QU | Alumni Feature
FAMILY COMMUNITY AND GIVING BACK
SAM ’76, MSW, AND MAUREEN, PHD, BANKS HAVE BEEN MARRIED 37 YEARS, AND TOGETHER THEY HAVE THREE CHILDREN AND THREE GRANDCHILDREN. THIS COMMITTED COUPLE HAS SPENT THEIR YEARS TOGETHER LIVING OUT THE FRANCISCAN VALUES.
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am and Maureen grew up in large traditional families that served as the foundation of how they have lived in community with others and showed them how to weave faith throughout all they do. Values, like being trustworthy, caring for others, and serving the community, Maureen learned and practiced within her family. She learned about service from her mother who volunteered at their church, school, and charities that helped others. “My mother showed us through her example, how to give back using our time and talents,” said Maureen. “With nine kids, there was not a lot of money around, but we learned to give what we could in service to those in need.” She also learned to speak up and to value her uniqueness. Maureen recalls when she and her twin brother were entering 2nd grade, her parents decided to put them in separate classes in school. “I remember that first day, feeling so alone. I didn't have my buddy there. 18
QUniverse | Spring 2021
But I realized then that I had to get my strength from within,” said Maureen. “This and later going to an all-girls high school are experiences that led me to be comfortable with myself and helped me find my voice. You have to do this first to be there for others.” Sam lost his dad at the age of 13. As a young teen, he watched aunts and uncles step in to support his mom and siblings. Their actions made an impression. Not only did Sam see these values modeled in his family, he saw them in his neighbors as well. Where Sam grew up, neighbors supported one another and helped each other succeed. These examples taught Sam how to be there for someone else. “When my dad died, I was the oldest of 5. I felt that I needed to help my mom and siblings,” said Sam. “It fostered responsibility and leadership in me and the desire to help others.”
