The CAS Legacy
by Albert J. Beer

Editor’s Note: Published here are excerpts from the "Presidential Address" given by Albert J. Beer at the 1996 CA. 7 Annual Meeting in November. The complete text of the address will be published in the Proceedings of the Casualty Actuarial Society, LXXXIII (1996).

I know that I am forever grateful to those actuaries who have made a dif-ference in my career: Mike Fusco, Kevin Ryan, Tom Murrin and Fnxl Kilboume, who each showed me that inspirational leadership can easily accommcdate a wonderful self-deprecating sense of humor. And Jim MacGinnitie, Chuck Bryan, Dave Hartman, Stan Khury, Allan Kaufman-- all of whom represent a tireless dedication to serving the profession, often at great personal sacrifice. Mary Hennessy, Mike Toothman, Mike Walters, and Dave Flynn--who showed me that the qualties of personal integrity and caing for people are not inversely related to financial success.

One of the easiest mistakes to make as a member of the actuarial profession is to take the prestige afforded to us for granted. There is little doubt in my mind that the FCAS is regarded as the mcast prestigious designation within the property/casualty insurance industry. Whether it be at our desks, a conference room, or a board room, our colleagues bestow upon us a special respect that is clearly unique to the actuarial profession.

In this context, it is extremely important that we all recognize the huge debt of gratitude we owe our prude-cessors for crafting the foundation upon which our renowned profession rests. We are all obligated to continue this great tradition and should each be personally committed to enhancing the status of the actuary well into the future. We each share the significant responsibility of protecting and nurturing this gift of our CAS Legacy.