Southwestern Bank Celebrates 21st Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony

HOUSTON, Texas — July 23, 2026 — Southwestern Bank proudly hosted its 21st Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Thursday, July 23, at the bank’s headquarters in Houston, recognizing four exceptional high school graduates and one Outstanding Student Award recipient for their academic achievements, community involvement, and future aspirations.

This year’s celebration carries special significance as it marks not only the 21st anniversary of the Southwestern Bank Scholarship Program, but also an important milestone in the bank’s history.

In May 2026, Southwestern National Bank officially announced its rebranding to Southwestern Bank, accompanied by the introduction of a new corporate logo. While the bank’s Chinese name remains unchanged, the refreshed brand identity reflects its commitment to expanding and enhancing diverse financial services while continuing its long-term growth and community-focused mission.

Each scholarship recipient was awarded a $1,000 scholarship following a competitive selection process. Applicants were evaluated based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, community service, leadership potential, and financial need.

The scholarship program exemplifies Southwestern Bank’s more than two decades of dedication to supporting well-rounded students and encouraging them to pursue their educational and career goals.

The 2026 scholarship program was open to graduating high school seniors from the Houston, Austin, and Dallas areas, underscoring the bank’s commitment to investing in future generations and giving back to the communities it serves.

2026 Southwestern Bank Scholarship Recipients

\• Christian Gamboa — YES Prep Public Schools

• Saniel Kim — Memorial High School

• Youngeun Noh — Katy High School

• Sahnan Isha — Oak Ridge High School Academy

Outstanding Student Award Recipient

• Rachel Ma — Memorial High School

The awards ceremony was held at Southwestern Bank’s Houston headquarters and attended by Chairman Jody Lee, members of the Board of Directors, scholarship recipients, and their families and friends, who gathered to celebrate the students’ accomplishments and bright futures.

“As we celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Southwestern Bank Scholarship Program, we remain committed to creating opportunities for young people to grow and succeed,” said Jody Lee, Chairman of Southwestern Bank.

“We are proud to support students in their academic pursuits, leadership development, and personal growth, and we look forward to helping future generations achieve their dreams.”

As this longstanding tradition continues, Southwestern Bank remains dedicated to supporting educational advancement and investing in the next generation of leaders.

Through its scholarship program, the bank looks forward to p

roviding continued encouragement and financial assistance to outstanding students for years to come.

About Southwestern Bank

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Southwestern Bank is committed to providing comprehensive financial services to individuals and businesses.

The bank actively supports educational initiatives, community development, and charitable programs, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.(Member FDIC)