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Few people embody the spirit of service, mentorship, and professional excellence within the insurance industry quite like Jerry Conrey, President of Conrey Insurance Brokers & Risk Managers and a longtime advocate for independent agents and brokers. This year, Jerry and his wife, Dr. Vicki Conrey, made a landmark $4.5 million gift to California State University, Fullerton to create the newly named Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship — a legacy project designed to inspire and equip the next generation of business leaders.

Jerry’s gift is rooted in the same values that have guided his decades-long career in insurance: protecting people, investing in others, and leaving things better than he found them. His leadership and generosity are well known across the industry. From 2009 to 2012, he served on the Board of Directors for the American Agents Alliance as Chief Financial Officer, helping to strengthen the organization’s foundation and advocating for the success of independent agencies across California and beyond.

Throughout his career, Jerry has been a champion of education and mentorship. Over the years, he has spent more than 30 semesters mentoring students through Cal State Fullerton’s entrepreneurship program — bringing real-world insight from his firm’s operations into the classroom. He’s also provided annual scholarships for aspiring entrepreneurs and has encouraged countless young professionals to pursue careers in insurance and risk management.

At the Center’s dedication ceremony, Jerry reflected on what inspired the gift:

“Vicki and I hope this gift represents not wealth stored up, but wealth put into action for others. We want this to be a launchpad for bold ideas — a place where students learn to take risks, build something meaningful, and make a difference.”

Jerry’s endowment not only cements his legacy at Cal State Fullerton but also reflects the core principles of the insurance profession — foresight, stewardship, and commitment to people. His belief that “the best return on investment is in people” resonates deeply with every agent and broker who understands that trust, education, and service are the true foundations of success.

Through the Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship, Jerry and Vicki’s impact will continue to ripple far beyond their firm — inspiring future leaders to build businesses with purpose, integrity, and heart.

For more information about the Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship and Cal State Fullerton’s business programs, visit business.fullerton.edu.