The Barat Education Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) created in 2000 to promote the values and educational tradition of Barat College of Lake Forest, Illinois after the college was merged into DePaul University. Those values and tradition comprise a commitment to and recognition of the importance of preparing students BOTH for careers and engaged citizenship, enabling them to become community leaders and mentors to future generations. The Foundation sustains that commitment today and seeks to develop ethical, informed, active, and responsible citizens and community leaders.
Originally, the Foundation was set up to support Barat College within DePaul University and was not intended to be an operating entity. Barat was a women’s college until it turned coed in the 1980’s. The college had a historical commitment and recognition of the importance for career training “in the modern age” but also a responsibility to prepare its students to be citizens, community leaders and mentors to future
generations.
When DePaul was in the process of closing Barat College in 2004-2005, Barat altered its business model to sustain the Barat legacy and to reflect the entrepreneurial experience of its board leadership and to leverage its limited financial and human resources to support selected organizations in building strong, vibrant economically sound educational and community initiatives
Barat realizes the importance of investing in a project and then divesting it to organizations capable of expanding program scope. Since 2001, Barat has invested more than $2.5 million in scholarships and innovative educational programs promoting civic leadership and action, building community, and advancing social justice through partnerships that empower teachers, students and communities.
MISSION
As heirs of the legacy and educational tradition of Barat College and its Foundresses, the Religious of the Sacred Heart, the Barat Education Foundation develops and seeks support for innovative scholarships and entrepreneurial educational ventures which reflect the deep commitment to: intellectual, spiritual, and ethical values; empowerment of women, social awareness that impels to action; the building of community.
CORE VALUES
Commitment to personal growth in the context of community
A deep respect for intellectual and spiritual values
A social awareness that impels to action
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sheila A. Smith, CEO/Chair
Kathleen Gillespie, Vice Chair
Michael Dimengo, Treasurer
Sarah Highstone, Secretary
Mara Grujanac
Maureen E. Ryan