William “Bill” John Banis, 75, passed away unexpectedly on January 24, 2023 in Virginia Beach, VA. Bill was born on February 15, 1947 in Pittsburgh, PA to William Albert and Edith (Doka) Banis. He was a graduate of Penn State University and earned his doctoral degree from Old Dominion University. Bill spent 44 years working…
Continue ReadingWilliam “Bill” John Banis, 75, passed away unexpectedly on January 24, 2023 in Virginia Beach, VA. Bill was born on February 15, 1947 in Pittsburgh, PA to William Albert and Edith (Doka) Banis. He was a graduate of Penn State University and earned his doctoral degree from Old Dominion University.
Bill spent 44 years working in higher education, culminating his career as Vice President of Student Affairs at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He was recognized for his excellence in student affairs and development numerous times during his career; however, he was most proud to have been elected to The NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) Academy of Fellows in 1999. Bill also co-authored several books on career related topics.
He married the love of his life, Lynn (Ferguson) Banis on January 1,1989. He was step-father to three children, Kristen (Mike) Galloway, Melissa (Jason) Rich, and Heather (Stephen) Smith, and grandfather to 8 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
In retirement, Bill enjoyed traveling with his wife Lynn, fishing, kayaking, and gardening. He was an active volunteer with the Virginia Beach Democratic Party. Bill also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and beloved dog, Darby.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, and younger brother, Norman. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Lynn, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of extended family members and friends. He will be remembered by many as a mentor for his support and guidance through many of life’s big decisions.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in both Virginia Beach and Pittsburgh. In lieu of flowers, please visit http://
Lily rich
left a message on April 18, 2024:
I miss you a lot wish I got to say goodbye I love you Billy your were a good grandfather the best
Marvin Conerly
left a message on May 2, 2023:
My deepest and warmest condolences to family and friends. Bill gave me one of my first jobs after graduating from UVA. He allowed me to grow and develop while giving me the tools to explore other careers and find my purpose. Almost daily he would brainstorm ways to help countless young professionals to move forward in work and business. He groomed his staff to do this too. A goal-setter, he was kind to all, a humble man, super intelligent, and we shall miss him. May God bless his family and friends.
Japanese Auto Masters
left a message on March 1, 2023:
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing!
Susan Mayo
left a message on February 17, 2023:
I miss you Bill. I have been thinking about you everyday. I remember my last call to you when you were on the way to the doctor for an appointment. You said you would call me back. That was the last time I heard your voice. I miss your smile, your jokes, your kindness and everything about you. You have been a dear friend for more than 40 years. Thank you for always being there for me. Tom and I will always cherish our fond memories of our times together. I hope you are resting in peace and without any pain. I know that your passing has left a hole in Lynn's heart. Your friends, Susan and Tom Mayo
Kari Susens
left a message on February 1, 2023:
I was saddened to learn about Bill's recent passing. He was a wonderful boss and human being for whom I had the good fortune to have worked over five years with Northwestern Career Services. He was supportive, kind, and trusted in his team - all of which my colleagues and I greatly appreciated. I wanted to share my condolences with Lynn and the rest of his family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Leigh Anne Bowling
left a message on February 1, 2023:
My prayers and deepest sympathy are with Bill's family. He became a friend of mine while he served in leadership with the VBDC, and what an inspiration he was to so many of us! He was truly a role model and will always be remembered for his warm smile, compassion, and determination. Well done, thy good and faithful servant, Bill. Thank you for all of your volunteer activities and your friendship!
Rabbi Dov Hillel Klein
left a message on January 31, 2023:
I am deeply saddened to hear that Bill passed away. I always looked at him as one of my mentors and the person I could count on for advice and guidance. But more than that he was a friend. I have so many fond memories of Bill's time here at Northwestern. From career services and then being chosen to lead us all in the division. The moral in Student Affairs was at all-time high. There wasn't anyone that would not go the extra mile for our students. Bill empowered us and gave us the autonomy to accomplish our dreams.
Bill loved playing with my beard, and I remember for my 20-year anniversary gift he presented me with a razor. We discussed cultural differences and similarities. Under Bill's leadership we started Kosher food service and he enabled there to be a Jewish fraternity AEPi on campus.
