The life of a longtime political science professor at SIU-Carbondale is being remembered through a special memorial fund.
Barbara Brown passed away in May. She taught at SIU from 1985 to 2000.
The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute has now established the Barb Brown Memorial Fund. Institute director David Yepsen says she was a pioneer in getting women involved in politics in southern Illinois.
"She led by example. She ran for office herself. She was very active in the Democratic Party. She was a wonderful instructor. She has lots of friends who are looking for a way to honor her and we think the Barb Brown Memorial Fund is a way to do that."
Yepsen says the fund will lead to a scholarship.
"We are aiming it at young women students who show an interest in public affairs and in public service. We think that that will be a great way to continue Barb Brown's work."
In addition to her teaching career, Brown also served as the Circuit Clerk in Randolph County for 12 years. At the time of her passing, she was the President of the Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership and Southern Illinois Democratic Women.
To learn more and how to donate, visit the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute website.
