The Goldenson Center for Actuarial Research was established in 2008 with a $1 million endowment from the Goldenson family — whose commitment to the success of UConn’s actuarial science students continues with their recent transformational $11 million gift. The Center strives to provide high-quality actuarial research projects and services to support the insurance and financial services industry in our region.

Actuarial science uses mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze data and probability. Actuaries can then assist organizations in making informed decisions about managing financial risk. The Goldenson Center is unique in that its underlying research philosophy is driven by three key objectives:

• Research is driven by the needs of industry.
• Projects are worked on by practicing actuaries and UConn students and faculty.
• Completed projects are directly applied to meet the needs of the industry.

Because of this philosophy, students at the Goldenson Center work on real-life, high-impact projects — like modeling homelessness pathways. This project was targeted at helping agencies in Connecticut connect triggers for homelessness and how to help people out of it as quickly as possible.

The emphasis on mentorship and internships often lead to full-time job offers and long-lasting connections and careers. This approach rings true for Mark Goldenson, who has dedicated his 40-year career in the financial services industry to helping others achieve financial stability. “The idea of providing experiential education to students in actuarial applied research is important to our family, so further investment in the Center was an easy decision for us,” he said.

The idea of providing experiential education to students in actuarial applied research is important to our family, so further investment in the Center was an easy decision for us.

Mark Goldenson

Mark’s wife, Janet Vadiveloo, has also been a longstanding supporter of the Center, which was founded with leadership from her brother, Dr. Jay Vadiveloo, a UConn Professor in Residence and Director of the Center.

Dr. Vadiveloo has a doctorate in statistics from the University of California, Berkeley, is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, a member of the American Academy of Actuaries, and a Chartered Financial Analyst. He has over 30 years of experience in the life insurance industry and more than 25 with UConn’s actuarial science program.

In his role as Director at the Goldenson Center, Dr. Vadiveloo supervises Ph.D. students on a variety of topics including integrated retirement financial planning and analysis of efficient financial modeling techniques.

“At the Goldenson Center, we have the freedom to approach projects that matter to us and we are in a position to spend more time on them. It’s a tremendous experience for students and truly helps them become experts in the industry,” says Dr. Vadiveloo.

“The work these students are doing at the Goldenson Center is truly advancing actuarial science.”

Mark and Janet want to ensure that these students can continue to break barriers. Inspired by the Center’s mission of bridging academics with real-world problem solving, they have committed an $11 million estate gift to UConn that will significantly impact the field.

They embody the spirit of Students First — a cornerstone of our Because of UConn Campaign — ensuring the students in actuarial science will not only succeed but excel.

“The work that Jay is leading at the Center is transformative, and not only for the industry,” said Janet. “There is a core belief in education, of course, but also mentorship, and that will have a lifelong impact on students.”

Matthew O’Conor, a senior studying mathematics/actuarial science, sees the impact firsthand. “This is the only place in the country that has this opportunity for graduate students and underclassmen — not just undergrads, but first and second-year students — to get real-world experience,” he says. “They are working on real case studies and presenting them to an audience ranging from analysts to senior directors.” O’Conor says building these skills sets UConn apart; it’s known as “The UConn Difference,” and many of these presentations lead to internships.

The planned $11 million gift is not only the largest single gift to College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, but also the largest lifetime total commitment to the school.

“This visionary gift from Mark and Janet will shape and support the education that generations of UConn students will receive in this vitally important field,” said UConn President Radenka Maric. “It will also add great value to the future workforce of Connecticut, critical industries in the state, and help to address pressing societal and public policy challenges. Their generosity will leave a powerful and lasting legacy, and we are deeply grateful to them.”

This visionary gift from Mark and Janet will shape and support the education that generations of UConn students will receive in this vitally important field.

UConn President Radenka Maric

“Mark and Janet are helping both our students and UConn move boldly into the future with their generous gift,” says Amy Yancey, President and CEO of The UConn Foundation. “Because of their dedication, generations of actuarial students will continue to be inspired and succeed.”

Mark and Janet are helping both our students and UConn move boldly into the future with their generous gift. Because of their dedication, generations of actuarial students will continue to be inspired and succeed.

UConn foundation President and CEO Amy yancey

The Goldenson Center will redefine the future of actuarial science. It is not simply about exam preparation; it is a pipeline for career success. For generations to come, it will be a place where students build their confidence, become industry ready, and continue a tradition of innovation.

This gift is more than a financial commitment; it’s a powerful affirmation of the Students First cornerstone of the Because of UConn campaign. Thanks to Mark Goldenson and Janet Vadiveloo, members of the prestigious Charles Lewis Beach Society, The Goldenson Center will continue to be a launchpad for innovation, mentorship, and career success. Their vision ensures that UConn remains a national leader in actuarial science, where students don’t just prepare for the future — they shape it.