The partnership between De La Salle Collegiate and First State Bank is rooted in shared values, a commitment to teaching financial well-being, and a belief in investing in future leaders.

 

First State Bank played an important role by helping the school complete the Steve & Kathy McShane STEM Center project which opened in Fall 2025. First State Bank is looking forward to helping the school launch the DLS Business Center focusing primarily on financial literacy, credit card debt, mortgages, college loans, investing and how money works in the world.

 

Mark Jansen, president and CEO of First State Bank, said the school’s “reputation for developing young men of faith, integrity, and service mirrors the bank’s own philosophy of relationship-driven banking and long-term stewardship within our communities.”

 

“These tools represent more than just advanced technology,” he said. “They are gateways to understanding how the real financial world operates.Students should approach them with curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to explore. Learn how markets move. Understand how decisions are made. Ask questions. Make mistakes and learn from them. These experiences can provide a meaningful head start.”

 

As part of the due diligence process for the STEM Center project, Dave Barstys, CFO of De La Salle Collegiate, met with several financial institutions and noted that First State Bank “was the only financial institution that discussed the Lasallian mission, the role of the Christian Brothers, and how this foundation separated DLS from its competitors.”

 

“Any bank can analyze financial statements and ratios, but First State Bank differentiated itself from the other candidates by demonstrating that they are aligned with the same values of De La Salle Collegiate,” Barstys said. “From our first meeting, it was clear that they viewed De La Salle as more than a new account.”

 

Jansen said he immediately recognized there was something different about De La Salle, especially as a graduate of the school.

 

“The connection wasn’t just strategic,” he said. “At the heart of De La Salle’s identity is its Lasallian mission, inspired by St. John Baptist de La Salle. This mission emphasizes not only academic excellence, but also personal growth, ethical leadership, and service to others. It’s this holistic approach that sets De La Salle apart from many other schools.

 

“Students aren’t just prepared for college; they are formed into men who understand responsibility, community, and purpose,” Jansen added.

“For First State Bank, that distinction matters. Partnering with an institution that prioritizes character alongside competence ensures that investments go beyond facilities or programs. They help shape the next generation of principled leaders.”

 

Ben Aloia, ’91, De La Salle board chair, agreed.

 

“First State Bank has been a tremendous strategic partner for De La Salle,” he said. “Through Mark’s leadership as CEO, First State Bank provided necessary funding for our STEM center so that we could complete our project and open the STEM center on time.

 

“His appreciation of the history and mission of De La Salle was vital in shaping this business relationship,” Aloia added.

Jansen emphasized that the relationship between First State Bank and De La Salle extends beyond sponsorship or financial support: “It is about engagement, mentorship, and creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn and grow,” he said.

 

“As both organizations look toward the future, there is strong optimism that the relationship will continue to expand,” Jansen continued. “The collaboration already reflects a shared investment in education, leadership development, and community enrichment.”