Trinity College Remembers Alumnus Michael “Mikey” Bankston III ’18

Melina Korfonta ’25

Contributing Writer

Trinity alumnus Michael “Mikey” Bankston III ’18 has passed away earlier this month, according to an email sent out on Tuesday Sept. 21 by College Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life Marcus Halley. 

Mikey attended Rauner College Prep in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating, he enrolled at Trinity College as a Posse Scholar in the fall of 2013. Mikey and his fellow Posse Scholars were supported by Associate Professor of Philosophy Dr. Donna-Dale Marcano, according to a statement circulated within the Posse community. Through guidance, opportunities, and hard work, he was able to find his passion for philosophy and took this passion beyond Trinity. Mikey also had aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine.  

Throughout his time at Trinity, Mikey displayed a passion for his Latinx heritage and music. “He was heavily engaged in Trinity’s Temple of Hip Hop, a four-day annual international hip hop festival, as an organizer and radio show host. He was also a member of the Samba Ensemble, a Brazilian drumming and singing group,” per Halley’s email. Mikey further pursued his interests as the Community Engagement Chair of La Voz Latina at Trinity in which he brought attention to Latin American culture, politics, and social issues within the Trinity community and beyond. Mikey also served as one of the first ten Trinity students to mentor 5^th grade students at Hartford’s Expeditionary Learning Academy at Moylan School, a public school serving a predominately Latino population.  

Halley announced that help is available for those who need it in this time of mourning. The Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, Counseling and Wellness Center, and the Office of Student and Community Life at Trinity are resources available to all Trinity students. Contact information for these offices can be found on the Trinity College website under Health and Wellness in the Student Life section. 

“Death is always a challenge to navigate…Death becomes increasingly more challenging to navigate when the deceased is a young person and when the death is the result of a tragedy. Please know that whatever you feel right now is valid. Please reach out for the help you need,” said Halley. He also announced that the Chapel is open for prayer, and details regarding a formal remembrance of Mikey’s life are forthcoming.