Miami Dade College School of Business Students Receive Ocean Bank Scholarships

Local Bank Donated Scholarship Funds to Help Minority Students

MIAMI, FL – April 30, 2007 -- Ocean Bank employees proudly participated in the graduation ceremony of minority students from Miami Dade College School of Business. During the ceremony, five students were recognized as recipients of Ocean Bank scholarships awarded in 2006. The scholarships were offered to minority students entering the banking and financial services industry who met the college’s criteria. The funds will assist students with their college education and the recipients will also be eligible for part-time positions at Ocean Bank.

"We partnered with Miami Dade College last year in an effort to help educate more minority students and develop their training in the financial services industry," said José A. Concepción, Ocean Bank President and CEO. "As a leader in South Florida’s banking industry it’s important for Ocean Bank to invest funds in projects that are going to make a difference in our community and it’s rewarding for us to witness the students’ graduation. We’re thrilled to know that Ocean Bank helped them accomplish their goals," he added. Ocean Bank is seriously committed to supporting education in our community. Since the Bank’s inception in 1982, we have made substantial contributions to the Education Fund, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Miami Dade College and the United Negro College Fund among others.

The Miami Dade College Foundation supports the mission and values of Miami Dade College by encouraging gifts from a wide variety of sources, particularly in the areas of scholarship and program support. For more information about the College, please call 305-237-8888.

Celebrating its 25 year anniversary in 2007, Ocean Bank is the largest independent commercial bank headquartered in Florida, with more than $5.8 billion in assets and $5.0 billion in deposits. Chartered in 1982, Ocean Bank operates a network of 21 branches throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The community bank has received numerous awards and accolades from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, The Beacon Council and the Florida Department of Education among others for its support of South Florida’s communities. For more information logon to www.oceanbank.com.