BARBARA JABR '53
HER PASSION FOR LEARNING INSPIRES A GENEROUS GIFT
For Barbara Jabr ’53, Macalester was a gateway to the
world. Born and raised on Saint Paul’s East Side, Barbara
was encouraged to attend college by her mother. “She
really felt I should have the opportunity,” explains
Barbara. Barbara hoped to attend a smaller college that
was academically rigorous and also close to home, and
Macalester proved to be the right match. “Attending
Macalester was one of the best things to ever happen to
me,” reflects Barbara. “I was very fortunate to find the
perfect setting for me.”
At school, Barbara took advantage of Macalester’s
myriad educational opportunities. Majoring in history
and international studies, Barbara loved interacting with
her professors and peers. “With the small classes at Mac,
you’re never lost in the crowd,” she explains, adding, “My
teachers and classmates made Macalester a very good
environment for learning.” Barbara also attended summer
academic programs in Michigan and Washington, D.C.,
enabling her to graduate from Macalester a year early.
Just as crucial, it was at Macalester where Barbara
developed a passion that would shape the course of her
life—and her support for Macalester. Professor Yahya
Armajani, Macalester’s renowned specialist in Middle
Eastern history, inspired Barbara’s keen interest in Middle
Eastern studies, an interest she pursued at a special summer
program in Michigan. After graduating from Macalester,
Barbara pursued a master’s degree in history at American
University in Washington, D.C.
While living in the nation’s capital, Barbara also met
her future husband, Aref Jabr, a native of Palestine. The
couple was soon married, and Aref went on to a career
as an executive at West Publishing, while Barbara spent
time working as a discrimination investigator for the
Minnesota Department of Human Rights. “It was
a very gratifying position, trying to resolve such
complicated issues,” explains Barbara. “I think
Macalester really prepared me for the challenge.”
Following Aref’s retirement from West Publishing,
the Jabrs made the decision to support Macalester.
“For a long time, it seemed that opportunities to
study the Middle East at Macalester had faded
away,” remarks Barbara. “But now, Macalester is
really ahead of the curve in wanting to develop a
Middle East and Islamic studies program. I attribute
this to the vision and commitment of President
Brian Rosenberg, who saw the need and acted on
it.” Accordingly, the Jabrs made a $500,000 lead
gift in support of an endowed chair at Macalester.
“Arabic history and culture is my greatest interest,”
says Barbara. “It’s great that Macalester students
will have the opportunity to learn about such timely
issues.” The earnings from the gift currently support
Professor Binnur Ozkececi-Taner, who teaches
political science courses, including Politics of the
Middle East and Regional Conflict and Security.
Reflecting on her experience at Macalester, Barbara
speaks with warmth and wisdom. She was able to
attend her 50th class reunion in 2003, an experience
that she found greatly rewarding. Equally rewarding,
explains Barbara, is the opportunity to support the
college by empowering today’s students to study
Arabic and the Middle East, passions that have
defined Barbara’s life. “I loved all the aspects of my
Macalester experience,” confides Barbara. “It was
wonderful to be able to make a commitment to
Macalester in return.” |
