In college, I majored in mathematics and began my career as a math teacher. When I transitioned into the insurance world, becoming an actuary seemed a natural fit. Though technical, I quickly moved into financial management roles at Maccabees Mutual Life Insurance Company in Southfield, Michigan, eventually becoming the company’s second-highest-ranking executive.

Though I missed directly impacting students as I had in teaching, I saw how God was using my skills to lead employees effectively. I remained closely connected to actuarial colleagues and, out of gratitude for the profession, served on several committees and as president of the Michigan Actuarial Society in 1986.

That same year, Central Michigan University invited me to speak to students and faculty about the actuarial profession. I explained the rigorous journey of earning professional credentials like Associate (ASA) and Fellow (FSA) of the Society of Actuaries—designations requiring years of post-graduate study and exams.

The visit rekindled my love for teaching. I hoped some students might pursue the field, and perhaps the university would build a curriculum around it. Afterward, I had no contact with the university but felt good about having “given back.”

In 1992, I joined New York Life, where I rose to president of the Fortune 100 company. Despite my busy schedule, I continued industry volunteer work.

In 2005, while planning to attend the MLB All-Star Game in Detroit, I was invited to speak at the Michigan Actuarial Society dinner in Ann Arbor the night before. I agreed gladly and prepared remarks on New York Life and on pertinent industry issues.

To my delight, the turnout exceeded expectations—over 100 attendees, many former Maccabees colleagues. My former boss and mentor, Jules Pallone, even drove two hours to attend.

But the most touching moment came during introductions. At a table in the back, an older gentleman stood up and said, “I am on the faculty of Central Michigan University. And I’d like you to meet my students.” He introduced nine students who had driven more than two hours from Mt. Pleasant.

“It is an honor for all of us to be here,” he said. “We came in order to personally thank you—as the founder of the actuarial studies program at CMU.” He described how my 1986 presentation inspired the faculty to launch the program, which had since sent many students into actuarial careers across the U.S.

I was stunned. I had nearly forgotten that visit. I didn’t feel I deserved the title of “founder,” but I was deeply moved. Why had God chosen now to remind me of something so distant?

At the time, I had just begun evaluating how I would spend my retirement. That moment clarified something important: education and impacting young lives still stirred my soul.

Shortly afterward, I began developing a business school curriculum on executive leadership, which I later taught or lectured about at multiple universities. That Michigan experience also deepened my commitment to mentoring young professionals—something I did while working and continued doing after retiring at age 59.

The joy and purpose I’ve found in retirement might never have emerged without that unexpected night in Ann Arbor. Many attendees later thanked me for my talk—but they couldn’t have known how much it had meant to me.

Sometimes, the gifts we give—our knowledge, our time, a few kind words—echo far longer than we imagine. As I learned that evening, even one brief act of kindness, inspired by faith, can transform lives for decades to come.