The Jewish sages say:
Who is a person worthy of being honored?
One who Honors others.
Who is a person worthy of respect?
One who respects others.
Who is a person worthy of Love?
One who loves others.
This was Bill Banis
I will miss him dearly. All those that knew him will miss him dearly.
May G-d comfort Lynn, the entire family and all his friends.
With Blessings
Rabbi Dov Hillel Klein
Susan F (Kirby) Kaufman
left a message on January 31, 2023:
I am so desperately sad to learn Bill is no longer with us. And his ability to remain calm amid chaos helped me stay engaged in local politics. His warm memories of his time at Old Dominion University were shared by my father, Dr. Raymond H Kirby, and a comfort as Dad began failing. I was visiting Pittsburgh and had just seen the Carnegie International and the Warhol Museum the weekend before he left us. Not surprised he was from Pittsburgh.
Jason Rich
left a message on January 30, 2023:
In memory of William "Bill" John Banis, Jason Rich lit a candle
Worth Pickering
left a message on January 30, 2023:
I am so sad to hear about Bill's passing. I always enjoyed working with him at ODU. We enjoyed a common interest in career development and planning. I also enjoyed working with Bill on the VB Democratic Party after he returned to VB. He will be missed. We are holding Lynn and Bill’s family in the light.
LaVerne Carr
left a message on January 29, 2023:
Sorry to hear that Bill passed unexpectedly. He was Director of the Career Center while I worked with him at ODU. Condolences to Lynn and family. Praying that God will comfort the family.
Cynthia Lewis Williams
left a message on January 27, 2023:
Dear Lynn my sincere condolences to you and your family. Bill was a wonderful boss, mentor and friend. I have so many fond memories of our ODU days. May God comfort you and cover you with his peace as only he can. Sincerely, Cynthia Lewis Williams
Kathy Rose Hollingsworth
left a message on January 27, 2023:
I am so sorry to hear about Bill's unexpected death. I have many happy memories about working with Bill as a colleague at Northwestern University, and later in my tenure there, reporting to him when he rose to VPSA. Being Vice President of Student Affairs requires a full life commitment, and Bill gave it his all. I send condolences to his family and especially to his wife Lynn, whom I remember with affection and admiration.
Rick Thomas
left a message on January 26, 2023:
I am broken hearted to learn of Bill’s passing. He was a wonderful mentor to me and many others. I have so many fond memories of our shared time at Northwestern. Condolences and care to Lynn and the rest of the family.
Acacia Komelasky
left a message on January 26, 2023:
Paul and I were very saddened by Bill’s passing. Going through memory lane, we remembered many wonderful times together like Superbowl Sundays, games, Chicago dinners and all the laughter!
A fabulous man and trusted friend.
Acacia and Paul
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Lily rich
left a message on April 18, 2024:
I miss you a lot wish I got to say goodbye I love you Billy your were a good grandfather the best
Marvin Conerly
left a message on May 2, 2023:
My deepest and warmest condolences to family and friends. Bill gave me one of my first jobs after graduating from UVA. He allowed me to grow and develop while giving me the tools to explore other careers and find my purpose. Almost daily he would brainstorm ways to help countless young professionals to move forward in work and business. He groomed his staff to do this too. A goal-setter, he was kind to all, a humble man, super intelligent, and we shall miss him. May God bless his family and friends.
Japanese Auto Masters
left a message on March 1, 2023:
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing!
