On August 4 and 5, the Texas Tech School of Banking celebrated its 50th anniversary, commemorating the immeasurable impact the program has had on community banking throughout the state. Held at the Frazier Alumni Pavilion on the Texas Tech University campus, an Alumni & Friends Reception and Dinner was held on August 4. The celebrations coincide with this year’s School of Banking program. With approximately 150 students participating this year, the program provides a week-long educational opportunity that has brought together thousands of bankers over the years who hope to advance their careers as current or future members of banking management or leadership teams.

The Texas Tech School of Banking requires a two-year commitment by attendees. In the first year, bankers focus on interactive lectures and team activities, as well as learning about their own institution’s financial information and how to analyze their bank’s risks and financial performance. In the second year, participants work in teams to build and manage a thriving virtual community bank, applying the tools learned in year one and the material covered in year two to put their knowledge into practice. According to the Odessa American, the average size of banks sending participants to the school is $1 billion in total assets, and the average length of experience of participants in the banking industry is seven years. Last year’s program was attended by 67 different banking representatives across Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma.