Spencer Educational Foundation’s Funding Their Future Gala Raises $1.9 Million; Lockton Companies Pledges Additional $1 Million of Support
Annual Spencer Gala Sets Fundraising High-Water Mark
New York, NY — September 23, 2025 – The Spencer Educational Foundation announced that its annual Funding Their Future Gala generated more than $1.9 million, a new high-water mark, to advance its mission of supporting the next generation of risk management and insurance professionals.
Underscoring the industry’s commitment to talent development, Spencer’s esteemed Gala Honoree, Lockton U.S. President Tim Ryan, announced an additional $1 million pledge to further bolster the Foundation’s ability to provide scholarships, internships, and experiential learning grants.
“For decades, Spencer has played a critical role in preparing students for meaningful careers in our industry,” said Ryan. “Speaking with several Spencer Scholars was the highlight of the night. Some are the first in their families to attend college. Some are working multiple jobs to pay for school. Their determination is inspiring, and it reminds us that our role isn’t just about financial support—it’s about showing up with our time, our mentoring, and real-world experiences that set students up for success. This is a shared responsibility, and Lockton is proud to invest in the future of our profession by supporting the Foundation’s mission.”
Ryan also highlighted the industry’s ongoing need to attract and develop talent with a wide range of skills. “Insurance offers a broad and rewarding set of career paths,” he said. “The more we can arm students with experience, access, and support early in their careers, the stronger our industry will be in the years to come.”
Lockton has a long-standing partnership with Spencer. In 2004, following the passing of Lockton’s founder, the firm established the John T. Lockton Memorial Scholarship to honor his legacy and create opportunities for students entering the field of insurance. Since then, Lockton has contributed nearly $1 million in scholarships, along with mentoring and programming support.
“The results of this year’s Gala demonstrate the industry’s unwavering dedication to cultivate future talent,” said Johnell Holly, SVP at FM and Chair of the Spencer Board of Directors. “Lockton’s generous contribution on top of our Gala fundraising result amplifies the impact of these efforts and enables Spencer to expand its programming to meet the increasing needs of students and educators and to promote careers in insurance.”
Close to 600 senior insurance executives attended the Funding Their Future Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on Thursday, Sept. 18 to celebrate Spencer’s mission and invest in the talent pipeline critical to the industry’s long-term success.
With 87 cents of every dollar spent on programs that advance the mission, Spencer proudly focuses all efforts on the development of insurance industry talent. For additional information about the Spencer Educational Foundation and opportunities to contribute, please visit www.spencered.org.
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About the Spencer Educational Foundation:
The Spencer Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to fostering the education and professional development of risk management and insurance students. Since its establishment in 1979, the foundation has been helping students succeed by providing scholarships, grants, and internships to talented individuals pursuing careers in these fields. To learn more about the Spencer Educational Foundation and its programs, please visit www.spencered.org.
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About Lockton
What makes Lockton stand apart is also what makes us better: independence. Lockton’s private ownership empowers its 13,100+ Associates doing business in more than 155+ countries to focus solely on clients’ risk and insurance needs. With expertise that reaches around the globe, Lockton delivers the deep understanding needed to accomplish remarkable results. For more information, visit www.lockton.com.
Media Contact:
Megan Miller
CEO
Spencer Educational Foundation
Email: mmiller@spencered.org