Susan Mayo
left a message on February 17, 2023:
I miss you Bill. I have been thinking about you everyday. I remember my last call to you when you were on the way to the doctor for an appointment. You said you would call me back. That was the last time I heard your voice. I miss your smile, your jokes, your kindness and everything about you. You have been a dear friend for more than 40 years. Thank you for always being there for me. Tom and I will always cherish our fond memories of our times together. I hope you are resting in peace and without any pain. I know that your passing has left a hole in Lynn's heart. Your friends, Susan and Tom Mayo
Kari Susens
left a message on February 1, 2023:
I was saddened to learn about Bill's recent passing. He was a wonderful boss and human being for whom I had the good fortune to have worked over five years with Northwestern Career Services. He was supportive, kind, and trusted in his team - all of which my colleagues and I greatly appreciated. I wanted to share my condolences with Lynn and the rest of his family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Leigh Anne Bowling
left a message on February 1, 2023:
My prayers and deepest sympathy are with Bill's family. He became a friend of mine while he served in leadership with the VBDC, and what an inspiration he was to so many of us! He was truly a role model and will always be remembered for his warm smile, compassion, and determination. Well done, thy good and faithful servant, Bill. Thank you for all of your volunteer activities and your friendship!
Rabbi Dov Hillel Klein
left a message on January 31, 2023:
I am deeply saddened to hear that Bill passed away. I always looked at him as one of my mentors and the person I could count on for advice and guidance. But more than that he was a friend. I have so many fond memories of Bill's time here at Northwestern. From career services and then being chosen to lead us all in the division. The moral in Student Affairs was at all-time high. There wasn't anyone that would not go the extra mile for our students. Bill empowered us and gave us the autonomy to accomplish our dreams.
Bill loved playing with my beard, and I remember for my 20-year anniversary gift he presented me with a razor. We discussed cultural differences and similarities. Under Bill's leadership we started Kosher food service and he enabled there to be a Jewish fraternity AEPi on campus.
The Jewish sages say:
Who is a person worthy of being honored?
One who Honors others.
Who is a person worthy of respect?
One who respects others.
Who is a person worthy of Love?
One who loves others.
This was Bill Banis
I will miss him dearly. All those that knew him will miss him dearly.
May G-d comfort Lynn, the entire family and all his friends.
With Blessings
Rabbi Dov Hillel Klein
Susan F (Kirby) Kaufman
left a message on January 31, 2023:
I am so desperately sad to learn Bill is no longer with us. And his ability to remain calm amid chaos helped me stay engaged in local politics. His warm memories of his time at Old Dominion University were shared by my father, Dr. Raymond H Kirby, and a comfort as Dad began failing. I was visiting Pittsburgh and had just seen the Carnegie International and the Warhol Museum the weekend before he left us. Not surprised he was from Pittsburgh.
Jason Rich
left a message on January 30, 2023:
In memory of William "Bill" John Banis, Jason Rich lit a candle
Worth Pickering
left a message on January 30, 2023:
I am so sad to hear about Bill's passing. I always enjoyed working with him at ODU. We enjoyed a common interest in career development and planning. I also enjoyed working with Bill on the VB Democratic Party after he returned to VB. He will be missed. We are holding Lynn and Bill’s family in the light.
LaVerne Carr
left a message on January 29, 2023:
Sorry to hear that Bill passed unexpectedly. He was Director of the Career Center while I worked with him at ODU. Condolences to Lynn and family. Praying that God will comfort the family.
Cynthia Lewis Williams
left a message on January 27, 2023:
Dear Lynn my sincere condolences to you and your family. Bill was a wonderful boss, mentor and friend. I have so many fond memories of our ODU days. May God comfort you and cover you with his peace as only he can. Sincerely, Cynthia Lewis Williams
Kathy Rose Hollingsworth
left a message on January 27, 2023:
I am so sorry to hear about Bill's unexpected death. I have many happy memories about working with Bill as a colleague at Northwestern University, and later in my tenure there, reporting to him when he rose to VPSA. Being Vice President of Student Affairs requires a full life commitment, and Bill gave it his all. I send condolences to his family and especially to his wife Lynn, whom I remember with affection and admiration.
Rick Thomas
left a message on January 26, 2023:
I am broken hearted to learn of Bill’s passing. He was a wonderful mentor to me and many others. I have so many fond memories of our shared time at Northwestern. Condolences and care to Lynn and the rest of the family.
Acacia Komelasky
left a message on January 26, 2023:
Paul and I were very saddened by Bill’s passing. Going through memory lane, we remembered many wonderful times together like Superbowl Sundays, games, Chicago dinners and all the laughter!
A fabulous man and trusted friend.
Acacia and Paul
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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