Christy B. Olson Scholarship Award Application
The Morgan State University (MSU) School of Actuarial Science will present a scholarship in the amount of $5,000 to an incoming freshman accepted into the Actuarial Science program.

The scholarship award was established by MSU and Travelers to continue supporting the development of actuarial students and to posthumously honor Christy B. Olson, a passionate leader who spent nearly thirty years as an actuary at Travelers Insurance. Christy gave of her time generously to support MSU’s School of Actuarial Science and was relentless about developing and mentoring aspiring, diverse actuaries. In 2018, Christy was honored as “Mentor of the Year” by the International Association of Black Actuaries.

The scholarship award is designed to reward students for exemplary performance in math/analytics and to reward those who demonstrate a passion for pursuing a career in Actuarial Science. The $5000 scholarship award is renewable annually for up to 5 years.

  • Eligibility Criteria:

    -Incoming Freshman accepted into Morgan State University’s School of Actuarial Science.
    -Plans to study Actuarial Science at MSU on a full-time basis (min. 12 credit hours per semester)
    -High school cumulative GPA of 3.2 at the time of application
    -Ability to provide 2 letters of recommendation and an official high school transcript
    -Ability to provide current resume
    -Completion of MSU’s Summer Academy of Mathematics & Science preferred; but not required

  • How to Apply:

    1. Complete the Scholarship Application including a response to the following essay question:
    Describe your future career goals and how pursuing a degree in Actuarial Science from MSU will help you reach your career goals (1500 character minimum)

    2. Provide a copy of your college acceptance letter to MSU.

    3. Provide two (2) letters of recommendation: 1 teacher/staff from current high school; 1 personal reference and not from family or school (i.e. can be manager, coach, mentor, etc.). Previous reference letters submitted for other scholarships, college entrance, etc. will be accepted and does not need to be specific to MSU; no need to change contact information, but it must have been written within the past year.

    4. Resume that covers work history, extra-curricular/enrichment activities, community service, leadership roles and coursework.

  • Selection Process:

    The scholarship selection committee members, which includes members from MSU’s School of Actuarial Science and participating business partners, considers the academic record of candidates, reviews the essay, looks for evidence of leadership ability, views participation in school and community activities and evaluates the level of student interest in the actuarial science area as a future career choice. Selection of candidates is made from the combination of both the documentation and the interview process.

  • Awards:

    The scholarships will be $5,000 renewable annually up to 5 years.
  • - -
  • - -

  • Essay Response

    Describe your future career goals and how pursuing a degree in Actuarial Science from MSU will help you reach your career goals (1500 character minimum)

  • Attach to this application: (via .pdf or .jpg files)


    -A copy of your official high school official, including at least 1st semester of senior year

    -Provide two (2) references: 1 from high school teacher/staff; 1 personal reference and not from family or school (i.e. can be manager, coach, mentor, etc.)

    -A copy of your college acceptance letter to MSU

    -Current resume that speaks to work history, extra-curricular/enrichment activities, community service, leadership and coursework.

  • I understand that this application is for a scholarship only for the term indicated. I agree that I am bound by the University’s regulations concerning application deadlines and admission requirements. I agree to the release of any transcripts and test scores to this institution, including any SAT, Achievement Test, and ACT score reports.

    I certify that this information is complete and accurate. I understand that making false or fraudulent statements within this application or residency statement will result in disciplinary action, denial of admission and invalidation of credit or degrees earned.

    .