The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (SWGSB) has announced that Stephan Crétier, GardaWorld Security founder, president and CEO, will be the keynote speaker for SWGSB’s 2026 summer graduate school session, May 26–June 5.
Crétier founded GardaWorld in 1995 with an initial investment of $25,000, secured through a second mortgage on his home. Guided by his entrepreneurial vision and relentless drive, he transformed the small regional security business into one of the world’s largest privately owned security and risk management companies, with operations in more than 500 locations worldwide and 132,000 employees globally. Crétier was the 2025 recipient of the International Horatio Alger Award, a distinction that recognizes exceptional leaders who have overcome adversity through perseverance and integrity to achieve outstanding success and who inspire others through their example.
“Stephan Crétier’s entrepreneurial journey is a powerful example of resilience, vision and disciplined leadership—qualities that resonate deeply with the mission of SWGSB and the executives we serve,” says William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO of SWGSB. “We are honored to welcome him as our keynote speaker and look forward to the inspiration and practical insight he will share with our students and alumni.”
Approximately 300 bankers will convene on the SMU campus for the summer session of SWGSB’s flagship three-year graduate program, which stands among the nation’s leading banking schools. The immersive course of study blends advanced case work, a strategically designed curriculum and collaborative learning experiences that prepare high-performing bankers for expanded leadership at the highest levels of the profession. Through three intensive summer resident sessions, participants gain not only expertise and perspective, but also entry into a powerful national network of peers and mentors. The relationships formed and the insights gained extend far beyond the classroom—strengthening institutions, elevating communities, and shaping careers for decades to come.
Click here for more information or to register for the session.
