In August, the NASBP Summer Surety School brought the heat to Denver, Colorado, as 136 students and 25 faculty members from across the country—and around the globe—kicked their summers into high gear. Over several days, participants gained clear insights into the world of surety at the Summer 2025 NASBP William J. Angell Surety School.
One of the most anticipated traditions of each Surety School session is the selection of the Most Outstanding Pupil (MOP). Students nominate a peer who demonstrates exceptional engagement, teamwork, and leadership. Each MOP is honored with a coveted memento—a football signed by classmates and faculty.
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- Congratulations to Alma Crump of Crum & Forster, recipient of the Commercial Surety Level II football! Crump is pictured with faculty, from left, NASBP President Robert Coon, Andrew Grey, Leticia Roma Salgueiro, Michael Baxter, Robin Amstutz, Stefan Engelhardt, and Nathan Wonder.
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- Applause for Jack Bill of Ascot, recognized by his peers in Contract Surety Level I with the MOP football. Bill is pictured with faculty, from left, Dawn Nevill, Nick Newton, Michael Baxter, Nathan Wonder, Stefan Engelhardt, Maggie Weber, and NASBP President Robert Coon.
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- Hats off to Andrew Treat of Tedford Insurance, winner of the Contract Surety Level II Blue Team football! Treat is pictured with faculty, from left, Michael Baxter, Billy Painter, Chris Lydick, Jim Lareau, Nathan Wonder, and NASBP President Robert Coon.
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- Cheers to Matt Brown of BondExchange, who earned the Contract Surety Level II Green Team football! Brown is pictured with faculty, from left, Michael Baxter, Chris O’Hagan, Jason Vonhaz, Chad Martin, Nathan Wonder, and NASBP President Robert Coon.
NASBP congratulates these outstanding students and their entire graduating classes on their accomplishments.
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- Commercial Surety Level II Graduates
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- Contract Surety Level I Graduates
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- Contract Surety Level II Blue Team Graduates
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- Contract Surety Level II Green Team Graduates
The spotlight also shone on our dedicated faculty, who give their time and expertise year after year to mentor the next generation of surety professionals. As a token of appreciation, faculty receive a crystal apple for every five years of service.
At this summer’s session, Nick Newton was recognized for 10 years of teaching, an incredible milestone of commitment to NASBP and the industry. Pictured, from left, Dawn Nevill, Newton, and Michael Baxter.
We also had the honor of celebrating Jim Lareau, a legendary Surety School faculty member who has taught for more than 30 years. This summer, Jim received a special award for his decades of contributions and announced his retirement from teaching. His impact on countless students and colleagues will be felt for years to come!
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- NASBP Professional Development Chair Michael Baxter gives Jim Lareau his award.
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- Lareau, Baxter, and Nathan Wonder, Vice Chair, NASBP Professional Development Committee.
Looking ahead, registration for the 2026 Winter Session of the NASBP Surety School will open soon! Courses include Contract Surety School Level I & II and Commercial Surety School Level I & II. Registration opens soon for NASBP Members, Affiliates, and Associates, don’t wait to secure your spot early, before seats are gone!
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