NEW YORK — Spencer Educational Foundation has received a $100,000 commitment from the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) Atlanta Chapter to be contributed over a three-year period beginning in 2008. The scholarship has been created in memory of Dr. Edgar J. (E.J.) Leverett, founder of the University of Georgia (UGA) risk management and insurance program.

"RIMS Atlanta Chapter has a large membership that represents UGA alumni, and they owe their foundation in risk management to Dr. Leverett and his efforts to found and grow the university's risk management program," says Andrew Kuchar, RIMS Atlanta Chapter president and senior director of risk management for Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc. "The RIMS Atlanta Chapter/Dr. E.J. Leverett Memorial Scholarship is a way for the chapter to pay tribute to his legacy by supporting students pursuing a career in risk management."

The RIMS Atlanta Chapter/Dr. E.J. Leverett Memorial Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship, will be granted annually to students who meet all academic requirements of the Spencer Educational Foundation. The scholarship will be awarded in $5,000 lots to Georgia residents who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in risk management or insurance.

"RIMS Atlanta Chapter has been among the strongest supporters of Spencer Educational Foundation for 26 years, donating generously from the proceeds of its annual educational conference and golf tournaments," says Donna L. Galer, chairwoman of Spencer Educational Foundation, Inc. "We are truly thankful to the chapter for its continued support to risk management education."

During his 27 years with the University of Georgia, Dr. Leverett was known as a cheerleader for the study of risk management. He wrote more than 100 articles on all aspects of risk management and insurance, co-authored several textbooks on the subject and served on the board of directors of the American Risk and Insurance Association. Dr. Leverett's professional honors include numerous teaching awards, UGA's Outstanding Service Award and the Walter H. Buce Jr. Memorial Award-given by RIMS Atlanta Chapter-for outstanding contributions to the profession.

Since 1980, Spencer Educational Foundation has awarded more than $3.6 million in scholarships and $2 million in grants to students pursuing degrees and universities offering programs in risk management and insurance. Most recently, the Foundation received a $525,000 gift from FM Global and a $300,000 donation from the Risk and Insurance Management Society. In 2007, the Spencer Educational Foundation awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships and more than $150,000 in grants.

For more information or to make a donation to Spencer Educational Foundation, visit www.spencered.org.