Ray Banks and Eric Erickson

Ray Banks received his Master of Science degree from NIU in large part thanks to the financial assistance provided by the university, and the support and encouragement of two great mentors ; Dr. Clarence Casella and Dr. Malcolm Weiss in the Department of Geology. Together, with his life-partner, Dr. Eric Erickson, M.D., they have gone on to achieve productive and successful careers in the energy and medical sectors in large part because of the experience higher education has provided, and now it is time to give back. Higher education has taught them to be open-minded, inquisitive, fair, and compassionate, as well as to respect and enjoy the enlightenment that education provides. They are committed to using their lifetime of learning and knowledge, and the rewards it has brought them, to help not only their families, but also society in general, to overcome the challenges of the human condition and. to be “a force for good.” To the extent they can help others to join them on that journey, in whatever field of endeavor their talents take them, they have established this scholarship fund.