Get the know Patrice Banks, CFANS Alumni Society Board President

October 15, 2026
Campus Affairs
Alumni
Patrice Banks

Patrice Banks, BS ‘14 Animal Science and MS ‘21 Scientific and Technical Communications, serves on the CFANS Alumni Society Board of Directors as current acting President. As Program Director at Spark-Y: Youth Action Labs, Banks promotes an environment conducive to creativity, curiosity, youth leadership, and learning with students from diverse backgrounds.

What brought you back to CFANS in a leadership role, and what keeps you involved today?

The desire to network and learn from others who shared my college experience. I also wanted to bring the perspective of someone who attended college in a city and then found themselves on a campus surrounded by people who may look and think differently than they do. I want to support all students, especially those who may experience imposter syndrome or may not yet fully realize all that CFANS has to offer.

What role does the Board serve within the CFANS community, and how can alumni benefit from being connected to it?

The Alumni Board’s mission is to foster relationships that benefit our College, alumni, students, and friends. We serve that mission by connecting thousands of alumni with a variety of initiatives that support for the betterment of other alumni, the College, and students. Alumni can benefit from such connections in the way where they develop lasting relationships with people who share a common interest, give back to current students, and even reconnect with campus traditions.

What does meaningful alumni engagement look like to you, and where do you see opportunities to strengthen connections among CFANS alumni?

To me, meaningful alumni engagement is a mutually beneficial relationship among alumni, students, and the College. It creates opportunities for alumni to share their experience, support students, and stay connected to the CFANS community while continuing to learn and grow themselves. I see opportunities to strengthen personal and professional connections through mentorship, networking, and shared service projects that bring people together around common interests.

In your role as Alumni Board president, what are you hearing from CFANS alumni that you think the College needs to hear?

I’m noticing CFANS alumni being recognized in the media for their work, leadership, and contributions across their respective fields, all of which is really inspiring. I think it’s important for the College to hear and recognize how alumni are representing CFANS and demonstrating the value and impact of its education and research long after graduation. There may also be an opportunity to do more to highlight these stories and share them with current students, prospective students, and the broader alumni community.

There are so many innovations and legacies that have come out of CFANS — from the Honeycrisp apple to research addressing sustainable food systems and crop diseases. I’m also proud of the depth of academic opportunities, including 13 graduate programs and immersive, hands-on learning experiences across the state. These are just a few examples of how CFANS makes — and continues to make — a meaningful impact on our communities and the world.

What would you say to an alum who wants to become more involved with CFANS but isn't sure where to start?

Definitely stay connected in a way that is most meaningful to you. Start by reaching out to fellow alumni, exploring what’s happening at CFANS on social media, and find ways to stay involved with the College and University of Minnesota community.