Dustin G. Bays, Vice President-Controller for Bank of Botetourt, was among the 185 bankers who received graduation diplomas on June 1 from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

This three-year program provides courses covering all aspects of banking, economics and related subjects. Students traveled from 22 states and Mexico to participate in this session.

Sponsored by 15 southern state bankers associations in cooperation with the Division of Continuing Education at LSU, the banking school requires attendance on campus for three years, with extensive bank study assignments between sessions. The faculty consists of bankers, business and professional leaders, and educators from all parts of the U.S. During their three summer sessions at the Graduate School of Banking, students receive 180 hours of classroom instruction, planned evening study, and final examinations at the end of each session.

Bank of Botetour also recognized H. Watts Steger III, chairman of Bank of Botetourt, on his retirement from teaching at the Graduate School of Banking at LSU after 17 years.