Black Expo chapter to honor Catherine Barnes
August 3, 2005
KOKOMO, Ind.The Kokomo Chapter Indiana Black Expo will honor IU Kokomo Campus Climate Coordinator Catherine Barnes on August 11. During the chapter's annual scholarship luncheon, Barnes and Marsha Bowling, past president of the Kokomo-Center Township Schools Board of Education, will receive awards noting their achievements in education.
In past years, the chapter has recognized individuals in up to five areas of community service, according to its president Robert Hayes. We decided to limit our service awards this year, so we could put emphasis on the young people who are receiving Indiana Black Expo scholarships, said Hayes. We were looking for exemplary people in education, When we considered higher education, Mrs. Barnes' nomination was unanimously approved.
Since 1996, Barnes has overseen networking opportunities, academic counseling, and heritage celebrations for students of color and international students at IU Kokomo.
The IU Kokomo Alumni Association presented its 2005 Distinguished Service Award to Barnes, citing her commitment to motivating students' academic and personal growth.
A graduate of Kokomo High School, Barnes earned a bachelor's degree in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences in 1973 from Purdue University. Her college mentors set the path that Barnes follows today. I was successful in college because someone asked me what I was doing and how could they help me, she said. I always wanted to ask those questions of other students. Her degree gave her a focus and marketable skills, Barnes added. I want more people to get those degrees that can change their lives and ours.
Marsha Bowling served on the Kokomo-Center Township Schools Board of Education since 1998, and was elected board president for 20042005. She stepped down from the board in July.
On August 11, the Kokomo Chapter Indiana Black Expo will also announce $250 scholarships to 14 area high school students. Scholarship recipient Jordan Bell is enrolled as a freshman at IU Kokomo this fall. A graduate of Taylor High School, he is the son of Margaret Bell.
