Union Bank Donation Brings Heralded IB Program To Lincoln Public Schools

Lincoln, NE—Lincoln Public Schools educators will begin to develop plans for establishing an International Baccalaureate (IB) Program available to Lincoln high school students - thanks to Union Bank & Trust's recent gift - the largest corporate cash donation ever to the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools.

"Investing in schools means investing in our community's economic well being," said LPS Superintendent E. Susan Gourley on Tuesday. "Our School District is so very grateful to Union Bank & Trust. This gift will allow us to offer a new and exciting opportunity for our high school students."

The International Baccalaureate Program is a comprehensive two-year curriculum recognized as the most academically rigorous high school course of study in the world. LPS plans to offer the program at Lincoln High School beginning in the 2007-2008 school year - open to all juniors and seniors in the School District.

"The IB program is recognized world-wide, a way to energize high-achieving, highly-motivated students," Gourley explained. "It will give our high school students a chance for an intense academic experience that replicates what they will encounter in college."

Currently there are 1,182 authorized IB programs throughout the world, and only one other IB program in Nebraska at Millard North High School. "We believe education can be a community's best investment in the future," said Angie Muhleisen, President & CEO of Union Bank & Trust Company. "Union Bank is partnering with LPS to make this project possible because of our long-standing tradition of being an advocate of education - this is our commitment to a better Lincoln."

Union Bank & Trust is Lincoln's largest locally-owned bank with $8.1 billion in combined bank and trust assets under management. The bank has 29 locations throughout Nebraska, including 14 in Lincoln.

Dave Moore, Chair of the Foundation for LPS, said "This is a great
example of collaboration between the business community and the educational community for the benefit of Lincoln students. This wonderful gift to the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools represents a significant investment in Lincoln's future. The Foundation for LPS thanks Union Bank and Trust."