The ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking recognized 216 graduates today, awarding Stonier diplomas and Wharton Leadership certificates. ABA Chairman-Elect Dan Blanton, CEO of Georgia Bank and Trust, Augusta, Ga., was the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony held on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.
Blanton reminded graduates that bankers have often faced daunting economic challenges and regulatory hurdles, from the development of the national banking system to the advent of the FDIC and the savings and loan crisis. In every instance, he said, “the banking industry survived. Bankers found a way.”
The graduates’ “charge and challenge,” Blanton added, would be — as ABA’s Hal Stonier envisioned — to “guide the industry into an uncertain future” using the knowledge and skills gained at Stonier.
Stonier attracted more than 675 students this year. Held at Penn’s Wharton School each summer for a week, Stonier’s intensive executive education program complements extension projects throughout the year. The three-year program convenes talented banking professionals working for community, regional or money center banks; regulatory agencies; and bank service organizations.
