Barbara W. Brown, BA 1982, OD 1988, probably received the award for her work with the College of Optometry and also for her volunteer and philanthropic work, although the case could as easily have been made solely for her work on behalf of the department. As an undergraduate, Barbara was very active as a mentor and tutor when we first taught chemistry for nurses, assisting Professors Murray and Chickos, who were teaching the courses at the time. She was also very active in campus affairs serving as President of the Student Government Association and later as Vice President. Following graduation from the College of Optometry she practiced full-time for about ten years and then she continued to do that part-time as she returned to the College serving first as its Development Officer and more recently as Manager, Student and Special Services. She has since retired from UMSL and continues her optometry practice. In 2000 she established the Barbara W. Brown Fellowship for Women in Chemistry. Barb was extremely helpful in setting up the Chemistry Alumni Council and has served in a leadership role since 2007 and in 2010 she presented the Distinguished Alumnae Lecture in the department. In 2008 she was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.
