Prairie View A and M University - Pantherland Yearbook (Prairie View, TX)

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Our Principal W. R. BANKS 7

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DEDICATION ¥ Without his dreams, his failures, and sue cesses, dear Prairie View College would fall far short of the nohlc heights which it has reached today. I fis invincible determination to make what = ever lie tacldcs worthwhile; his supreme good will to students, faculty personnel and friends under his administration; arc buried in the hearts of hundreds of Prairie View people throughout the I lulled Stales. Io a man who, for fourteen years, has held the destiny of a people in his hands, and who has been the guiding light to safer and surer ground for those who have entered these walls, we dedicate this third edition of the Prairie View Annual to PRINCIPAL W. R. RANKS 6

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Life Sketch W. K. BANKS, isos, Agc 17 In a modest farm home in Hartwell. Hart County, Georgia, Willctte Rutherford Banks was bom, August 8, 1881, into a family of thirteen children. He was bom of sturdy, ambitious stock; for his father, J. M. Banks, walked to Atlanta University in 1869, where he entered and remained until he had completed his training. Then he began teaching and continued this occupation for forty years. With such an example before him it is not surprising that young Banks worked at all sorts of jobs; finally overcoming, seeming insurmountable financial difficulties and entering Atlanta University in 1901. He made the eighth grade by examination, remained in attendance at this college eight years and was graduated in 1909. The best center the Atlanta University football team has ever had. Banks, nevertheless, participated in all other extra curricular activities, being at the time the manager and editor of the school's student publication and belonging to the Debating Club, the Young Men’s Christian Association, Literary Society, and the Dramatic Club. 8