By Bowie State University
The late Barbara Lynch Freeman taught for 28 years at Bowie State University and poured so much of herself into thousands of students, faculty members, staff, and the community. In recognition of her tireless work and sacrifice, the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Human Services has honored her by raising $25,000 to establish an endowed scholarship in her name.
“Barbara Lynch Freeman was a fierce advocate for students and was committed to their intellectual growth,” said President Aminta Breaux. “The endowment will be used to assist Sociology students with their financial needs. This endowment is an example of what happens when the BSU community comes together to share its time, talent, and treasure.”
A long-term lecturer in the sociology department, Lynch Freeman touched the lives of not just students and colleagues at BSU, but carried the message of valuing and pursuing higher education to members of her family. Chris Briggs is the 31 year-old great nephew of the esteemed professor.
“My aunt always encouraged me and others in the family to pursue knowledge,” said Briggs. “I’m an emergency management specialist with Lockheed Martin and attribute much of the success I have experienced in my career to the advice and motivation she provided me and others in the family. She shared what she learned with everyone and consistently emphasized the impact education will have on us as individuals and on our society,” he said.
The $25,000 secured to establish the Barbara Lynch Freeman Endowed Scholarship was the result of donations from faculty, students, alumni, and family members. Dr. Charles Adams, chair of the department, says he can’t think of a better way to show appreciation for her years of dedication to Bowie State.
“She was my mentor and encouraged me from the first day I stepped on campus,” said Dr. Adams. “Lynch Freeman encouraged me to think outside of the box and said mediocrity was totally unacceptable. Establishing an endowed scholarship means her name will always be echoed at Bowie State and enable sociology students to continue their pursuit of higher education.”
“Endowments help the university to strategically plan and implement programs,” said Dr. Breaux. “Knowing that we have funds year-over-year allows us to retain students, and market scholarships to potential students. Additionally, we are able to attract more outstanding faculty to BSU.”
