Barbara (Smith) Parker
Member-at-Large
Class: 1964
Degree: BA
Major: Art
Term Expires: 5/31/09

It would be an understatement to say that Barbara Parker ’64 has a passion for giving her time and energy to aid the development of others. Upon graduating with a double major in General Education and Art, Barbara worked as a full-time substitute and tutored in reading before operating an interior design company for 25 years. She also felt a strong sense of duty to the City of Orange, and was an “active participant” in the Van Gogh Orange committee and the Leadership of Orange Program. She also remains a member of Orange Republican Women Federated, where she has served as vice President of Membership, Community Outreach, Campaign Precinct Chairman and Scholarship Chairman. Barbara also taught 6th grade full time for ten years, and served on the Opening Night Committee for American Celebration as well as the Gala Night Committee.  Her efforts to help the community extend to her family as well: she is the mother of 3, grandmother of 13, and great-grandmother of 17 children!

It goes without saying that her tireless devotion to Chapman stems from a natural ability to multitask. On campus, Barbara has participated in the Chapman University Reading Clinic and the American Celebration Committee for Gala Night, and has also lent her expertise for design and presentation to Town & Gown as a past President, Program Vice-President, Hospitality and Nominations Director, Board Member at Large, Roster Editor, and Special Advisor to the President. Barbara is no stranger to the Alumni Association, and has attended many Alumni events, from Homecoming festivities to Finals Kit stuffing. (She also provided a much-needed revamping of the Alumni and Parent Relations office in 2005!) Barbara and her husband Bill ’52 were honored with the Bert C. Williams Lifetime Service Award as a testimony to their involvement on campus and throughout the community, and Barbara’s giving spirit and artistic eye are sure to be invaluable to the Alumni Board of Directors.