BARBARA JEAN GREGORY DEBOER

Barbara Jean Gregory DeBoer is a 1942 graduate of Lincoln High School. She was a member of the Old Post Sentinel Staff serving as chief editorial writer her senior year, which was split with half days at high school and half days at nearby Vincennes University. She was a six-year member of the Band and a member of the National Honor Society. Upon receipt of a scholarship to Purdue University, she enrolled at the West Lafayette campus, where she studied chemistry until her marriage in January 1944 to First Lt. Eugene C. DeBoer (U.S. Army Air Corps). Following WWII the DeBoers returned to Vincennes to make their home. When Karen and David entered school, Barbara returned to VU and earned an A S degree in Elementary Education (I 954) and passed certification for Illinois teaching permit. She chose to be a stay-at-home mother. She substituted in the Vincennes schools and made formals and wedding dresses at home. At the same time she became involved in volunteer work for numerous organizations: leading 4-H, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and active in Fortnightly, Eastern Star, VU Alumni Association, Psi Iota Xi, First Christian Church, and others.

Every year there were new activities for VU - for instance, making costumes for the plays, helping with review classes, operating the switchboard, researching material for a new course. Following the birth of Steven and two years spent in the West while Gene was on active USAF duty, she began working at VU in advancement. That career in alumni and public relations spanned 23 years. Meanwhile she graduated from the University of Evansville in Public Relations/Communications and became active in both Region 5 and the international organization of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Before her retirement in 1989 she received the CASE 5 Outstanding Service Award, The By-Liner Award from the VU Journalism Department, the Blue and Gold Cord for VU Faculty/Staff. She was also named Older Hoosier of the Year from Knox County, recipient of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce Service Award, VU Alumni Association's Presidents' Award, Citizen of the Year by the National Flag Celebration, Inc., Knox County's RSVP Volunteer of the Year, and in 1999 she was named the recipient of the Walter A. Davis Memorial Citation for Service.

After a seven year stint with seven nearby McDonald's Restaurants for Community Relations, she again retired but then came back to VU, this time as a volunteer with Generations (Older Hoosier Programs). Before long she was an employee, working in the Volunteer Center. However, she continues to edit newsletters for Knox County Chamber of Commerce, RSVP and other organizations as a volunteer.

In addition to their three children, Barbara and Gene are proud grandparents of 12 (2 deceased) and great grandparents of eight.

Distinguished Alumni 1992

Class of 1942

LHS Distinguished Alumni 1992

Class of 1942