Banfield Residence Hall honors memory of longtime university supporter

This article about the dedication of Banfield Hall appeared in The Whalesong, the UAS student newspaper on Nov. 7, 1997.

By Heather Montez

Banfield Hall, the newly dedicated residence hall named after one of the university's great supporters, Mildred H. Banfield, has been initiated with greatness behind its name.

Juneau resident Mike Miller, who served with Banfield in the Alaska House of Representatives, asked the audience at the Sept. 6 dedication, "Banfield Hall—doesn't that have a ring to it? I can imagine a Banfield Hall in Harvard, Stanford. I think it sounds great. It rings with dignity, with substance, and integrity. You know what? That's what Banfield the woman was all about."

Education was one of Banfield's main interests and her involvement in education is seen throughout her life. From teaching in a small rural community school to chairing, at different times, both the Senate and House Health, Education and Welfare committees, Banfield persisted in creating a better education system for students.

Banfield's legislative career included two years in the Senate and eight years in the State House. During this time, she served on the joint House-Senate committee on higher education for eight years. She was involved, as a member of the House of Representatives, in getting the legislation passed which established the Alaska Postsecondary Education Commission and was appointed to the commission by Gov. Jay Hammond and served as its chairman for two years. She was appointed in 1976 to the Board of Regents and served until 1983. During her term as regent, she helped lay the groundwork for merging the state's community colleges with the other four-year schools.

At the dedication ceremony, Juneau businessman Don Abel, who served with Banfield on the Board of Regents said, "Above all, Millie put the interest of the students first. She never forgot what the university was all about, the students."

Banfield died June 5, 1991, one day after she fell into a coma from a massive brain hemorrhage. She was 77. She isn't here to see her legacy, but Banfield Hall stands as a symbol of what she wanted for Juneau and the university.

The dedication program sums it up. It reads: "The construction of the student residence hall helped solidify the University of Alaska community with the addition of more than 80 full-time, on-campus students. The dedication of this building brings a spirit to the structure. Mildred Banfield was a strong supporter of the entire University of Alaska system and the Juneau campus. From this date forward, Banfield Hall will be a reminder of excellence in higher education."

Longtime friend and current Juneau Regent Elsa Demeksa, described Banfield as somewhat of a feminist. Although, she said, Banfield would never have considered herself one. Demeksa said, "Millie was a leader in the days when it was uncommon to have female leaders." Demeksa remembered a time when Banfield found out the Baranof Hotel had a male-only gym. "She hit the roof," said Demeksa. Banfield challenged the Baranof's men-only policy and convinced them to change the policy to accommodate women.

Banfield, known as "Millie" to friends, was born in Fremont, Neb. She studied business at Midland College and the University of Chicago. She came to Alaska in 1946, married Norman Banfield in 1951 and had two children, Nancy and Julie. She was active in Juneau civic affairs and was named Woman of the Year by Rotary in 1966.

 "The People Behind Campus Names" On these pages, you will find the stories of the people behind the names. Who are they and what did they contribute to the University of Alaska?