NEWS RELEASE
Aug. 2, 2010
ABA Media Contact: Carol Kaplan    
(202) 663-5471
E-mail: ckaplan@aba.com

ABA STONIER GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BANKING ANNOUNCES NEW CURRICULUM

WASHINGTON — In response to numerous changes in the banking industry, the American Bankers Association today announced it is combining the two curricula currently offered at its graduate-level banking school into one high-impact executive education program at the new ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking ("Stonier").

When ABA merged with America's Community Bankers (ACB) in 2007, each organization managed its own prestigious graduate-level education program: ABA's Stonier Graduate School of Banking and ACB's National School of Banking.  "Initially, we combined the schools into the ABA Stonier National Graduate School of Banking and continued offering two tracks," said John C. Boucher, incoming chairman of the Stonier advisory board.  "But as our industry faced rapid change, it became clear we needed a more focused educational experience.  The new Stonier curriculum brings together the best elements of both tracks along with many new features to provide greater value to all."

Preparing senior-level bankers and regulators for the decision-making and oversight required to navigate in challenging times has always been the focus of the school.

"Dr. Harold Stonier was a renowned educator and ABA executive widely respected for his innovation and leadership," said Boucher. "He helped create the first ABA graduate-level school in 1935 at a time when the U.S. was coming out of the worst economic downturn in its history. There was a critical need to ready bankers for the changes that lay ahead by providing the management and stewardship skills they needed for success. The situation we face today calls for the same innovation and leadership. Therefore, it is fitting that this new program retains the Stonier name."

The program offers unparalleled learning opportunities with an emphasis on strategic planning, economics, financial management, and leadership.  A wide range of elective courses enable attendees to meet their professional and developmental goals in a highly-personalized fashion.  In addition, through a Capstone Strategic Project, they have a unique opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained at Stonier to a major initiative within their own organization.
 
Stonier's faculty includes many of the most influential thinkers, practitioners, and experts in the financial services industry.  Students from across the country and around the world brainstorm and share ideas about current banking scenarios to help them develop strategies for excelling in a highly-competitive financial marketplace.

Over a shared 125-year history, both schools have educated more than 20,000 alumni, including some of the most respected banking executives in the U.S. 

"Stonier's affiliation with the largest banking association in the U.S., combined with its world-class faculty, enhanced curriculum, and cutting-edge approach to learning, truly makes the school the leader for leaders," Boucher said.

The next session of this executive education program will be held at the University of Pennsylvania June 11–17, 2011.  For more information on how you can benefit from the Stonier experience, please contact Perette Bonner at 202-663-5411 or pbonner@aba.com.

The American Bankers Association represents banks of all sizes and charters and is the voice for the nation's $13 trillion banking industry and its two million employees.   Learn more at aba.com.

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