Personal Giving Stories

Estate Gift Creates Endowed Fund

The Late Professor Barbara A. Yates Makes a Permanent Impact on the Program She Founded

Leaving a legacy does not come without sacrifice or hard work—which is why when you discover the life of individuals such as Barbara A. Yates, you can’t help but share their stories. As a visionary and professor, with a heart and passion for her field, Barbara made an indelible impact on The Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program (WGGP) at the U of I. Prior to her death last year, she also established a generous estate gift provision which, in effect, extends her work beyond her lifetime. The Barbara A. Yates Graduate Fellowship and Barbara A. Yates WGGP Program Series will allow students from across disciplines to develop a better understanding of the ways in which gender equity and human development are shaping the world.

“Barbara has made a lasting impact on our campus and future scholars with her generous endowment gift,” said Colleen Murphy, Director of the Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program. “Her gift will allow the University to further expand its commitment to providing a global classroom for its students.”

Barbara’s Illinois story began when she joined the faculty in 1966 in the department of Education Policy Studies within the College of Education. She then served as the Associate Director for the International Programs and Studies (now Illinois International Programs) before founding the Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program in 1980 and serving as its first Director. After retiring in 1986, she created the Barbara A. Yates International Research Award for WGGP Graduate Students—which has provided more than 28 students a truly exceptional learning experience.

Barbara Yate’s life and partnership with Illinois has resulted in a permanent legacy that benefits our programs, our students, and our world!

For more about WGGP, visit: www.wggp.illinois.edu

The U of I Foundation gift planning staff is pleased to answer your questions and offer assistance at any time. Please contact the Foundation to learn more.