The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Sentry® announced the naming of the Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women’s Leadership on Oct. 1, honoring Sentry’s first woman executive vice president. The announcement was held at Sentry’s Stevens Point headquarters. Based in the Sentry School of Business and Economics at UW-Stevens Point and originally established in 2022, the center supports emerging leaders in business, nonprofits and community organizations.
Salzmann set a standard in business leadership more than 60 years ago, becoming the first woman president of the international Casualty Actuarial Society and Sentry’s first female vice president and board member.
The naming of the UW-Stevens Point center in Salzmann’s honor ensures her legacy will live on, inspiring future leaders and serving as a powerful example.
“The center is a beacon for students and emerging leaders who will now have the chance to learn about and apply the timeless lessons and values of Ruth’s legacy to shape and inform their individual paths to leadership,” said Pratima Gandhi, UW-Stevens Point interim chancellor. “The university is grateful for this $250,000 gift from Sentry to name the center in Ruth’s honor and empower women and their allies.”
The Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women’s Leadership welcomes and serves all students and community members who are interested in learning from achievements of women leaders. The center offers:
- Leadership and professional development
- Education, networking and mentorship
- Collaborative initiatives that bridge campus and community
“Ruth wasn’t focused on being ‘the first,’ she was focused on getting it right,” said Pete McPartland, Sentry Chairman and CEO. “Ruth, with her analytical mind, quick wit, and professionalism, moved our industry forward. Her values and influence continue to shape insurance and now it will be felt in the broader business world.”
Shortly after joining Sentry in 2010, McPartland met Salzmann, resulting in a friendship and series of conversations over the years.
“She brought Sentry’s past to life,” he said. “Through our discussions, I came to understand not just what she accomplished, but who she was. Ruth’s insight and perspective shaped how I lead today.”
Salzmann left a lasting mark on the insurance industry. Her Salzmann Curves, used in the insurance industry to evaluate exposure ratings, guided property insurance pricing for more than 40 years. Her paper “Rating by Layer of Insurance” became required reading for actuarial students across the nation, and she developed statutory loss reserve schedules.
Beyond her actuarial work, Salzmann was a published author, consultant and expert witness on insurance matters. She was named a distinguished alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business in 1984 and was recognized by Business Insurance magazine as one of the 100 Leading Women in 2000. She was also a musician and athlete, playing cornet with the Madison Symphony Orchestra and ranking second among Wisconsin women’s tennis players in 1950.
According to Stephanie Smith, president of the Sentry Insurance Foundation, in every way, the center reflects Ruth E. Salzmann’s legacy: forward-thinking, principled and empowering.
“Ruth was respected for her high ethical standards, and she would be pleased to know that her career and life have influenced and inspired others and will continue to do so for years to come,” Smith said. “In addition to the center bearing her name, we look forward to celebrating the Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women’s Leadership when Sentry Hall opens in 2029.”
The center will be highlighted at the Women Trailblazers Conference at UW-Stevens Point Wednesday, Oct. 22. The conference develops leaders by showcasing women trailblazers, founders and entrepreneurs from every sector including professionals, artists, volunteers, students and parents. Registration is available at the website.
“With programming initiatives already underway, the Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women’s Leadership will serve as a cornerstone of growth and empowerment at UWSP,” said Leah Bertrand, a Sentry School student in the Master of Business Administration program and center intern. “Ruth’s legacy as a trailblazer in her role as the first female actuary at Sentry inspires the work I am proud to be part of.
“As a woman who is passionate about leadership and creating positive change, I am excited to reflect on Ruth’s leadership and see firsthand the impact that the center will have on students like me.”
UWSP’s Sentry School of Business and Economics creates career-ready graduates and leaders by providing professional development experiences, access to employers and in-demand skills. Through its outreach programs, the Sentry School connects with dozens of employer partners across Wisconsin and the United States, guaranteeing students an internship experience. One of the largest programs at UWSP, the school was named after a large gift from long-time partner Sentry in 2022. Majors include accounting, business administration, business economics, data analytics, finance, management and marketing as well as an MBA in applied leadership and decision-making. The Sentry School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an achievement earned by only 5% of the world’s schools offering business degrees.
Sentry provides business, commercial and specialty insurance solutions to small, mid-sized and large businesses across multiple industries. As a leader in business insurance, Sentry helps businesses manage risk with tailored solutions backed by decades of expertise. Sentry is part of one of the largest and most financially secure mutual insurance groups in the United States, holding an A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating from AM Best as of June 2025. Sentry and its subsidiaries offer a wide range of insurance products, including property and casualty insurance, life insurance, annuities and retirement programs for businesses and individuals nationwide. For a complete list of underwriting companies, visit sentry.com.
Related: Naming Ceremony Photos