The Risk & Insurance Education Alliance is proud to announce the recipient of the 2025 James “Jim” T. Lawrence, CIC Memorial Scholarship: Cassie Gabel, an Account Manager at Upshaw Insurance Agency, Inc., in Amarillo, Texas.
This memorial scholarship, founded in memory of the esteemed James “Jim” T. Lawrence, CIC, continues his legacy of nurturing emerging talent by providing educational opportunities to young professionals within the insurance industry.
Jim Lawrence, the founder of Alliance Insurance Services LLC and a revered figure in the insurance community, dedicated his career to elevating the standards of insurance education and practice. A distinguished faculty member of the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance for over three decades, Jim served on the CIC Board of Governors, taught the CIC Agency Management course extensively, and was admired for his profound commitment to his students and colleagues.
Jim’s philosophy transcended the mere transfer of knowledge; he believed in the transformative power of education to touch lives deeply, aligning with the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance’s mission to empower industry professionals to “Own Your Potential.”
The scholarship awards a young Texas agent, who has yet to take the CIC Agency Management course, the opportunity to advance their pursuit of earning the CIC designation. The chosen recipient, Cassie Gabel, embodies the qualities that Jim Lawrence championed throughout his illustrious career.
Cassie began her career at Upshaw Insurance Agency in 2018, initially unsure of her path in insurance but soon discovering a rewarding profession that she describes as “never boring” and always evolving. She has already demonstrated her dedication to professional growth by attending CIC and PRO C.E. courses, including passing her Insurance Company Operations exam earlier this year.
The Alliance is delighted to support Cassie Gabel as she continues to pursue excellence in her professional endeavors. Jim Lawrence’s spirit of generosity, mentorship, and profound industry impact lives on through this scholarship, fostering new leaders equipped to carry forward his vision.
