2nd annual Federated Day brings experts back to campus to fuel student success

Federated Insurance's Mike Anderson participates in Federated Day on Nov. 5, 2025, in Memorial Hall. (Allison Conner / Bemidji State)

By Allison Conner

Published 4:54 pm on November 12, 2025

Thanks to Federated Day, Beavers are a little more prepared for their post-university careers.

Bemidji State University’s second annual Federated Day kicked off on Nov. 5 by welcoming to campus a group of Federated Insurance representatives, many of them BSU alumni themselves, to mentor students who are studying business, accounting, and finance.

Through mock interviews, one-on-one career consulting sessions, and a social hour, approximately 50 students engaged in insightful conversations about what to expect career-wise after graduation. Now two years strong, the event also showcases the company’s value of investing in people first.

For Mike Anderson, a 2005 BSU graduate and a marketing representative with Federated for 12 years, being back on campus means more than just another recruiting opportunity.

“The number of Bemidji State alumni working across our company in accounting, HR, and sales is incredible,” Anderson said. “We see BSU grads have better results and longer tenures because of their work ethic and character. The quality of people here is just something special.”

Bemidji State students, faculty, and staff participate in Federated Day alongside Federated Insurance employees on Nov. 5, 2025, at Memorial Hall. (Allison Conner / Bemidji State)

Anderson said Federated invests heavily in its people by providing a nine-month paid training program that sets up new hires for an easy transition into their professional roles. BSU graduates, he added, tend to bring determination, which yields a greater return on investment for the extensive paid training they provide their new hires.

He added that many BSU students, especially first-generation college students and those from small northern Minnesota communities, embody the humility and gratitude that align closely with Federated’s company culture.

“Bemidji State students tend to be more loyal, more grateful, and they have that grit to stick through challenges. That’s why we keep coming back,” Anderson said. “Once they get past those growing pains during training and beginning their career, they usually become lifers.”

Bemidji State student Preston Thomas, left, participates in Federated Day on Nov. 5, 2025, in Memorial Hall. (Allison Conner / Bemidji State)

Soft skills beyond the classroom

Students who participated in the Federated Day festivities said they felt more confident about their plans after graduation.

Marlyn Lund is close to launching a career as a certified public accountant, with only 25 additional credits from BSU needed to secure that goal. She is building off of her previous degree in accounting technology from the University of Zamboanga in the Philippines. She attended Federated Day for extra credit and left feeling inspired.

“Once I saw what the event was about, I realized I could also gain interview experience and maybe even find a job,” Lund said. “I was advised to learn QuickBooks — that’s new to me here in the U.S., and it really helped me understand what I need to learn to grow.”

Preston Thomas, a senior majoring in business administration with emphases in entrepreneurship and finance, said the event helped him prepare to apply for Federated’s Claims Representative position.

“I know people who work there and really like it,” he said. “It’s a good business that treats employees well and offers great benefits. The mock interviews helped open my eyes to what I need to do to prepare myself to succeed.”

Federated Insurance representatives pose with football players and members of the athletic department at the new Federated Insurance-sponsored Beaver Fueling Station during Federated Day on Nov. 5, 2025, in the Frederick P. Baker Training Center. (Allison Conner / Bemidji State)

Fueling success across campus

After the scheduled event concluded, Federated’s representatives made their way to the John Glas Fieldhouse for a spur-of-the-moment field trip to view the new Federated Insurance-sponsored Beaver Fueling Station, designed to help BSU student-athletes stay energy-efficient and healthy. The station houses a variety of nutritious options for student-athletes to enjoy and help them to perform at their best.

The fueling station demonstrates just how Federated’s support is about investing in students in both mind and body, going above and beyond the average internship or job opportunity a company can offer.

From classrooms to the fieldhouse, the partnership continues to open doors — building a culture of gratitude, growth, and opportunity that reflects what it means to be For the North.

“We’re deeply appreciative of Federated Insurance for prioritizing our students and offering competitive internships,” said Abby Randall, director of corporate relations and giving at the BSU Alumni & Foundation. “They identify really well with the work ethic and heart of BSU students, and we enjoy partnering with the company to create more engagement opportunities based on their energy and enthusiasm for what makes our students unique.”