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, for a four-day immersive learning experience—known as the annual Spring Leadership Adventure.
Blending professional development, corporate exposure, fine dining and team bonding, the trip showcased ECU Pirate pride in the heart of one of the South’s most dynamic cities.
The adventure kicked off early Wednesday, March 26, as students—all members of the RMI professional fraternity Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS)—loaded a motorcoach at 5:30 a.m. Led by Dr. Brenda Wells and Dr. David Pooser, along with alumna Gabby Banks, the group departed from Greenville bound for Atlanta.
A road trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s, which the group thoroughly enjoyed. The bus ride was relatively quiet as most students were first-time participants in an RMI travel experience and were just getting to know one another.
That evening, students attended a welcome dinner at Fogo de Chão, a Brazilian steakhouse. The dining experience was generously sponsored by ECU alumnus Frank Gainey of Amwins.
On Thursday, dressed in Pirate purple, the students began their professional visits with a stop at RSUI Group Inc., where they learned about the wholesale insurance business. CEO Phillip McCrorie and CEO Emeritus Dave Leonard, along with a dozen senior leaders, welcomed the group and fielded questions about the company and the broader industry.
“We always enjoy hosting students to tell them about our industry and RSUI,” said McCrorie. “These are the future leaders of our industry, and it is a privilege to spend time with them as their professional journeys begin. We look forward to hosting the next class of students next year.”
Next, the group visited Amwins, one of the largest independent wholesale distributors of specialty insurance products. Executive Vice President Derek Crumpler kicked off the visit, and students also met with top producer Frank Gainey and his team for a Q&A session on careers in the excess and surplus lines industry.
The day concluded with an elegant dinner at Arnette’s Chop Shop, hosted by Leonard and attended by McCrorie. The evening offered students the opportunity to connect with seasoned professionals in an intimate setting over fine dining.
“It has been my privilege to host a dinner for ECU RMI students for many years,” said Leonard. “This year’s group was the largest to visit and, in my view, one of the best. I’m so impressed with their interest in the specialty insurance business, their questions, and their willingness to learn. When I look at the 2025 ECU RMI group, I see the future of the industry.”
Friday offered a slower pace. After brunch, students enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, learning how risk management, security and logistics play critical roles in operating a major sports and entertainment venue.
Dinner that evening at Maggiano’s Little Italy featured a lively, family-style meal attended by program alumni—including Charles Wills, one of the first graduates—and several representatives from the Spencer Educational Foundation, which helped fund the trip. Tandeka Nomvete, director of external engagement for the foundation, also joined the event.
“It is our pleasure at the Spencer Educational Foundation to support experiential learning opportunities that shape students’ futures and solidify their paths in risk management and insurance,” said Nomvete. “The talent and brightness of the ECU students I met during their spring trip to Atlanta are promising signs for the future of our industry. Well done to the ECU team for organizing such an impactful event.”
The evening wrapped up with laughter and meaningful conversations among classmates, faculty and alumni.
Saturday marked the end of the trip, and the bus ride back to Greenville was filled with energy and camaraderie, reflecting new connections and lasting friendships.
The Spring Leadership Adventure is more than a travel opportunity—it’s a transformational experience. Students learned how to:
- Dress and act professionally in real-world settings
- Engage with senior-level executives and ask meaningful questions
- Practice business and dining etiquette in upscale environments
- Represent ECU with pride and professionalism
From corporate boardrooms to stadium tunnels and fine dining tables to hotel lobbies, the 2025 Spring Leadership Adventure gave students a front-row seat to the professional world they are preparing to join. The trip offered more than just experiences—it provided confidence, clarity and connections that will last a lifetime.
Additional funding for the trip was provided by the Wholesale and Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA). The faculty and students extend their sincere appreciation to both WSIA and the Spencer Educational Foundation for their generous support.
“This is the most well-attended trip I have ever taken as an ECU professor,” said Wells. “The students represented ECU so proudly, showing off their Pirate pride and spirit. I was so proud of all of them! I am deeply appreciative of the Spencer Foundation and WSIA for supporting this experiential learning opportunity. I am also humbled and grateful to the executives and alumni who took time to spend with our group. It was truly an amazing trip.”
Pooser added, “This was one of the highest-quality extracurricular learning experiences I’ve ever been part of. From meeting with the executive team of a $3 billion insurance company to walking through the business cycle at the largest wholesale insurance broker in the U.S., to dining with insurance CEOs, our students saw how business gets done. Just as importantly, they were surrounded by successful ECU alumni and got to see the value of their ECU business degrees in action.”
GIS President Kooper Ashmore summed it up best: “Visiting RSUI and Amwins gave us an inside look at the excess and surplus industry. Hearing from past Pirates and their success in the insurance industry was incredibly inspiring. We brought 30 students to Atlanta this year—triple the number from last year! It’s amazing to see how interest in RMI is growing at ECU.”
Here’s to the Pirate leaders of tomorrow—already making waves today.
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