L&C Unanimously: Terri Banasek
Open gallery
L&C Unanimously is a series of stories featuring Lewis & Clark faculty and staff donors. Terri Banasek has been the Executive Assistant to the Dean of the College since 2000.
Why do you support Lewis & Clark?
I love chatting with our students about where they are from, what drew them to this part of the country (or the world), and why Lewis & Clark. It constantly amazes me to see these fabulous young people work closely and collaboratively with their faculty mentors, learning how to be scientists, poets, musicians, etc. Being part of that process, however small my own part is, is very rewarding. Hearing about what our students become and accomplish after leaving L&C reinforces my belief in the liberal arts.
What is your role at Lewis & Clark?
I have been the Executive Assistant to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since 2000, and I worked in Public Relations for six years before then. My role has expanded over the years, but I would say my primary function is to serve the faculty. I manage the Office of the Dean and serve as the liaison between the dean and members of the campus community. I manage the dean’s calendar, plan events, oversee the contract process for faculty members, provide staff support for Faculty Council and chairs’ meetings, and am responsible for the platform party for commencement and opening convocation. One of my favorite responsibilities every year is Honors Convocation, which gives me another opportunity to interact with our stellar students.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I am very active in my church, and I sing in the choir and play English handbells. I’m an avid knitter (you can join our knitting group at noon on Tuesdays), and I spend as much time as possible with my grandsons, although most of it is FaceTime with the boys in Arizona. My husband and I like to travel, and I also have walked nine marathons and three Komen 3-Day Walks for breast cancer research.
What is your favorite part about working at Lewis & Clark?
The people, without a doubt. It would be impossible to find a more dedicated, hard-working, caring group of people. They care about the students, and they care about each other. There is a real dedication here to the mission of Lewis & Clark. It always amazes me to watch passionate discussions taking place on campus. Even when people are disagreeing, you can see that they have the students’ very best interests at heart.
Read more L&C Unanimously donor profiles here.
