Description: According to the book 'The Limits to Growth' by Dennis L. Meadows et al., exponential population growth is the looming cause of five major trends of global concern- accelerating industrialization, increasing population pressure, rapid disappearance of unused arable land, depletion of non-renewable resources, and a deteriorating environment. Can disaster be avoided? The author of this article suggests that since actuaries are self-styled futurists, using our mathematical skills to define, analyze, and solve complex business and social problems, we should not be left behind on this one.

Description: At its two-day meeting in February, the Executive Committee, as is customary, concentrated on a few topics, which this year were: Sections, Education Policy, Planning, and Public Relations. The Board decided that two changes in our Constitution, both concerning admission to Associateship, should he submitted to the Fellows for approval.

Description: Obituary dedicated to the life and times of Neil A. Parmenter.

Description: In March 1972, Peter J. Turvey, F.I.A. proposed to the lnstitute of Actuaries Students Society a notation that dealt only with the present range of symbols and was limited to the standard computer print characters. This article describes the notation.

Description: Article from The Actuary, November 1985 – Volume No. 19, Issue No. 9 that looks at the role of the actuary in our industry and how there could be considerably more interaction between the actuary and the field.

Description: The last year in the 20th century was an important time for the Society of Actuaries. Central to the Society’s 1998-99 activities were the celebration of its 50th anniversary, consideration of the Big Tent concept for the profession’s future, finalization of its new education and examination system for implementation in 2000, and sponsorship of a wide range of scientific projects and seminars. This article provides a 1998-99 Society of Actuaries year in review.

Description: Over the last year or two, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of U.S. news topics that involve actuarial thinking such as Obama-care and long-term health of Social Security. While it is a nice feeling to see actuaries at the center of the action, much, or even most of the debate is conducted without any understanding of the actuarial concepts involved. This article is about the challenge of actuaries educating the public on these issues, especially when the profession is still working hard to bring its communication skills up to the level of its technical expertise.

Description: Update on section activities

Description: This article describes the Society of Actuaries' golden year celebration at the 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting held in San Francisco on October 17-20, 1999. Among the highlights, a book on the Society’s history, 'The First 50 Years: Society of Actuaries 1949-1999,' was developed to convey the remarkable accomplishments of the Society of Actuaries and the people who helped shape its growth and worldwide influence.

Description: Annual treasurer's report of the SOA.