A new future wave of young Bermudian insurance executives appears assured with word of outstanding success by Bermuda students at the College of Insurance in New York.

And this week, leading scholar Paul Wollman, will be the first Bermuda graduate of the College's specially-devised MBA degree in Risk Management.

Mr. Wollman was also the recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Performance Award, presented to those graduates of the Master of Business Administration programme who possesses a cumulative 3.7 grade point average or higher.

Mr. Wollman receives his MBA degree on Friday at the institution's commencement exercise.

College president, Dr. Ellen Thrower commented: "The Bermuda MBA has been an especially important programme for us for several years and it is exciting to see the students begin to complete this important degree. Paul certainly sets a standard of excellence for all those who will follow him in the future.'' The College acknowledged the "outstanding leadership'' of several of its most accomplished students last month, with a number of awards going to Bermudian students.

Dr. Thrower said: "Over the past several years, the College has established a strong relationship with the Bermudian community.

"We are so impressed not only with the number of Bermudian students we have at the college, but also with the strong, vital roles they play here within the college community.'' Dr. Thrower cited examples of that leadership which included the fact that Leah Richardson was the recipient of the Omnia Award, the highest presented to a student in good academic and social standing who actively participates in campus activities.

She was also one of 14 students throughout the US to receive the prestigious Spencer Foundation Scholarship.

Noted Dr. Thrower: "Competition for these scholarships is fierce and it is quite a distinguished honour to receive this award.

"Our Bermudian students are impressive in every way and are being acknowledged for outstanding leadership as well as exceptional academic performance.

"I hope in the future we will be able to identify ways to interest more young people and their parents in Bermuda in considering The College of Insurance for their undergraduate and graduate studies.'' Along with the numerous nominations received for Ms Richardson, she was repeatedly described using the terms "professionalism'', "leadership'', and "extremely involved''. Dr. Thrower said she is, as defined by the word `Omnia', "good in all things''.

Meanwhile, Arketa Tucker was the recipient of the 1997-98 College Life Leadership Award, presented to a student who, along with maintaining good academic and social standing, has also shown exemplary leadership within an organisation or group.

Ms Tucker is president of the Commuter Forum, an organisation that seeks to involve commuting students in the life of the college.

Collinwood Anderson was named to the Outstanding Student of the Year Award, annually given to the student who has shown a strong commitment in helping create and build community spirit within the college.

Chosen unanimously by the executive board of the Student Government Association, Mr. Anderson was also recognised for his work as an "ambassador'', a voluntary position that responds to the needs of prospective and new students in addition to being named to this year's National Dean's List Registry.

The College of Insurance has an international reputation for excellence in risk management and insurance education. Founded in 1901, the institution is located in New York's financial district, with a ten-storey, self-contained campus that includes the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Library, which houses the largest and most comprehensive insurance collection in the world.

Dr. Ellen Thrower COLLEGE EDC