BLINN COLLEGE FOUNDATION SEEKS COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO FUND ENDOWED PARALEGAL SCHOLARSHIPS
The Blinn College Foundation invites the community to help fully fund three endowed scholarships honoring individuals whose dedication to education, mentorship, and service made a lasting impact on Blinn College District students and the Brazos Valley legal community.
The Philip Banks Memorial Paralegal Scholarship, Richard W.B. “Rick” Davis Paralegal Scholarship, and Anthony Drummond Memorial Scholarship will support students pursuing their education through Blinn’s Paralegal and Legal Studies Program. Additional contributions are needed before the scholarships reach the funding level required to begin generating awards for students.
The Foundation is encouraging legal professionals, former students, friends and colleagues of the honorees, and others who believe in expanding educational opportunities to contribute to the scholarships.
“Rick, Phil, and Tony were incredibly generous with their time, knowledge, and talents, and each found tremendous joy in teaching and mentoring students,” Paralegal Program Coordinator Robert Stanberry said. “They understood that education was about more than a classroom—it was about investing in people. They felt it was their duty to help students see what was possible for their futures.”
Once fully funded, the endowed scholarships will provide ongoing support for Blinn students preparing for careers in the legal profession, allowing the honorees’ commitment to education and mentorship to continue for generations.
Philip Banks Memorial Paralegal Scholarship
The Philip Banks Memorial Paralegal Scholarship honors Philip Carl Banks, a distinguished attorney, educator, mentor, and champion of the legal profession who taught government, business law, and paralegal courses at Blinn. Banks provided employment, internships, and mentorship to numerous Blinn paralegal students and graduates while also serving as Chief Municipal Judge for the City of College Station and co-founding Atticus Finch Day.
Richard W.B. “Rick” Davis Paralegal Scholarship
The Richard W.B. “Rick” Davis Paralegal Scholarship honors Davis, a distinguished attorney, jurist, educator, military officer, and community leader. A dedicated instructor for many years, he later served as chair of the Blinn Paralegal Program’s advisory board. His career included serving as Judge of Brazos County Court at Law No. 2 and Judge of the 272nd District Court of Texas before founding Rick Davis & Associates. A devoted supporter of legal education, Davis was committed to mentoring students and young attorneys.
Anthony Drummond Memorial Paralegal Scholarship
The Anthony Drummond Memorial Paralegal Scholarship honors Anthony “Tony” Drummond, who taught family law in Blinn’s Paralegal Program for eight years and was known for innovative teaching, hands-on learning, and mentorship.
Drummond also served the community through the Bryan Independent School District’s Teen Court Program, Voices for Children/CASA of the Brazos Valley, and the Brazos Valley Dispute Resolution Center.
“These educators devoted their professional lives to serving others and helping students build meaningful careers,” Blinn College Foundation Executive Director Gentry Woodard said. “Now we have an opportunity to ensure that their impact continues. Every contribution brings these scholarships closer to the point where they can begin supporting students, and we invite the community to help us build a lasting legacy in their honor.”
Blinn’s Paralegal and Legal Studies Program provides students with flexible pathways to prepare for careers in the legal field. The program features small class sizes, and all courses are taught by a practicing judge or attorney, providing students with instruction grounded in current legal practice.
To learn more about Blinn’s Paralegal and Legal Studies Program, contact Stanberry at robert.stanberry@blinn.edu or visit www.blinn.edu/paralegal.
To contribute to one of the endowed scholarships or learn more about supporting the Blinn College Foundation, contact Woodard at gentry.woodard@blinn.edu or visit www.blinn.edu/foundation.
(Story courtesy Blinn Information)