In January the NASBP Winter Surety School Session with 168 students and more than 20 faculty from across the country and around the globe kicked off the new year with clear insights into the world of surety when they attended the 2025 NASBP William J. Angell Surety School held in Houston, TX.

During every NASBP Surety School session, students in each class are asked to nominate the most outstanding pupil (MOP). The chosen MOP from each class is awarded a special memento football signed by their classmates and faculty.

The Contract Surety Level I Red Team awarded the coveted football to Christopher Auletti of Crum & Forster. Congratulations Chris and all Red Team graduates!

Similarly, the Contract Surety Level I Yellow Team selected Evan Black of McGriff. Congratulations Evan and all Yellow Team graduates!

In the Commercial Surety Level I Orange Team, the football was awarded to Jarrod Ploof of CapSpecialty. Congratulations Jarrod and all Orange Team graduates!

The Contract Surety Level II Blue Team awarded the coveted football to Halle Finn of INSURICA Southwest. Congratulations Halle and all Blue Team graduates!

Similarly, the Contract Surety Level II Green Team selected Austin Hartis of Arch Insurance. Congratulations Austin and all Green Team graduates!

NASBP congratulates all of these exceptional students on their achievements!

As a token of appreciation for their hard work and commitment to NASBP, faculty members receive a crystal apple for every five years of service. At this Winter’s Surety School, six faculty members were honored with service awards. Michael Baxter, Chris O’Hagan, Jenni Waggoner, and Robin Amstutz were each recognized for five years of service, Jeff Broyles was recognized for ten years of service, and Tom Padilla was recognized for 25 years of service. We congratulate and thank you for your dedication to NASBP and the surety industry!

Also, this year we had the chance to honor a long-time Surety School Faculty member Ralph Pulver of Travelers who has taught for more than 30 years and present him with an award honoring his many years of teaching at the NASBP Surety School. Pulver announced his retirement from teaching at this winter’s NASBP School.

Registration for the 2025 Summer Session of the NASBP Contract Surety School Level I, Level II, and the Commercial Surety School Level II classes will open soon for NASBP Members, Affiliates, and Associates.