Why Give?

Gerald and Daris Wilbanks

Growing up the Mississippi town of Booneville, Wesley G. “Gerald” Wilbanks was always interested in how things worked—a trait that undoubtedly led to his subsequent career path. Yet, the fact that he ended up as an engineer is still somewhat ironic given the results of a career assessment he was given in high school.

“My aptitude indicated I could be almost anything I wanted to be except for a farmer or an engineer,” said Wilbanks. “However, I really liked electrical gadgets and fantasized about becoming a disc jockey on the radio.”

Wilbanks began frequenting a local radio station in his hometown to visit a friend who was a DJ. Through those visits, his interest in electronics grew, and he became fascinated with radio transmission and figuring out how the “newfangled” televisions worked.

“It all seemed magical to me and that’s what led me to the field of electrical engineering,” said Wilbanks. Although no one in his immediate family had ever attended college before him, Wilbanks’ parents always encouraged him to pursue higher education and earn a college degree. Following their advice, he became the first in his family to receive not only one, but two degrees—an Associate of Arts from then-Northeast Mississippi Junior College in 1962, followed by a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Mississippi State University in 1964.

MSU connection energizes Wilbanks’ dedication

Early on in his professional career, Wilbanks began to recognize the valuable weight carried by his MSU degree. The first job he accepted after graduating was with Union Carbide Chemicals in Port Lavaca, Texas, where his university affiliation was greatly welcomed.

“Coming from a topflight engineering school was considered a real educational attainment,” said Wilbanks. “That was a point of pride, and I really wanted to live up to the expectations that others seemed to have of the university.”

Upholding that motivational sentiment, Wilbanks continued to excel throughout his more than 50-year progressive career. In 1991, Wilbanks was recognized as Engineer of the Year by the Engineering Council of Birmingham, Alabama. He also is a Life Fellow member and former president of the International Society of Automation. Wilbanks currently serves as president of Documentation and Engineering Services (DES), a consulting business he founded in 2000. Prior to forming DES, he was a vice president at Birmingham-based Rust Engineering.

“The reputation and credibility of MSU’s engineering program has been a real asset to me and opened many doors as I’ve worked with clients, associates, and colleagues in professional societies,” said Wilbanks. “It has also been a positive influence on the friends that my wife and I have

Gerald and Daris (center) surrounded by their family

made over the years.”

Wilbanks and his wife, Daris, make their home in Trussville, Alabama. Despite residing some 150 miles away from the MSU campus, Wilbanks has maintained close ties with his alma mater. He has served many years on the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering’s advisory board and has been recognized as a Distinguished Fellow for the Bagley College. Furthermore, he and his wife have generously supported the university for almost 40 consecutive years.

“I really wanted to give something back to the university that means so much to me and provided me with a highly respected degree,” said Wilbanks, whose gifts have benefited areas including the Bagley College, athletics, facilities, the Robert D. Guyton Chair in Electrical Engineering, and student competitions, among others. “Therefore, in addition to our church, the majority of our charitable giving goes to Mississippi State University. I started giving a small amount and just continued to give each year.”

Since becoming the first in his family to have earned a university degree, Wilbanks is now joined by a growing list of family members who share his connection to Mississippi State. In addition to his sister Shirley Jean Wilbanks (’74), daughter Lisa Wilbanks Hudson (’83), son Gerald S. “Scott” Wilbanks (’86), and son-in-law Calvin Hudson (‘84), the

most recent addition to the lineage of Bulldogs is Wilbanks’ grandson Wesley Hudson (‘15). Although not an official graduate, Wilbanks’ wife, Daris, has also earned her True Maroon affiliation. “My wife worked to send me through college, so when I graduated in 1964, we also celebrated her well-deserved ‘honorary degree'," said Wilbanks.

From disc jockey dreams with limited engineering potential, to recognized leader in the field, Wilbanks’ successful career is proof that hard work and a good education can make all the difference. And in pursuing his passions, Wilbanks never neglected to invest in the place that first invested in him.

“It means a lot to me as a person to be able to give back to MSU because I feel like I am part of this great institution, and I’m grateful the university has chosen to make me feel that way,” said Wilbanks. “If everyone gives just a little, the sum of that togetherness will add up to a major impact on providing for future graduates.”

STORY ADDIE MAYFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

Campus Views

The nature of Cowbell Well

There is no better way to enjoy the four seasons than outdoors at Mississippi State University, one of the most striking campuses year-round.

MSU students, faculty, and staff are hard at work this fall. And university leaders are proud the 142-year-old land-grant institution is delivering in-person instruction and a wide array of online coursework for students everywhere.

Over 22,000 students are enrolled and pursuing their degree paths through MSU. These Bulldogs are engaging in classes while safely distancing to maintain the health and well-being of all.

MSU provides the academic, leadership, and social opportunities to help each person excel as the campus community strives to uphold the health and safety initiative in place for the fall semester by being and living Cowbell Well. Learn more at www.msstate.edu/cowbell-well.

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