GSBC concluded its 74th Annual School Session, held July 13-25, welcoming nearly 460 community bankers to the University of Colorado Boulder campus for two weeks of intensive education, industry connection and personal reflection.
A highlight of this year’s session was the introduction of GSBC’s class of 2025—a 175-person cohort representing 27 U.S. states. These students began their three-year journey with a bold invitation to help lead the future of their institutions through a deeper understanding of community banking, and commitment to bold thinking, collaboration and curiosity.
Community Banking as Rooted for Growth and Curriculum Innovation
For the first time in its history, GSBC introduced a unifying session theme: “Rooted for Growth: Cultivating Knowledge, Connections and Momentum.”
Woven into programming, storytelling and student reflection exercises, the theme encouraged participants to stay grounded in the values of community banking while growing their capacity to lead boldly. The GSBC student community rose to occasion, engaging thoughtfully with its three pillars: Knowledge, connection and momentum.
The theme also connected with GSBC’s continued evolution beyond traditional, technical bank training forums. Participants across all three years used the Experience & Action Journal, a strategic reflection tool that replaces exams with prompts that align learning with bank priorities, clarify personal growth goals and identify momentum-building actions for when they return home.
Programming to Inspire Confidence, Drive Decisions for Today
The 2025 session delivered world-class education and inspiration from experts, regulators, and innovators, including guest speakers from the banking industry’s two flagship trade associations:
- American Bankers Association’s (ABA) Paul Benda addressed cybersecurity and AI risks with real-world insights from bank CEOs affected by deepfakes and fraud.
- Daniel Hood explored “The Resilient Leader,” helping students build composure and confidence under pressure.
- Independent Community Bankers of America’s (ICBA) ThinkTECH Accelerator companies showcased community bank-ready tech designed to improve efficiency, compliance and the customer experience.
Curriculum enhancements continued to center on GSBC’s strategic vision of Bolder Banking—developing adaptive leaders who can think strategically and connect across silos to act with foresight.
“GSBC exists to build bold leaders for the future of community banking,” said GSBC President & CEO Michael Stevens. “Our students leave this session with the roots of their purpose deepened—and their growth strategies accelerated.”