Former Professor Barbara Jones: Why Wait? See How Your Gift Can Make a Lasting Impact

Barbara M. Jones and family

"It's really nice to honor someone, and the good thing is that once you start, you'll be amazed at how the fund grows with every little bit that's contributed." - Barbara M. Jones

Barbara M. Jones loved being a nurse. "Nursing offers many interesting avenues to work in - public health, education, surgery, and much more. For me, and for my sister, it was so fulfilling to be in nursing."

After her sister Ruth Jones Barnes died in 2004, Barbara decided to honor her by endowing a scholarship fund for nursing students at North Park University, where Barbara taught nursing from 1965 to 1971.

Barbara provided seed money to start the scholarship fund, and "the whole family has contributed to it ever since," she says. "It's really nice to honor someone, and the good thing is that once you start, you'll be amazed at how the fund grows with every little bit that's contributed."

Ruth's four children - Will, Barbara, Judy C'82, and Phillip - and husband, William C. Barnes, are especially supportive to honor their late mother and wife, says Barbara. In fact, in a new family tradition, making gifts to the scholarship fund has replaced the annual grab bag at Christmas.

"Ruth was a special woman in many ways, and honoring her through this scholarship fund set up by Barbara is something the entire family is honored to be a part of," Bill Barnes says. "The help it provides to students during their training at North Park also ensures quality nursing for future generations. My daughter Judy certainly received top training at North Park!"

Barbara returns annually to North Park to meet the scholarship recipient, often over lunch at nearby Tre Kronor. "Every year when I meet the student we're helping," says Barbara, "I say to my niece Judy, 'Your mother would just love this person!' "

Barbara's time teaching pediatric nursing at North Park University was a role she "really enjoyed as an opportunity to guide young nursing students." She also held a variety of nursing leadership positions, including director of nursing education at former Children's Memorial in Lincoln Park and vice president of nursing at Swedish Covenant Hospital for 14 years until she retired in 1995.

In retirement, Barbara has enjoyed traveling to be with family and to hear her favorite opera singer, Bryn Terfel, the Welsh bass baritone. She takes classes at her retirement community to continue her love of learning.

"I'm especially delighted to know who's getting our scholarship support," Barbara says. "It's so personal and so satisfying to meet the student, and it makes you feel so good to know what your gift is doing."

For these reasons, says Barbara, "I tell my friends, why wait to leave it in your will? You can start a scholarship fund now and set it up the way you want it - and get to see what an impact you can have."