Somersfield Academy Alumnus Ryan Whiting Awarded 2012 XL Scholarship

Education boost: XL's human resources manager in Bermuda Vanessa Robinson, XL Scholarship recipient Ryan Whiting and XL CEO Mike McGavick.

July 06, 2012 — One college-bound Bermudian has hit the jackpot, winning a full ride to university thanks to insurance giant XL Group. Ryan Whiting, a High Honours graduate of Somersfield Academy and the Bermuda High School’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, has been awarded the 2012 XL Scholarship, a four-year full scholarship for students working toward a degree in re/insurance-related studies.

The son of David and Debbie Whiting of St George’s, Mr Whiting was selected from a list of 41 applicants for the scholarship. He is scheduled to begin studies at New York University Stern School of Business this year. He is pursuing a major in finance and economics and is interested in becoming a property casualty actuary.

“This year, as in previous years, we received applications from high calibre students so it was not easy selecting a winner,” said XL’s human resources manager in Bermuda, Vanessa Robinson, who chairs the XL Scholarship Committee. “However, Ryan stood out not only based on his academic performance but also due to his level of maturity and his exemplary demonstration of leadership and dedication to the community."

“We know that he will remain focused during his years at university and we eagerly anticipate his return to Bermuda and future contributions to the industry.”

Ryan’s academic achievements include receiving first and second prize for his performance in an Intramural Speaking Competition in March 2011, the Senior Academic Achievement Award for English, and the Junior and Senior Academic Achievement Award for Technology at Somersfield Academy.

Since the inception of the XL Scholarship (formerly the XL Insurance Scholarship) in 1990, more than $2 million has been provided to help local students prepare for professional careers in the (re) insurance industry. A condition of the award is that recipients be willing to return to Bermuda on completion of their studies. The XL Scholarship is open to students who are Bermudian or hold Permanent Resident Certificate status.