The Mathematics Department is proud to announce that Shang Xu (B.S. in Mathematics with Emphasis in Actuarial Science and Mathematical Finance - December 2020) has been awarded the 2024 Distinguished Recent Alumni Award by the College of Arts and Science at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

After completing his bachelor's degree Summa Cum Laude in 2.5 years, Shang became a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries at the tender age of 22, the highest honor in the field that commonly takes a decade to attain. This accomplishment exemplifies his exceptional dedication and aptitude for the actuarial profession, setting him apart at a stage when most individuals are just beginning their journey.

Shang began his career at Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) during the pandemic, where he became a pioneer of the unprecedented remote work environment. Through his resilience and adaptability, Shang rose swiftly through the ranks, from support roles in reinsurance pricing to the design and negotiation of multi-million-dollar capital solutions for Fortune 500 companies. 

Most recently, Shang joined the esteemed firm Milliman as a Consulting Actuary, advising multi-billion-dollar reinsurance transactions, mergers, and acquisitions. Ultimately, Shang aspires to become the leader of the next generation of risk professionals, using his skills to provide financial security to the public.

Beyond his professional achievements, Shang remains deeply committed to giving back to his Alma Mater and the actuarial community. He volunteers with MU Math, educating students about his profession and actively participating in the hiring of Mizzou students as interns. Additionally, he dedicates his expertise to the Society of Actuaries, contributing to the creation of credentialing exams and education curricula for future actuaries.