Honoring the 2023 Huebner Gold Medal Recipients

In 1975, as The American College of Financial Services approached its 50th anniversary, the Board of Trustees decided to honor those whose role in the development of the institution was of special significance. The Huebner Gold Medal, named for The College's founder, Solomon S. Huebner, is The College’s most prestigious honor and is awarded to people who, through support and dedication to The College and its programs, have moved the institution forward in its mission.

The College awards the Huebner Gold Medal each year at its annual President’s Dinner. The 2023 President’s Dinner was held this past November at the Barnes Foundation, located in the heart of Philadelphia’s beautiful museum district.

Margaret I. Bradshaw, CLU^® (posthumously)

This year, we celebrated two recipients. First, we remembered and paid tribute to the late Margaret I. Bradshaw, CLU®. Margaret was a trailblazer, a successful businesswoman, an exemplary advocate of ethics in the insurance industry, and so much more. In 1931, she became the first woman in the United States to earn the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) designation. At that time, in the early days of The College, few agents recognized the CLU® —and fewer understood the value of applied knowledge in the insurance industry, or the significance of the designation. Over a relationship with The College that spanned seven decades until her passing at the age of 106 in 2011, Margaret often credited the CLU® for professionalizing the industry and elevating its practitioners in the eyes of the public.

Margaret broke down barriers and paved the way for other women to succeed in the insurance industry. At The College, she was known for the Margaret Bradshaw Lecture Series and generous investment in the Center for Ethics in Financial Services. She was a tireless advocate for ethics and professionalism. She believed that financial services professionals have a responsibility to put the needs of their clients first and she always led by example. She saw the potential of The College to make a difference in the industry—and the world.

Phillip C. Richards, CLU^®, RHU^®

We also recognized Philip C. Richards, CLU®, RHU®. Phil is the Executive Chairman and Founder of the North Star Resource Group and a member of The College’s Alumni Hall of Fame. Among his many contributions, he has helped drive The College’s growth as an alumnus, a board member, and a champion of our shared mission. In honor of his own mentor and a prior recipient of the Solomon S. Huebner Gold Medal, Phil helped create the annual endowed Maurice “Maury” L. Stewart Lectureship program. He also supported the One Person and Invest in the Future capital campaigns.

Phil embodies The College’s belief in the value of lifelong learning. North Star represents a fully integrated array of financial services and products for individuals and businesses of all sizes and has over 140,000 clients with offices in 22 states with client assets under administration exceeding $10 billion. In addition, he is an adjunct professor emeritus for the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and former adjunct professor at Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing.