Barbara earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma in 1961 and her Masters of Education degree from The University of St. Thomas in 1988. She taught elementary school in Tulsa and San Antonio before moving to Houston with her husband, Charles. She has devoted her life to many civic and charitable endeavors, focusing chiefly on children, education, medical research and beautification of her adopted city.
Barbara is presently serving on the boards of the Children’s Defense Fund Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the University of Texas Health Science Center Development Board and the University of St. Thomas School of Education. At UST she has endowed the Barbara Hurwitz Lecture Series for the University’s Cameron School of Business. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the National Honor Society in Education.
She chaired Holocaust Museum Houston’s annual dinner honoring Steven Spielberg, and was a former co-chairman of the board of KIPP Academy, where she is currently serving on the Advisory Board. She also led the capital campaign for KIPP Academy. Barbara chaired the dinner for M.D. Anderson Cancer Center’s 50th year celebration. As a member of the Board of Friends of Hermann Park, she led the capital campaign for refurbishing the park.
Barbara has worked with a wide variety of organizations that support medical research, services and education, including Texas Children’s Hospital and the National Center for Learning Disabilities. She was on the board of the Houston branch as well as the national branch of the International Dyslexia Society. She is a founding member of the Greater Houston Women’s Foundation and the George H. Hermann Society.
The Houston Parks Board, Initiatives for Children and the School for Young Children have also benefited from Barbara’s interest and energy.
Barbara has been awarded many honors for her outstanding efforts in fundraising and for her support of many charitable causes including the Distinguished Alumni Award – University of St. Thomas; March of Dimes Best Dressed Hall of Fame; Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s Women of Distinction; Child Advocates Guild Spring Luncheon Honoree; Northwood University Distinguished Women’s Award; Keep Houston Beautiful Proud Partner’s Rose Award; Jewish Community Center Children’s Scholarship Ball Honoree; Women’s Fund Luncheon Honoree; KIPP Academy Annual Dinner Honoree.
She and Charles have two sons and daughters-in-law, Shawn and Debbie, and David and Dori, and three wonderful grandchildren.