Ball State Graduate Lou Hensley Invests in Students—and Their Futures
Lou Hensley, ’91 (left), president and CEO of Aspida Holdings Ltd., hired Caleb Murray, ’22, a few years ago. Today, Mr. Murray is a senior actuarial analyst at Aspida—and building momentum early in his career. Photo by Natalia Weedy.
Aspida CEO Lou Hensley, ’91, supports Ball State through philanthropy, service on the Ball State University Foundation Board, student mentorship, and recruiting Cardinals for internships and careers.
When Lou Hensley, ’91, believes in something or someone, he goes all in.
As a high school student, he decided he wanted to become an actuary and set out to find one of the few universities in the nation with an actuarial science program. That search led him to Ball State University, where he earned his degree in actuarial science from the College of Sciences and Humanities. Today, he is president and CEO of Aspida Holdings Ltd., a life insurance and annuity company headquartered in Durham, N.C., with more than $25 billion in assets.
Mr. Hensley later circled back to Ball State with that same all-in mentality, making his first gift to the University in 2019 during One Ball State Day. Five years later, he joined the Board of Directors of the Ball State University Foundation. He has mentored students and assisted in the selection process for Ball State’s Top 100 Student Awards.
“I got so much out of my experience at Ball State, and I feel a responsibility to give back,” he said. “Growing up in a blue-collar town and being a first-generation college kid in my family, it was eye-opening to come to Ball State and be around people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and ambitions. It broadened my world, and I had professors who genuinely invested in me.”
He also frequently recruits Ball State students and graduates for internships and employment. A few years ago, Mr. Hensley came across actuarial science graduate Caleb Murray, ’22, who hadn’t completed an internship—often a must-have for landing that first post-college job. Mr. Murray had spent his time balancing college football, off-season training, and actuarial exam preparation.
Nonetheless, Mr. Hensley was all in on Mr. Murray.
“He had a 4.0 GPA, a great demeanor, and a strong work ethic,” Mr. Hensley explained. “We made him a job offer right out of college. He took the job, and Caleb has been a superstar.”
Now a senior actuarial analyst at Aspida, Mr. Murray said he is grateful for the opportunity and inspired by Mr. Hensley’s ongoing commitment to Ball State.
“Lou’s investment in Ball State demonstrates his genuine belief in the quality of the education provided there and the caliber of graduates the University produces,” Mr. Murray added. “I would love to stay connected with Ball State and give back like Lou has.”
