As part of its 74th Annual School Session, GSBC introduced its first-ever Session Theme: Rooted for Growth: Cultivating Knowledge, Connections and Momentum. Designed to unify and deepen the student experience, the theme became a touchstone throughout the two-week program, culminating in a schoolwide storytelling challenge.
The initiative aimed to inspire students to reflect on their personal and professional growth during their time on campus. Through daily prompts, peer group discussions and interactive wristbands symbolizing each of the three pillars—Knowledge, Connection and Momentum—students were encouraged to identify and share meaningful moments from their GSBC journey.
To better understand the impact of the theme, GSBC gathered feedback from its full student body of 460 community bankers, regulators and industry professionals. Overwhelmingly, students reported that Rooted for Growth encouraged a high level of reflection and helped them stay focused on the broader purpose of their development.
“It made me think about more than just the work. It made me think about why I’m here and how I want to show up when I go back home,” one student shared in a post-session reflection.
The three pillars that shaped the theme emerged prominently in student takeaways:
- Knowledge: Many students reported a new sense of confidence after realizing that curiosity and openness are as important to leadership as technical expertise. Several commented on overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing learning in new ways.
- Connection: Relationships formed in Boulder were described as foundational. Students cited peer groups, casual conversations and shared experiences as key drivers of personal insight and support.
- Momentum: Participants left the session with plans to implement new ideas, launch mentorship efforts and bring a renewed sense of leadership to their institutions. GSBC’s new assessment tool, the Experience & Action Journal, fostered foresight for how students could translate coursework takeaways and implement them at their institutions post-session.
GSBC leadership says the positive response affirms the school’s commitment to blending rigorous curriculum with intentional personal development.
“Rooted for Growth created space for students to be thoughtful about how they immersed themselves in the campus experience,” said GSBC Vice President of Strategy & Experience Josie Bunch. “Recognizing moments of learning, connection and innovation in real time brought an exciting energy to campus this year, and we are proud of how the GSBC community rose to the challenge to be intentional about their leadership development.”
For more on GSBC’s leadership in community bank education, explore the Annual School Session.