Anatomy Lab Named in Honor of Former Professor

John Banks was recognized during Andrews' alumni weekend

John Banks (right), pictured with school chair Kimberly Ferreira (left), was recognized during the 2024 Alumni Homecoming Weekend at Andrews.

Andrews University’s School of Rehabilitation Sciences and its physical therapy faculty have honored former biology and human anatomy professor John Banks by naming their anatomy lab after him. The School of Rehabilitation Sciences held a ceremony in his honor during Andrews University’s Alumni Homecoming Weekend on Friday, Sept. 27, in the Physical Therapy Building, coinciding with the program’s 40-year anniversary. Banks was the first professor hired for the program and remained a prominent leader and educator of physical therapy courses for 28 years at Andrews.

Banks earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Andrews in 1972 and 1981 respectively, before earning his doctorate from Loma Linda University in 1984. During his doctoral studies, Banks agreed to return to Andrews as an anatomy professor for what would be the inaugural year of the physical therapy program. Throughout his nearly three-decade tenure as a professor and foundation science coordinator at Andrews, Banks became known as a very knowledgeable, approachable and humorous figure within the program. Students were consistently impressed by Banks’ ability to answer difficult anatomical questions on the spot and in an understandable fashion.

Kimberly Ferreira, chair of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees and offering the first of several tributes to Banks. Ferreira spoke about how much the physical therapy program has grown since its inception in 1984. She affirmed that Banks is owed a lot of credit for the program’s success, as he was a consistent pillar of excellent teaching and mentorship to students during his tenure.

Nathan Hess, assistant professor of physical therapy and one of Banks’ former students, shared a testimony of how he and his peers often saw Banks’ “love of anatomy” shine through in his teachings. This quality was deeply valued by the students committed to the physical therapy program. Banks’ care for his students and his field of study led many graduates, like Hess, to have confidence in what they learned and achieve professional success in the field.

Emmanuel Rudatsikira, dean of the College of Health & Human Services, credited Banks with making difficult anatomy courses “enjoyable for students and creating an extraordinary experience” for students. Rudatsikira also announced that there will be a new occupational therapy doctorate program next school year—another testament to how far Banks and other pioneers of the school were able to propel the discipline of physical therapy and its related subjects at Andrews.

Ryan Orrison, foundation science coordinator and associate professor of physical therapy, spoke about how the anatomy lab is another example of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences’ growth and progress during and after Banks’ tenure. The anatomy lab allows students to gain practical, hands-on experience. The benefits of the lab reach beyond the University. For example, local physician interns learn techniques such as placing chest tubes and other intricate procedures on cadavers.

After the ceremony, Banks stated that many of the highlights of his career at Andrews consisted of interactions and relationships that were not bound to the classroom. “[I enjoyed] many of the interactions I had with many of the students I had that were fun to be with,” he said. “Doing extracurricular activities, playing hockey … fishing, stuff like that. I tried to interact with them in activities, selfishly, that I enjoyed, but they needed that outlet, too.”

Banks left Andrews for Loma Linda University once again in January 2012 for a teaching position. He continues to share his love of anatomy there as an associate professor of pathology and human anatomy.

When asked if there was anything he would like to see added to or developed in the current physical therapy program at Andrews, Banks responded, “I hope they continue with the pattern that they have consistently of stability and hiring quality faculty and turning out very qualified students who become physical therapists. That’s what’s really pleasing, that there is a degree of stability in this program that they’re going to be around for a long time.”

The newly named John C. Banks Human Anatomy Lab will serve students in the Physical Therapy Building for years to come, with a plaque by its doorway to note the honor. The plaque reads, “In honor and recognition of his outstanding contributions during 28 years of service at Andrews University. His commitment to Adventist education and leadership has left a lasting impact on the university and inspired countless health professions students in their academic and professional pursuits.”

The original version of this article appeared in the Student Movement, Andrews University's student newspaper.