The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas held its 2022 commencement on June 9 for the 62nd class. SWGSB Foundation trustee Brad Cheves, vice president for development and external affairs at SMU, gave the commencement address on executive education’s role in leadership development. John Hope Bryant, renowned entrepreneur, thought leader and philanthropic leader of Operation HOPE Inc., was this year’s keynote speaker. The top graduates received more than $25,000 in merit-based scholarships during their three years at SWGSB.

“Through the ‘SWGSB Leadership Experience,’ the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking provides its participants with the big picture of banking,” says Jeffrey R. Schmid, president and CEO of the SWGSB Foundation. “It gives them a true appreciation of the role they and others play in reaching the goals of the organization. This unique perspective not only advances their careers but also transforms the face of banking—especially as new challenges are overcome and new technological breakthroughs take shape. SWGSB is a powerful resource for the industry, augmenting financial institutions’ own efforts to build executive teams capable of managing and growing consumer wealth. The members of Class 62—now equipped with this knowledge and the highest ethical standards—leave us fully prepared to lead their institutions, champion the strategies they’ve learned and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

In his keynote address, Bryant considered America’s “Conscience of Capitalism” and spoke about leadership and the guiding principles of financial inclusion and social uplift. He emphasized the importance of helping all people in the “Invisible Class” become fully integrated into our nation’s economy—creating a win-win for all of the nation’s stakeholders.

During the keynote, two SWGSB Foundation trustees were honored by the SWGSB Alumni Association. J. Rogers Pope Jr., vice-chairman and CEO of Texas Bank and Trust, received the SWGSB Distinguished Alumni Award. Robert L. Clarke, of counsel at the law firm Bracewell, received the Distinguished Service Award.

SWGSB’s 2022 graduates represent more than 60 financial institutions in seven states. They each have at least five years of banking experience, either in a financial institution or a federal or state regulatory agency. Most hold a senior-level post in their organization or are on a fast track within their management ranks. They have a fundamental knowledge—through education or experience—of bank operations, credit administration, accounting, financial statement analysis and economics. These banking professionals also come to SWGSB with many past accomplishments and enthusiastic recommendations from their institutions’ leadership.

Among the graduate school’s sponsoring partners are the Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas bankers associations, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas and SMU.

For those interested in attending the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking or learning more about the school and other SWGSB Foundation programs, contact the school at SWGSB, SMU Box 214, Dallas, Texas 75275; 214/768-2991; [email protected].

The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Class of 2022:

Click here to see enlarged class photo