$11 million gift from Mark Goldenson and Janet Vadiveloo powers next chapter for university’s center for actuarial research

An $11 million commitment from Mark Goldenson and his wife, Janet Vadiveloo, will dramatically expand opportunities for students at UConn’s Goldenson Center for Actuarial Research, strengthening the University’s position as a national leader in actuarial science education and applied research.

The Goldenson Center, founded in 2008 with an initial $1 million endowment from the Goldenson family, has built a reputation for pairing students with practicing actuaries and faculty on real-world projects that directly serve the insurance and financial services industry. Its tri-fold philosophy—industry-driven research, collaboration between professionals and students, and direct application of completed projects—has led to high-impact initiatives such as modeling homelessness pathways to help Connecticut agencies identify triggers for homelessness and accelerate support for those affected.

Goldenson, whose 40-year financial services career has focused on helping individuals achieve financial stability, views the Center as a model for experiential education in actuarial applied research, with mentorship and internships frequently leading to job offers and long-term careers for students. His wife, long-time supporter Janet Vadiveloo, credits her brother, Professor in Residence and Center Director Jay Vadiveloo, with shaping a program that blends rigorous academics, mentorship, and public service in ways that transform both the industry and students’ lives.

Under Jay Vadiveloo’s leadership, the Center supervises Ph.D. students on topics such as integrated retirement planning and efficient financial modeling techniques, while also creating opportunities for undergraduates and even first- and second-year students to participate in significant research projects. Mathematics/actuarial science major Matthew O’Conor ’26 describes this early access to real case studies—and the chance to present findings to audiences ranging from analysts to senior directors—as “The UConn Difference,” noting that these experiences often lead directly to internships.

University leaders say the $11 million gift is the largest single contribution and largest lifetime total commitment ever made to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, underscoring the central role of actuarial science within UConn’s academic portfolio. UConn President Radenka Maric and UConn Foundation President and CEO Amy Yancey both praised the gift as a visionary investment that will enhance Connecticut’s future workforce, support critical industries, and address pressing societal and public policy challenges, while ensuring generations of actuarial students are prepared not just to enter the profession, but to shape its future