Dick Ahmann Memorial Scholarship

Each year, an outstanding applicant is selected for a special scholarship named for the late Richard "Dick" Ahmann, a visionary leader in the field of insurance

The award

Established in 2018, the Dick Ahmann Memorial Scholarship is presented by the SFM Foundation to one remarkable incoming applicant. The scholarship is named in honor of Richard “Dick” Ahmann, who embodied excellence and professionalism throughout his distinguished life and career.

About Dick Ahmann

Richard Ahmann photo

Richard (Dick) Ahmann led Minnesota’s independent insurance agents to higher prosperity and helped set the stage for higher competition in the workers’ compensation field.

After he graduated from Marshall High School in St. Paul, he attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind., and became a Navy officer. He served on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific during World War II.

After returning to the Twin Cities, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota in 1950, when he began work in business insurance.

He became a partner in the Ed Arnold Co., and in 1975, he was the sole owner of the firm, renamed RJ Ahmann Co. in Eden Prairie.

His son, Richard (Rick) Ahmann of Eden Prairie, succeeded him as the leader the firm, which became one of the largest independent agencies for business insurance in Minnesota.

“He was genuine,” said his son. “His word was his bond. He was a people person and he could walk in and light up a room.”

The elder Ahmann served as president of several insurance trade associations, such as the Minnesota Independent Agent Association, where he consistently made his mark on Minnesota workers’ compensation, according to Fran Kaitala, past Vice President of Business Operations for SFM Mutual Insurance Company.

“Dick Ahmann ran one of the finest independent agencies in the state,” Kaitala said. “He was a great friend to anybody in the industry.”

“He mentored a lot of insurance people along the way,” and through education programs “he improved the level of professionalism of agents in the state,” Kaitala said.

Dick Ahmann was named Insurance Man of the Year of Greater Minneapolis in 1979.

He was a national director for several insurance companies, such as the old Aetna Life and Casualty, and the old Reliance Insurance Co.

During his career, Ahmann was proud of many high-profile accounts, such as the Minnesota Vikings and the Metrodome.

2023 recipient

Vanessa Leukam

Rebecca Ogega

Vanessa is a 2023 SFM Foundation Scholarship recipient and the sixth student to be honored with the Dick Ahmann Memorial Scholarship.

She plans to attend the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities to pursue a degree in business management / IS.

2022 recipient

Vanessa Leukam

Vanessa Leukam

Vanessa is a 2022 SFM Foundation Scholarship recipient and the fifth student to be honored with the Dick Ahmann Memorial Scholarship.

She plans to attend Alexandria Technical & Community College for two years and then transfer to the University of North Dakota to pursue a degree in kinesiology.

2021 recipient

2021 Dick Ahmann Award receipient Keenan Jacobs

Keenan Jacobs

Keenan is the 2021 Dick Ahmann Memorial Scholarship recipient. He attends Iowa State University and is pursuing a degree in computer science.

2020 recipient

2020 Dick Ahmann Award receipient Bradley Rohloff

Bradley Rohloff

Bradley is the 2020 SDick Ahmann Memorial Scholarship recipient. He is attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.  He indicated that his father’s death as a result of a work accident taught him that life doesn’t always go the way you want it to, but if you work hard and do what is right you will always end up where you belong.

2019 recipient

Cameron Beminio photo

Owen Sackmaster

Owen is the 2019 SFM Dick Ahmann Memorial Scholarship recipient. Is is attending Purdue University and is studying business finance and economics. After Owen lost his father in a work-related accident, he took on extra jobs to help support his family. He honors his father by saving and investing as he taught him. In this dad’s words, “Any opportunity or amount of amount of money can be taken away so make the most of what you can, while you can.” Owen plans to use his degree to become involved in his community or with an organization where he can assist people.

“It is important to give back, as many people came to my family’s aid when there was a need.” ~ Owen

2018 recipient

2018 Dick Ahmann Memorial Scholarship recipient Cameron Beminio

Cameron Beminio

Cameron Beminio was the first ever Dick Ahmann scholarship recipient in 2018. He attends the University of Iowa and is studying business. He hopes to someday own a business, perhaps in real estate. In high school, Cameron participated in football, choir, track, weight lifting and wrestling, finishing third in the state tournament. He enjoyed coaching in high school as well. His teachers describe him as dedicated and determined, with the capability to balance school, work, sports and social activities.

Row of scholarship recipient photos

Help more exceptional students in need

Your donations make scholarships possible. When you contribute to SFM Foundation, you change lives.
Sponsor or attend an eventMake a donation
Skip to content