Gulliver alumnus Alfonso Valle ’06 is an engineer by training, but after grad school, he went on an unexpected path and quickly developed a new passion for the (re)insurance industry. He’s now the Vice President of TransRe, leading the Latin American Casualty and Marine portfolio. He says he’s grateful for Gulliver as a strong foundation for his career and his life—now as a business leader, husband and father of two.
What have you been up to since graduating from Gulliver?
Professionally, I lead the Latin American Casualty and Marine portfolios, as well as our commercial efforts, for a global reinsurance firm. I work closely with clients and brokers across the region to structure solutions for complex risks and drive strategic growth. Outside the office, life is wonderfully chaotic. I’m a proud husband to my incredible wife, and together we’re raising two amazing kids—Alfonso José and Anneliese—plus two golden doodles who are fully convinced they run the household (and honestly, they might be right). When I’m not on a call or chasing deadlines, you’ll likely find me chasing someone—or something—around the house. Whether we’re traveling, diving into a new adventure, or just trying to get through bedtime without a full-blown negotiation, I do my best to be present and enjoy the beautiful mess of everyday life.
What inspired you to pursue your current career, and how has your path evolved along the way?
I’m an engineer by training—that was always the plan. I’ve long been drawn to structure, analysis, and creative problem-solving. But after completing grad school at Texas A & M University, I joined TransRe somewhat by coincidence. What began as a post-graduate opportunity quickly grew into a passion, as I discovered the depth, global reach, and real-world impact of the (re)insurance industry.
What continues to inspire me is the core mission of this field: building resilience. Whether it’s helping businesses recover from catastrophe or working with partners across Latin America to manage complex and evolving risks, there’s a real sense of purpose behind what we do. Since joining TransRe, I’ve been fortunate to grow through various roles that have broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the industry. Today, as Vice President, I lead the Latin American Casualty and Marine portfolio and oversee the commercial efforts of the Latin American Division. One of the most rewarding parts of the journey has been mentoring others and helping foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and long-term thinking. It’s been an unexpected path—but one that has continuously challenged, inspired, and fulfilled me in all the right ways.
Was there something you learned at Gulliver—inside or outside the
classroom—that’s made an impact on your life?
Absolutely. Gulliver had a profound impact on me—both in the classroom and beyond. Academically, the school sparked a sense of intellectual curiosity and global awareness that still shapes the way I think and lead today. We were constantly encouraged to challenge ideas, think critically, and look at problems from different angles—which, as an engineering student later on, turned out to be a pretty useful survival skill.
Outside the classroom, being part of Gulliver’s varsity swim team played an equally important role in shaping who I am. Balancing 5:00 a.m. swim practices with a full academic load taught me two things very quickly: the value of discipline, and that sleep is a luxury. But more than that, it instilled resilience, accountability, and the understanding that hard work doesn’t guarantee success—but it definitely gets you closer.
Gulliver gave me much more than just an education—it gave me a mindset, a work ethic, and the muscle memory to function before sunrise (which I still occasionally question). Those experiences continue to influence the way I show up—in business, in life, and sometimes, still, in a pair of goggles.
Are there any Gulliver teachers or coaches you credit as having positively influenced
you?
Without a doubt—Coach Peter Prins had a profound influence on me during my time at Gulliver. As my swim coach, he was more than just a mentor in the pool; he was a builder of character. Coach Prins pushed us to dig deeper, to embrace discomfort, and to strive for more than we thought possible. His belief in discipline, consistency, and mental toughness didn’t just shape me as an athlete—it shaped the way I approach life.
Looking back, so many of the values I rely on today—resilience, leadership, showing up for others—were rooted in those early mornings and long practices under his guidance. He taught us that excellence isn’t a moment; it’s a habit. That mindset has stayed with me through every stage of my journey, from grad school to boardrooms across Latin America. Coach Prins left a mark that goes well beyond sport. I’ll always be grateful for the lessons he taught—many of which I find myself passing on to others today.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Gulliver Prep?
Some of my favorite memories from Gulliver Prep revolve around the homeschool events and pep rallies—especially when we were gearing up to play against Ransom. The energy on campus during those days was electric. There was a real sense of unity and pride that brought everyone together, whether you were on the field, in the stands, or just part of the build-up during the week.
