WESTERN CUNA MANAGEMENT SCHOOL CLASS OF 2012

Excellence and leadership were two rousing themes emanating from the 51st Western CUNA Management School graduation on July 26 at Pomona College in Claremont, CA, where credit union professionals celebrated their success in finishing one of the credit union industry's most prestigious and rigorous training programs.

In addition to the 75 members of the graduating third-year "Kappa" class, 91 second-year "Lambda" students and 116 first-year "Mu" students attended the 2012 school session. "You attended WCMS during one of the worst recessions in U.S. history," said Lee Alderman, class speaker and assistant vice president of training and financial literacy for Redwood CU, to graduates. "You didn't wait, but instead you dealt with the issues to create. You took every opportunity to encourage each other along the way. You have an over-the-top positive and enthusiastic spirit for everything you do."

According to its time-honored tradition of giving back to WCMS, the graduating class presented a fundraising check totaling more than $72,000 to WCMS President Jim Likens, along with another check for more than $10,000 from a school auction. Additional funds were also donated to the Joseph Melchione Memorial Fund to honor the memory of the late long-time WCMS faculty member and credit union attorney. The fund was created by his partners at Styskal, Wiese & Melchione to provide perpetual WCMS scholarships to the school's program.

A third of the 2012 graduating students attended WCMS with the help of scholarships. "My dream is that no one is turned away from here because the cost is prohibitive," said Likens. "Thanks to gifts like these, we can keep the tuition very low and provide scholarships for those who need them. One of the things that make this school so special is that we learn to care about something bigger than ourselves. That's what we've seen here tonight with these wonderful gifts."

During the commencement, the following recognitions were bestowed:

• Charles M. Clark Memorial Award—Lee Alderman, assistant vice president of training and financial literacy for Redwood CU in California. This award is presented each year to an outstanding member of the graduating class chosen by the class and faculty.
• James D. Likens Alumni Recognition Award—Annette Zimmerman, president and CEO of PrimeWay FCU in Texas. This award is given to honor WCMS Alumni for significant achievements in the credit union field since graduation from the school.
• Rick Craig Prize for Excellence in Project II—David Stacey, treasurers office manager for America First CU in Utah. This is a new award.

America First CU President and CEO Rick Craig, who is retiring later this year, was also recognized for his dedication to WCMS as an instructor for 31 years. "Thank you for all you've done," Likens said. "You're a great man, and we love you."

Spokane Teachers FCU President and CEO and commencement speaker Tom Johnson offered words of encouragement to the graduating class. He talked about the benefits of attending WCMS, the important relationships formed, and how individuals become "united" from across the country.

"WCMS is vital to retaining industry leaders, and vital to programs that help our credit union members," Johnson said. "Go back to your credit unions and make a difference. Your members face more unbelievable challenges than ever. Make a difference with your colleagues, build relationships, lend a hand, and be leaders."

Western CUNA Management School is sponsored by the credit union leagues and associations serving Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

About WCMS: WCMS is a management program, focused on helping credit union professionals address the key issues affecting the fast-paced business environment. The curriculum at WCMS includes classes on management, economics, legal and ethical standards, money and financial institutions, philosophy, communications, and leadership. The program is held over three years, with two-week terms during consecutive summers. Students also complete two extensive projects on their respective credit unions during their WCMS education. California is one of 13 states participating in Western CUNA Management School. School administration is conducted from the California Credit Union League headquarters, in Ontario, CA, and can be reached at www.wcmspomona.org