Hannah LaMaster came to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln from Rochester, Minnesota, for its nationally recognized Actuarial Science Program. Four years later, she will graduate in May with a global perspective shaped by two study abroad experiences and a career-launching internship that led to a full-time role with Cigna in Denver.
“UNL has one of the top actuarial science programs in the country, and I’ve always been interested in math and anything related to data,” LaMaster said. “I job shadowed an actuary in high school to see the day-to-day work and learn about the (actuary) exam process.”
Being selected for the Nebraska Business Honors Academy solidified her choice to attend Nebraska. The cohort-based program allowed her to start college with a smaller community of about 40 students.
“As someone who is more introverted, I had to be intentional about my choices and willing to go to new things alone, knowing I’d make friends along the way. The Nebraska Business Honors Academy provided a built-in friend group," LaMaster said.
She also joined Gamma Iota Sigma, a professional business fraternity for students interested in actuarial science, risk management and insurance, where she met friends and gained insight into the field. She also served as assistant treasurer. treasurer and eventually, Gamma Chair and was responsible for all travel-related activities for the cub.
"Sue Vagts (director of the Actuarial Science Program and advisor for Gamma Iota Sigma) is one of the best professors and advisors. She really helped me solidify my career path," LaMaster said. "Interest Theory (ACTS 440) was one of the first major-specific classes I took, and it a great introduction to what actuaries do. She went at our pace and hand wrote out all the problems so it was easy to follow along."
Vagts noted how LaMaster consistently took advantage of opportunities to learn and grow.
"Hannah always took advantage of every opportunity presented to her, from travel experiences and guest speakers to campus events offered by our department and the college,” said Vagts. “She was always willing to learn and try new things.”
LaMaster decided to study abroad through the Nebraska at Oxford program the summer after her freshman year. The program in England is the longest-running study abroad program offered at the university.
“I took two economics classes with professors from Oxford University over four weeks, which opened the possibility of earning my minor in economics. They were two of the best classes and taught in a lecture style,” LaMaster said.
The experience also made her want to see more of the world, so she studied in Australia and New Zealand during her junior year.
“Studying abroad made a huge impact on me,” LaMaster said. “I loved the Oxford experience for its emphasis on history and culture and enjoyed exploring England, Scotland and France. The trip to Australia and New Zealand was very outdoorsy and adventurous.”
LaMaster said both experiences broadened her worldview and, along with her courses, prepared her for a data-driven career analyzing risk in actuarial science.
"Hannah grew tremendously as a leader during her time at Nebraska. She is ready and prepared for the great future ahead of her," said Vagts.
LaMaster expressed her gratitude to the generous donors who provided scholarships for her college education and for her study abroad experiences.
“Scholarships from the College of Business and the Nebraska Business Honors Academy helped make my experiences possible. I would not have been able to go on these two amazing trips, and I am very grateful to everyone who made my time at Nebraska possible,” LaMaster said.
Building her network at the university also helped her find an internship at Cigna in Denver last summer, where she worked on the Behavioral Health Financial Planning and Analysis Team automating expense reporting and projections. It also led to a full-time offer as an actuarial senior analyst after graduation.
“Cigna has quite a few Nebraska alums, and I was able to connect with them, learn about their experiences and ask questions. I enjoyed the work during my internship, but my favorite part was the community at Cigna,” LaMaster said. “People were passionate about their jobs, but even more so about their hobbies, the outdoors and traveling. When I received the full-time offer after the internship, it was easy to accept.”
Becka Neary DeLaPorte, assistant director of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy, said LaMaster also challenges herself along with others.
“Hannah is the kind of student who quietly elevates everyone around her. She approaches learning with genuine curiosity and a humility that makes her both approachable and deeply respected by her peers,” DeLaPorte said. “She’s not someone who settles into complacency. She’s always looking for the next way to learn and grow.”
As she prepares to graduate as part of the 10th class of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy in May, LaMaster reflects on her time at Nebraska.
“College is a huge time for growth, and I found it to be 100% worth it to step out of my comfort zone,” she said. “When I think back to my freshman self, I am amazed. So many people at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln made college such a great experience. I am thankful for the friendships, laughter, late-night study sessions and memories, and I’m going to miss Nebraska.”
