SWGSB Alumni Association
The SWGSB Alumni Association was formed by graduates and staff of the SW Graduate School of Banking in June 1995.
The Association's purpose is to promote and maintain the integrity of SWGSB and to perpetuate its peer network.
Membership is open to any SWGSB Graduate. Dues are currently $100.00 for a lifetime membership.
Officers are elected or appointed at the annual meeting of the Alumni Council, held during the Alumni Update Program.
Each officer serves a two-year term. Member benefits include alumni program discounts and an annual newsletter.
Lifetime members also receive a handsome ID card.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor awarded to a graduate of the SW Graduate School of Banking by the SWGSB
Alumni Association. This award is reserved for those individuals who have served the financial services industry
in a way that both distinguishes themselves among their peers and draws honor to their organization and the School.
The contributions they make to their profession elevate them to a leadership position that gives them the opportunity to
guide, instruct, and build on our banking legacy.
2009 Distinguished Alumni Award
Cynthia Blankenship - The SW Graduate School of Banking Alumni Association presented its
2009 Distinguished Alumni Award to
Cynthia Blankenship, Vice Chairman and COO of Bank of the West. In making the announcement, President and CEO of Bank 34 Karlon Cox
said:
"She was named one of the 50 most powereful women in banking by
US Banker Magazine.
Her list of accomplishments is long and her passion for community banking unequaled.
Suffice it to say, her service to our industry is unsurpassed and greatly appreciated by all who work in banking.
We are forever grateful for the immense amount of time you have given and the personal sacrifices you have made, Cindy.
SWGSB is greater and stronger for your contribution, and community banking could not have a more respected advocate."
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2006 Distinguished Alumni Award
Gayle M. Earls - The SW Graduate School of Banking Alumni Association presented its
2006 Distinguished Alumni Award to
Gayle M. Earls, Chairman Emeritus of The Independent BankersBank. In making the announcement, President and CEO of the SWGSB Foundation
Dr. S. Scott MacDonald said:
"The SWGSB Alumni Association Board considered many leadership attributes. One man
possessed all of those attributes in abundance: Gayle Earls. What's more, Gayle's career has been a model for
the industry's top performers. Through his outstanding leadership, TIB has become a financial powerhouse and its
management team, the envy of the industry. The School's students, faculty, staff, and board of trustees proudly
salute him on this very special occasion." Return to the top
2005 Distinguished Alumni Award
Randall James - The SW Graduate School of Banking Alumni Association presented its
2005 Distinguished Alumni Award to
the Honorable Randall S. James, Texas Banking Commissioner, on Thursday, June 2, 2005. It was previously awarded to
FDIC Chairman Donald Powell. In making the announcement, Alumni Association President Richard J. O’Connor said:
"I offer you my heartfelt congratulations on earning this rare distinction. As a fellow SWGSB alum and Alumni
Association board member, I know firsthand the care and pride that goes into the selection of the recipient. Your
tireless contributions to the furtherance of the banking industry’s best interests, your own commitment to SWGSB, and
your prominent role in shaping the financials services landscape made this an easy choice for us." Return to the top
2002 Distinguished Alumni Award
This year the senior class had the rare honor of meeting SWGSB alumnus and FDIC Chairman
Donald E. Powell, who returned to
his alma mater to deliver the annual Winstead Keynote Address and to accept the first "Distinguished Alumni Award" in the
School's history. Mr. Powell, the 18th chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, is a member of SWGSB
Class XVI. "The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor we can bestow upon a graduate," Dr. MacDonald said,
"and Mr. Powell’s rich experience and outstanding career making him the ideal recipient. We are deeply grateful for
his support over the years." Return to the top
Distinguished Service Award
Distinguished Service Award presented by the SWGSB Alumni Association is given to an individual who has made a
significant contribution to the SW Graduate School of Banking and its educational mission. Past recipients have
shown through their dedication and leadership a unique commitment to the School's objectives, ideals, and principles.
2008 Distinguished Service Award
James L. Shield - The SW Graduate School of Banking Alumni Association presented its
2008 Distinguished Service Award to
James L. Shield, former President and CEO of Regions Bank. Sadly, Jim was
taken from his familty and friends suddenly on September 27, 2006. In making the announcement, President and CEO of
Bank 34 Karlon Cox said:
"To those of us who have been around SWGSB for several years, you know there are certain people you will see every year. You come to expect it and certainly to appreciate it because your experience at SWGSB is molded by these people who give so much of themselves to ensure that SWGSB sets the bar that other schools can only try to match.
He will always be remembered and appreciated for his dedication and service to
SWGSB." Return to the top
2007 Distinguished Service Award
William G. Cone - The SW Graduate School of Banking Alumni Association presented its
2007 Distinguished Service Award to William G. Cone, Regional President of
the Heart of Texas Region for Wells Fargo. In making the announcement,
President and CEO of Bank 34 Karlon Cox said:
"The recipient of this year’s award, G. William Cone, has a long and truly remarkable association with the School. Bill graduated with distinction from SWGSB in 1978 – a member of class 19.
Sold on the “SWGSB experience,” he immediately returned as a class Mom & instructor – sharing his wisdom, humor and Texas charm for the next 22 years – a School record that still stands. A graduate of the University of Texas, he has an equally distinguished banking career that has spanned more than 3 decades." Return to the top
2004 Distinguished Service Award
Charlie M. Fugit was a graduate of Texas Tech University, the SW Graduate School of Banking/SMU, and the National Commercial
Lending School. His banking career began at First National Bank in Longview, Texas, in 1952. He has served as a
vice-president of the Bank of the Southwest, Houston, senior vice-president of the First National Bank and First United Bancorp
in Fort Worth. He was executive vice-president of Mercantile Bank in Dallas, and senior vice-president of MCorp.
He also served as vice-chairman of the board of Grand Bank in Dallas. Fugitt served on the SW Graduate School of Banking,
Stonier and Texas Tech Faculty. Return to the top
2002 Distinguished Service Award
Two SWGSB contributors were recognized for their banking achievements and work at the SW Graduate School of Banking:
former class "mom" Vince Thompson and his daughter – and current class mom -
Christi Thompson (SWGSB Class XXX). Both
received the Distinguished Service Award. The honor - the first of its kind awarded - was presented to them jointly at
the annual Alumni Program Breakfast.
Class Notes (Send us your update)
Let us know where you are and what you’ve achieved since graduation. Are you still speaking to your SWGSB classmates?
Did you win the lottery? Were you hired on The Apprentice? Did you swap patterns with Martha Stewart at Camp Cupcake?
Inquiring minds – and SWGSB – want to know!
Click here to see what's going on with your classmates!
Update Your Information
Join the Alumni Association
SW Graduate School of Banking
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