Maguire Academy of Risk Management and Insurance Unveils New Speaker Series

James Maguire Tells Students it Takes Passion To Be Successful

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – As part of a new risk management and insurance speaker series, James Maguire, founder and chairman emeritus of the Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Company, and Sean Sweeney, director of 1251 Capital Group, spoke to students about their journey in the financial services industry and the available job opportunities in risk management, insurance and private equity.

Maguire has supported non-profit and educational institutions in Philadelphia through the Maguire Foundation and created the Maguire Academy of Risk Management and Insurance at Bowie State University, Gallaudet University and St. Joseph University to help diversify the industry. He has also supported a Maguire Scholars Program at BSU and other institutions providing scholarships to students. He says it’s all about having a vision. 

“You must have a dream or an idea of where you want to go and be physically and mentally prepared to succeed,” he told students. “Passion is an important element, and you must have it to be successful.” 

Malik Hicks, a Maguire Scholar, is a junior majoring in communications with a concentration in public relations. He came to Bowie State from Philadelphia’s Cristo Rey High School and says meeting James Maguire was special. 

“He is just a down to earth guy with lots of knowledge,” said Hicks. “It really made me feel special that he was here on campus with Sean Sweeney speaking to us about current and future positions in insurance, risk management, private equity and other areas.” 

Sweeney’s 1251 Capital Group provides risk management and commercial insurance products and services to non-profit organizations, schools and other public entities. He said there are plenty of jobs in the industry but not enough people to fill them. 

“The biggest problem we face in private equity is a lack of talent,” said Sweeney. “Today there are over 600,000 open positions in the insurance industry. Climate change combined with an increase in catastrophic storms have put more demands on hiring people. We need to ensure that as the industry grows, there is diversity in property and casualty and all lines of business.” 

“Today is about opening the door up wider,” said Maguire. “Just make sure you show up when the opportunity is there. What goes a long way is surrounding yourself with successful people. It can make all the difference in the world.” 

 Maguire, a Philadelphia native, started in the insurance business in 1960 and formed the Philadelphia Insurance Companies in 1987. He took the company public in 1993 and merged with Tokio Marine Group for $4.7 billion in 2008. He received an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree from Bowie State at the May 2024 commencement for his ongoing support of the school and its students. 

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Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.