2008 Woodie Awards
W&L legend Baner honored in upcoming book
Emma Axt
Issue date: 3/21/07 Section: News
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One of Washington and Lee University's most beloved staff members will soon be honored in print. Doris Bane, the wife of W&L Traffic Coordinator and Security Guard Thomas "Baner" Bane, is writing a book to commemorate all that Baner has done for the W&L community over the past 34 years.
Bane explained that the book will include stories, letters, comments and pictures from W&L students, alumni, faculty and staff. It is a tribute to Baner's personal contributions to the W&L community since he began working here over 30 years ago.
"This isn't a brag book about Baner," Bane explained. "It's to honor him and to honor the students and alumni we've shared memories with."
According to Bane, the inspiration to write this book arose last spring. The Banes were invited to dinner at the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity the night before the 2006 W&L graduation ceremony. The event demonstrated to Bane how much of an impact her husband has had in the lives of W&L students.
During the festivities, the Phi Kap boys awarded Baner with a plaque that states: 'Baner is hereby awarded the distinction of lifetime membership in Phi Kap-In recognition of his steadfast protection, guidance, support and most of all for showing us by friendship the true meaning of the Washington and Lee family,'" Bane said. "After Baner gave a speech, there was not a dry eye in the house."
These kind words inspired the book that she has been working on for the past nine months.
Bane remembered the way the parents' and the students' words gave her the courage to take on this project.
"When we were enjoying the meal and the laughter and tears, parents and students kept saying 'someone needs to write a book about Baner,'" Bane said. "That was the moment I decided to write that book. It is something I've wanted to do for years and that night provided the catalyst."
The support of the entire W&L community has been crucial in making this book a possibility. Bane explained how touched she has been by the letters, emails and pictures that are "flooding in everyday" from W&L parents, students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Bane explained that the book will include stories, letters, comments and pictures from W&L students, alumni, faculty and staff. It is a tribute to Baner's personal contributions to the W&L community since he began working here over 30 years ago.
"This isn't a brag book about Baner," Bane explained. "It's to honor him and to honor the students and alumni we've shared memories with."
According to Bane, the inspiration to write this book arose last spring. The Banes were invited to dinner at the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity the night before the 2006 W&L graduation ceremony. The event demonstrated to Bane how much of an impact her husband has had in the lives of W&L students.
During the festivities, the Phi Kap boys awarded Baner with a plaque that states: 'Baner is hereby awarded the distinction of lifetime membership in Phi Kap-In recognition of his steadfast protection, guidance, support and most of all for showing us by friendship the true meaning of the Washington and Lee family,'" Bane said. "After Baner gave a speech, there was not a dry eye in the house."
These kind words inspired the book that she has been working on for the past nine months.
Bane remembered the way the parents' and the students' words gave her the courage to take on this project.
"When we were enjoying the meal and the laughter and tears, parents and students kept saying 'someone needs to write a book about Baner,'" Bane said. "That was the moment I decided to write that book. It is something I've wanted to do for years and that night provided the catalyst."
The support of the entire W&L community has been crucial in making this book a possibility. Bane explained how touched she has been by the letters, emails and pictures that are "flooding in everyday" from W&L parents, students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Brooks G. Brown, III, MD
posted 4/17/07 @ 9:50 PM EST
I would like to share a story with Mrs. Bane for consideration for the book. One of my two daughters that graduated from W&L had a parking ticket. The Lexington police called security looking for Big Al stating they had a warrant for her arrest. (Continued…)
Brooks Brown, III
posted 4/17/07 @ 9:58 PM EST
I can supply more detail and description if desired but I tried to be as brief as possible. Thanks again, Dr. Brown
Alumnus
posted 4/23/07 @ 4:44 PM EST
That is a great article. The mere fact that a campus security guard could have such a great relationship with fraternities is one of the things that makes W&L such a wonderful place. (Continued…)
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