Barb Settel at her iSchool retirement celebration.
iSchool alumna and long-time staff member Barbara (Barb) Settel G’73 G’76 passed away on April 5 at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.
Barb earned her M.S. in Library and Information Science from the iSchool in 1976, and joined the iSchool staff in 1987 as an assistant dean. She served in several roles in the iSchool’s student services area until her promotion to director of alumni relations in 2002. In 2013 she was named executive director of alumni relations, a position she held until her retirement from Syracuse in 2018. She also holds an M.A. in South Asian History from Syracuse University, and a B.A. in History from the University of Rochester.
Barbara Settel (center) in Mumbai with iSchool alumni.
Throughout her career at the iSchool, Barb worked tirelessly on behalf of iSchool students and alumni, especially as she helped to build and enhance the School’s alumni network – connecting current students with alumni in industry across the globe. Barb was a meticulous events planner, always looking for ways to bring people together and to create opportunities for growth and learning.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Barbara’s passing,” said iSchool Dean Emerita Liz Liddy. “She embodied the spirit of the iSchool – she had the drive to conquer new challenges and a passion for exceptional relationship building with iSchool alums near and far. She was instrumental in helping our graduates find jobs, make career connections, and keep in touch with the School. I am so proud to have been able to call her a co-worker, a classmate, and a friend.”
“Although I did not have the opportunity to work directly with Barb, as she retired before I arrived, her strong legacy and leadership were evident from the moment I set foot in Hinds Hall,” said iSchool dean Raj Dewan. “I know that she will be missed by faculty, staff, and alumni alike. We owe Barb a debt of gratitude for the work she did on behalf of the iSchool that helped to make us who we are today.”
Barb’s family has established a website on Caring Bridge where memories can be shared. In addition, a celebration of her life is planned for this summer, and details will be forthcoming.
