Bearcat bands remember leader

In addition to playing 120 times a year, daily practices, schoolwork and making sure the music is just right, the University of Cincinnati band department has something weighing heavy on their clouded minds: The loss of friend and colleague, Julie Benken.

Benken was assigned to the women's basketball band staff where she led the band with dignity for the past seven years.

Benken graduated as a drum major from UC in 1995, and became a member of Tau Beta Sigma, a national honorary band sorority, in 1993, and Kappa Kappa Psi, a national honorary band fraternity, in 2000. She went on to a career in human resources, but her commitment to UC was far from over.

"Julie would eat, sleep and breathe red and black, as a student and staff member," Terren Frenz, director of Bearcat Bands said. "She truly believed in the university and the students here, always conducting herself and the band in a dignified manner."

The 33-year-old musician was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, underwent chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and an unfortunate relapse that ultimately claimed her life Jan.22.

"This past year, you could really tell that the disease was starting to get the best of her, yet you never once saw her wince, cry or whine about it," Frenz said. "She was a real trooper."

Her leadership and character were "unmatched," and her personality set the tone for whatever needed to be accomplished.

"Julie was a true role model to me, it was really inspiring to see how passionate she was about everything she ever touched, especially concerning the band," said fifth-year aerospace engineering student Kellie Cozart. "She let you know that nothing was going to stop her from doing what she wanted."

Cozart said visiting Benken following UC's win at the International Bowl this past January was a difficult situation. Benken was confined to a hospital bed and had to settle for watching the game on television.

"She just kept telling me how great the band sounded and how proud she was of us, not even in the least bit concerned about being sick," he said.

Benken was known for attending every event the band performed in. Even as her sickness developed, she attended events in a wheelchair.

"When she was in the hospital, I remember her saying, 'I will make it to the Crosstown Shootout, wheelchair or not,'" Cozart said.

Unfortunately, Benken's illness would not allow her to attend.

At the request of her parents, Bob and B.J. Benken, 50 members of the Bearcat band played school songs during the funeral procession, while six drum majors carried the casket as pallbearers.

Benken's parents are in the process of establishing a drum major scholarship fund to commemorate her honor and commitment to UC.

Frenz, quoting Benken's uncle, said, "Julie was an in-your-face type of girl, not arrogant or offensive, but absolutely not afraid of anyone, regardless of their position or title, yet she respected everyone, treating everyone with a great deal of care and concern. That's who Julie was, it wasn't so much about what she did, it was about her personality, and the manner that she did it in. The woman that was often referred to by students as 'Grandma Benken' is loved, and will truly be missed."