07/29/2026
Southwestern Bank Celebrates 21st Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony, Honoring Outstanding Students
HOUSTON, Texas — July 23, 2026 — Southwestern Bank proudly hosted its 21st Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony on July 23 at its Houston headquarters, recognizing four outstanding high school graduates and one Outstanding Student Award recipient for their academic excellence, community involvement, and future aspirations.
This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as it marked both the 21st anniversary of the Southwestern Bank Scholarship Program and a major milestone in the bank’s history. In May 2026, Southwestern National Bank officially rebranded as Southwestern Bank and introduced a new corporate logo. While the bank’s Chinese name remains unchanged, the refreshed brand reflects its continued commitment to growth, expanded financial services, and community investment.
Each scholarship recipient received a $1,000 award following a competitive selection process evaluating academics, extracurricular activities, community service, leadership potential, and financial need. The program reflects Southwestern Bank’s longstanding dedication to supporting students as they pursue higher education and career goals.
Open to graduating seniors from the Houston, Austin, and Dallas areas, the scholarship program underscores the bank’s commitment to investing in future generations and strengthening 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 ceremony brought together Chairman Jody Lee, members of the Board of Directors, scholarship recipients, and their families and friends 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 tradition continues, Southwestern Bank remains dedicated to advancing education and supporting the next generation of leaders through ongoing scholarship opportunities and community investment.
About Southwestern Bank
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Southwestern Bank provides comprehensive financial services to individuals and businesses. The bank actively supports educational initiatives, community development, and charitable programs, reflecting its commitment to the communities it serves. Member FDIC.
