Dear Sir,

Since 1996, the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies (BFIS) has awarded more than $5 million in scholarships to more than 142 students, thanks to the financial backing of more than 20 locally based insurance firms.

The organisation has touched the lives of a further 100-plus students with internships, mentoring, career guidance and job search. I am one of the many fortunate students who has benefited from this generosity.

These donor companies should know that I and my fellow scholarship recipients do not take their generosity for granted.

I will be graduating in a few weeks with a master’s in finance and have much to be grateful for.

Thank you BFIS and your donor companies and all the private individuals for your guidance and support. I hope and plan to ‘pay it forward’ and give back to the industry and community that has supported me.

MICHAEL I. COLES