CLAREMONT, Calif. — The Western Credit Union Management School (WCMS) graduated 137 credit union professionals Thursday, marking the completion of the school’s 66th annual session and the culmination of a three-year leadership development program, according to WCMS.
The graduating “Psi” Class was honored during commencement ceremonies at Marston Quadrangle on the Pomona College campus, where graduates joined the ranks of 63 previous alumni classes.
According to WCMS, the graduates completed a rigorous curriculum that began in 2024 and included:
- Three examinations.
- Two major research projects based on their respective credit unions.
- Three WCMS Innovator Challenges.
- A credit union financial simulation.
- Six weeks of in-person instruction over three years.
In addition to completing the leadership program, graduates earned college credits that can be applied toward undergraduate or graduate/MBA degree programs, WCMS said.
Bill Birnie Delivers Keynote
Bill Birnie, president and CEO of Frontwave Credit Union and a 2004 WCMS graduate, delivered the commencement address. Birnie, who graduated with Highest Honors and received the Charles M. Clark Memorial Award for Leadership during his own class year, urged graduates to invest in developing future leaders within their organizations.
According to WCMS, Birnie encouraged graduates to apply the leadership, innovation and strategic skills they gained through the program to strengthen the credit union movement with “intention, passion and purpose.” He also thanked students, instructors and volunteers for their contributions to the school’s mission of developing future credit union leaders.
Class commencement speaker Wes Bell of Idaho Central Credit Union similarly encouraged graduates to remember what can be accomplished collectively through leadership across the credit union movement.
The ceremony also highlighted service-learning objectives completed by all three WCMS classes currently enrolled in the program.
Students With High Honors
Several graduates received academic honors based on examination scores and evaluations of their two major research projects.
Students graduating with High Honors were:
- Angela Capoccia
- Haley Harmon
- Matthew Logan
- Joe Rutter
- Tyler Sanger-Boyett
- Erika Smith
- Mike Tiernan
Students graduating with Honors were:
- Jillian Carlsson
- Felicia Carvalho
- Shantell Goodwin
- Erik Johnson
- Michael Knudson
- Marissa Maurelli
- Scott Rushforth
- Morgan Smith
- Bonn Valera
- Crystal Vesely
- Jeff Yu
$35K Raised
The Psi Class also continued a longstanding WCMS tradition of supporting future students by donating more than $35,000 raised through service-learning activities conducted over the past three years. WCMS said the funds will help support attendance by future leadership program participants.
Former WCMS President Dr. James Likens, a recipient of the Herb Wegner Lifetime Achievement Award, attended the ceremony and was recognized for more than 40 years of service to the school.
Anthony Chavira received the Charles M. Clark Memorial Award, presented annually to the graduating student nominated by classmates as best exemplifying high moral character, leadership, dedication to the credit union movement and academic achievement.
Mike Williams, president and CEO of Colorado Credit Union, received the James D. Likens Alumni Recognition Award, which honors graduates who have made significant contributions to the credit union industry through their professional accomplishments and volunteer service.
‘Remarkable Dedication’
Dr. Michael Steinberger, president and dean of WCMS, presented diplomas to the graduates and said the class had demonstrated exceptional commitment throughout the three-year program.
“The Psi Class has demonstrated remarkable dedication over the last three years, embodying the spirit and passion of the credit union movement,” Steinberger said in a statement released by WCMS. “These 137 leaders are stepping into their future and actively shaping our credit union movement, carrying forward a legacy of service, innovation and community impact. Well done.”
