Oscar and Inez Barbarin, parents of Dr. Oscar Barbarin grew up in New Orleans during the time of rampant segregation and extreme poverty. They were both academically talented students who aspired to careers in the health professions. Though they performed with distinction in high school and were highly motivated to attend college they lacked the financial resources to do so. Their lives were profoundly affected by their economic disadvantage. This scholarship is established in their memory. It is intended to support students who have shown strong academic potential but whose financial circumstances might block their full participation in University life. It is hoped that this support will help reduce their dependence on student loans, excessive employment or the need to live at home, so that they will be able to devote more time to their studies.
The Oscar and Inez Barbarin Endowed Scholarship will support merit-based undergraduate scholarships for students in the Department of African American Studies in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.