This renewed support benefits the students by increasing the number of dedicated faculty and staff to the program, enhanced leadership, team building, providing updated materials, and training throughout the semester. First Fidelity Bank’s gift will help support the program director as well as the faculty involved in the delivery of this program.

Lee Symcox, president and CEO of First Fidelity Bank states, “We have provided support for the First Fidelity Bank IBC Program since its inception in 1995 and we are proud that we have committed to continue that support for an additional four years. Nothing prepares students for the real world more than actual hands on experience and First Fidelity Bank is happy to assist in enabling this program to continue. An added benefit has been the more than $780,000 in ‘profits’ that has been donated back to local charitable organizations by the program.”

The First Fidelity Bank IBC Program was the recipient of the 2007 BKD Award for Excellence and Innovation, the first such award in Oklahoma. It is an award co-sponsored by the Oklahoma Bankers Association (OBA) and BKD, LLP, a CPA and advisory firm. The BKD Award for Excellence and Innovation recognizes high-performing OBA members that implement innovative ideas demonstrating commitment to their bank and community.

According to Program Director Shelly Grunsted, “The IBC Faculty is thrilled that our longstanding commitment to excellence in the First Fidelity Bank IBC Program will be a continued joint endeavor between First Fidelity Bank and the Price College of Business. First Fidelity’s leadership in the community along with a strong commitment to academic excellence by serving the students at OU is unquestionable.  We thank First Fidelity for their support and commitment to the University of Oklahoma, the Price College of Business, and the students and community that this gift will serve.”