Alysse Hargrove, Risk Management Specialist at UW–Parkside, has received a Risk Hero Recognition from the University Risk Management & Insurance Association (URMIA). She is the first employee of a Universities of Wisconsin institution to receive the national honor.
URMIA’s Risk Hero Spotlight, launched in March 2026, recognizes individuals whose everyday work makes their institutions safer, more resilient, and more risk-aware. Alysse had multiple nominations, one was by Joseph Rayzor, Director of Risk Management for the Universities of Wisconsin.
When asked what prompted him nomination, Rayzor said, “When working alongside Alysse, I consistently see her demonstrate a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in risk management. She was a natural choice for nomination as a ‘Risk Hero’ and is the first UW employee to receive this national recognition. Her achievement reflects not only her individual dedication, but also UW-Parkside’s commitment to its core values of innovation and student success.”
The URMIA Honors Committee “wholeheartedly agreed” with the nominations Alysse received. URMIA will feature her in its Insights newsletter, on its website and social media, and in rolling slides at its annual conference.
Alysse’s supervisor, Phil Hirsh, Vice Chancellor of Finance & Administration, added, “We are incredibly proud of Alysse Hargrove for being recognized the first URMIA Risk Hero. Receiving multiple nominations for her efforts in different areas reflects the collaborative focus she brings to everything she does. Her expertise, professionalism, and focus on campus safety enhance the well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors across UW-Parkside.”
Alysse said the recognition is especially meaningful as she is still new to her role. “I’m honored to be recognized as an URMIA Risk Hero and proud to serve UW-Parkside. Being new to the role, this recognition is especially meaningful and motivates me to keep learning, building partnerships, and advancing risk management efforts that help our campus thrive.”
Read more about URMIA here.