Peter Banko poses with Phoenix College faculty, staff and students at Heroes of Education event. [From L to R] Alfredo Hernandez (Development), Nick Erickson (student), Ximena Mendoza (student), Jay Hardin (Art Program Director), Dr. Kimberly Britt (PC President), Peter Banko, Julie Tran (student), and Jesse Lopez (student).
The Maricopa Community College Foundation honored ten college heroes from the ten institutions within the Maricopa County Community College District.
On November 13, 2025, Phoenix College (PC) proudly recognized philanthropist and distinguished PC alumnus, Peter Banko ‘64 at the annual Maricopa Heroes of Education celebration at the Heard Museum.
This premier event, hosted by the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF), honors champions of education in Arizona and those who have a proven personal commitment to supporting students and educational opportunities for Maricopa Community College students. Since its inception in 2006, the event has raised $2.9 million in scholarship and basic need funds. The Foundation honors corporate, individual, and honorary Heroes of Education along with ten esteemed Heroes selected by each of the Maricopa Community Colleges.
Peter Banko enrolled at Phoenix College, describing it as "the first best decision of his life." He was elected Student Body President, received the Rosensweig Award for Most Outstanding Student of 1964, and was granted the Experiment in International Living scholarship to study in Argentina. The study abroad opportunity was the catalyst for his global career, spanning multiple continents and leading to numerous adventures.
After Phoenix College, Peter transferred to Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service where he earned a bachelor's degree and then completed a graduate degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management. His career in international banking included executive positions at Chase Manhattan Bank, Security Pacific Bank, and Bank of America, where he oversaw global operations in Beirut, London, Tehran, Bahrain, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taipei, as well as in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. He served as President of the Georgetown Alumni Association in most of his overseas postings. He often spoke at financial conferences, was cited in financial journals, and advised foreign governments while representing American interests. In 1997, the International Financial Review Asia named him Banker of the Year for bringing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to the US capital markets for a US$ 477,000,000 syndicated transaction. In 2000-2001 he was elected President of the Chamber of Commerce in Taipei. In 2002, Thunderbird awarded him a Distinguished Alumni Award. From 2005-2010 he served on the Advisory Board of the Monterey Institute of International Studies.
Before entering the financial world, Banko served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Iran, teaching International Relations at the University of Tehran. After retiring from banking, he obtained a master’s degree in museum studies at ASU and was appointed Deputy Director for the ASU Museum of Anthropology. He also served as a trustee at the Phoenix Art Museum, Co-Chairman of the Collections Committee, and as President of the Asian Arts Council. He worked aggressively to expand the museum's Asian collection and curated several exhibitions. He applied academic rigor and creative vision to these roles while facilitating community engagement through educational programs and events. His work received recognition, including the 2006 Philanthropy Award from the Arizona Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Banko embodies the essence of a Phoenix College Hero through his steadfast dedication to student success and his profound connection to the institution that shaped his future. A proud alumnus and an active member of the Half Century Club, he has demonstrated visionary leadership and generous support for numerous initiatives, including the establishment of a personal endowment designed to support Phoenix College Global Studies students through a dedicated scholarship. His long-term goal is to grow the endowment to a level where it produces $20,000 annually, which would become the scholarship award amount. He has also helped preserve the legacy of others, like Myrna Harrison, Phoenix College’s first female President. Mr. Banko's advocacy for education and purposeful leadership highlights the importance of giving back.
“Helping students succeed matters - every gift helps someone pursue their dreams, broaden their perspective, and build a stronger future” - Peter Banko.
Peter Banko, his wife Pari and their son Cameron, resided abroad for over 40 years before returning home to Arizona. His influence has been both global and profoundly local. His philanthropic values are firmly rooted in his dedication to family, education, community and international understanding. Recognizing Peter Banko as the 2025 Phoenix College Hero of Education not only acknowledges his distinguished career but also honors his lifelong commitment to shaping lives and futures through education.
In a gesture that truly reflected his character, Peter reserved seats at his tables for Phoenix College scholarship students—not choosing to be surrounded by dignitaries, but by the very students whose journeys inspire him. His priority was simple yet profound: to hear their stories, learn from their experiences, and champion their dreams. Many students shared how meaningful the event was for them, and for some, it was their first time in a setting like this. They felt welcomed, valued, and inspired. One student even said, “In the future, I will be a Phoenix College donor,” showing that Peter not only made an impact but planted a lasting seed of generosity.
Giving students the opportunity to be heard places them at the center, empowering them to grow, succeed, and shape their own futures. If you would like to empower dreams, consider making a gift to support Phoenix College students.