Chicago, IL, July 16, 2026 – The Society of Actuaries proudly recognizes Professor Krzysztof Ostaszewski as the honoree for the 2026 SOA Outstanding Educator Award. As Distinguished Professor of Mathematics and Actuarial Program Director at Illinois State University (ISU), Professor Ostaszewski’s work has made a significant impact on the field of actuarial education.
Professor Ostaszewski’s academic tenure includes obtaining his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Washington, as well as earning credentials as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA), a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA), a Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst (CERA), and a Fellow of the Singapore Actuarial Society (FSAS). Additionally, he is a member of the National Academy of Social Insurance.
The ISU Actuarial Program that Professor Ostaszewski directs is highly regarded and known as one of the leading actuarial programs in the United States, earning it a title as a Society of Actuaries Center of Actuarial Excellence with University Earned Credit. The same program has received the highest distinction in the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) University Recognition Program, earning it Gold Level status. ISU is one of only nine universities worldwide to hold this dual esteemed recognition from both CAS and the SOA.
Professor Ostaszewski’s recognition in the academic setting extends beyond his program’s immense success, as he is known to many actuarial students as the creator of the “Darth Vader Rule.”
Professor Ostaszewski is a highly accomplished author who has written and/or co-written notable works such as the Actuarial Standard of Practice No. 32, two research monographs in mathematics, four research books in actuarial science, and numerous research papers spanning actuarial science, economics, and mathematics. His actuarial research received the Robert I. Mehr Award from the American Risk and Insurance Association in 2005.
The SOA Outstanding Educator Award recognizes the notable contributions of an influential educator in the actuarial science field. Individuals must have at least ten years of experience and be actively teaching actuarial science, typically at a college or university. Applicants for the award must have a record of excellence in three distinct areas: scholarly output in actuarial science pedagogy, actuarial science teaching, and impact and outreach. Candidates from small and large schools around the world are encouraged to apply.
About the Society of Actuaries
With roots dating back to 1889, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) is the world’s largest actuarial professional organization with more than 35,000 actuaries as members in more than 100 countries. The SOA’s purpose is to empower its members to drive solutions to life’s financial risks. To learn more, visit soa.org.