Competing against Ransom always brought out the best in us—not just in terms of athletic performance, but in school spirit. I still remember the chants, the painted faces, and that shared excitement that made those moments unforgettable. It was more than just a rivalry—it was a celebration of community, tradition, and the kind of school pride that stays with you long after graduation.
What has been one of your proudest moments?
One of my earliest proudest moments was being inducted into the National Honor Society at Gulliver Prep. As a student-athlete balancing academics and varsity swimming, that recognition meant a great deal. It validated the early mornings, long practices, and late nights hitting the books—and instilled in me a deep appreciation for discipline, resilience, and balance.
Today, that same foundation continues to guide me, both professionally and personally. I’m proud to serve as Vice President at TransRe. But even more meaningful to me is the life I’ve built with my family. I’m incredibly fortunate to share this journey with my amazing wife, and together we’re raising two wonderful children who are the heart of everything I do.
While I value my career and the opportunities it’s brought, my proudest moments are often the quiet ones at home—helping with homework, walking our dogs, or spending time together outdoors. Those everyday moments remind me of what truly matters, and I carry that perspective with me into every part of my life.
As a Gulliver Prep alum, what advice would you give to current students?
Take full advantage of everything Gulliver has to offer—it’s a unique place where you’re encouraged to think big, challenge yourself, and grow in ways you might not even realize yet. Say yes to new experiences, step outside your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes. That’s where real learning happens.
Also, don’t stress if your path isn’t perfectly mapped out. I started off studying engineering and ended up building a career in reinsurance—something I never imagined as a student. Life has a funny way of leading you to exactly where you’re meant to be, so stay open to the unexpected. And perhaps most importantly, treasure the relationships you’re forming now. The friends, teammates, and mentors you have at Gulliver might just become some of the most important people in your life. Years later, it’s those connections—and the values you build here—that will continue to guide and inspire you. Enjoy the ride. It goes by faster than you think.
What clubs, sports, or extracurriculars were you involved in at Gulliver Prep, and how did they influence you?
At Gulliver Prep, I was a proud member of the varsity swim team. Being part of that team was one of the most formative experiences of my high school years. The early morning practices, the discipline it demanded, and the camaraderie we built as teammates all had a lasting impact on me. Swimming taught me how to manage my time, push through challenges, and stay focused under pressure—skills that proved essential in college, grad school, and now in my professional life. It also instilled in me a strong sense of accountability, both to myself and to others. You learn quickly in the pool that success doesn’t come from shortcuts—it comes from showing up, putting in the work, and staying consistent. That mindset, forged through athletics at Gulliver, has stayed with me ever since.
What’s something about you that most of your classmates might be surprised to learn?
Most of my classmates would probably be surprised to learn that I somehow ended up in (re)insurance. Back at Gulliver, I was more focused on swim times than spreadsheets—so the idea of me working in risk analytics and underwriting would’ve sounded like a stretch (even to me). I studied engineering, joined TransRe after grad school, and the rest is a very well-structured, actuarially-modeled history. Also, I’ve officially traded swim meets and team chants for bedtime stories, family grocery runs, and trying to convince two kids and two dogs to listen to me (with mixed success). So, if you had “suburban dad life with a side of global reinsurance” on your bingo card—you win. Life took me in an unexpected
direction, but it’s been a great ride—and I’m still using that swimmer discipline every day… just now to survive bath time and inboxes.
How do you stay connected with fellow Gulliver Prep alumni or the school community?
I’ve stayed connected with the Gulliver Prep community primarily through friendships that have lasted well beyond graduation. Many of my closest friends today are people I met during my time at Gulliver—we’ve supported each other through different life stages, and those bonds continue to be a meaningful part of my life. Social media has also made it easier to keep in touch, celebrate milestones, and stay updated on what fellow alumni are up to. And more recently, reconnecting through platforms like LinkedIn and initiatives like this alumni spotlight has helped me reengage with the broader Gulliver network. I’m especially looking forward to upcoming class reunions and Homecoming events as more opportunities to reconnect, share memories, and see where life has taken everyone since our days at Gulliver. It’s always meaningful to stay connected to a place that shaped so much of who I am.
