First National Bank announces that Mark DePue was awarded a diploma on Aug. 20, at commencement exercises during the 66th annual session of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. DePue is the Senior Vice President and Senior Lender of First National Bank.

The School, sponsored by the 18 state bankers associations comprising the Central States Conference of Bankers Associations, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was established in 1945 to provide bankers with an opportunity for advanced study and research in banking, economics and leadership.

Instruction at the Graduate School of Banking takes place during two-week resident sessions for three consecutive summers, along with comprehensive study between summer resident sessions. The curriculum focuses on the management of strategic issues faced by banking executives and financial services industry professionals.

The Graduate School of Banking enrolls approximately 550 US and international professionals each year. Over 85 esteemed academicians, economists, government officials, and industry professionals comprise the School's faculty.

Craig Goodlock, Chairman and CEO of Farmers Sate Bank in Munith, Mich., was the featured speaker at commencement. Goodlock is a 1992 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking.