Members of the Indiana banking community presented a donation of $135,000 to Purdue University Northwest at a PNW Banking Program Summit held in Hammond on May 24. The donation supports a newly created banking concentration to be offered within the finance major of the College of Business. This university-level banking concentration is the first of its kind in Indiana.

Representatives of the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA) and member banks have been engaging in meetings for nearly a year with leadership of the PNW College of Business to explore the creation of a banking concentration. The $135,000 donation represents a three-year commitment from Indiana banks and the IBA.

The establishment of a banking concentration cements a partnership between PNW and Indiana banks designed to assist the next generation of college graduates in seeking viable career opportunities. The concentration helps students identify post-graduate career paths, while benefiting the banking community in attracting future talent. This educational opportunity was a goal of past IBA chairman Clay W. Ewing, German American Bank, Jasper, and also supports the “Next-Gen Bankers” pillar of the IBA strategic plan.

Participating in the PNW Banking Program Summit in May were representatives from Purdue University Northwest College of Business, the Indiana Bankers Association, and six IBA-member banks: 1st Source Bank, South Bend; American Community Bank of Indiana, Saint John; Centier Bank, Merrillville; First State Bank of Porter; Horizon Bank, Michigan City; and Peoples Bank, Munster. Topics covered at the summit included a curriculum overview, implementation timeline, enrollment goals/marketing plan, industry partner needs/input, and a review of next steps.

Members of the Indiana banking community present a donation to Purdue University Northwest for the creation of a banking concentration within the university’s College of Business. Shown are representatives from Purdue University Northwest; the Indiana Bankers Association; 1st Source Bank, South Bend; American Community Bank of Indiana, Saint John; Centier Bank, Merrillville; First State Bank of Porter; Horizon Bank, Michigan City; and Peoples Bank, Munster.