Please share your thoughts and memories of Scott as an opportunity to come together in shared appreciation of what Scott has meant to us.
Carol and Michael Eisenberg were close friends with Scott for more than 20 years. Read the eulogy they delivered at his memorial service.
49 entries.
Scott was among my first contacts with the iSchool when I joined. He was lobbying to have me teach more in the INFO program. I was so moved by his passion for the program and students but also his thoughtful, patient, considerate discussion -- a contrast to my tendency to bulldoze. And then, in literally every damn faculty meeting since then, he had things to say that were so simultaneously kind and humble yet incisive, resonant, fearless, and just ... true that he had everyone nodding their head whether they had initially agreed or not. I was always in awe of his ability to bring people together on difficult topics so thoughtfully and nimbly and clearly and charismatically. He was vital; he will be missed.
Scott was such a welcoming person and just really made people feel at home in the Informatics space. I think anyone who had a conversation with him about Informatics could easily start to see it as a place they belonged, and their goals within the space as achievable. He was really excited for people to do great things and succeed in whatever they were excited about. I'm grateful that I got to meet him and learn from him during my time in the major.
I was born and raised in Seattle, so when I decided I wanted to go to library school in the early 90s, I of course considered the UW School of Librarianship, as it was then. For various reasons, I decided it probably wasn't the best fit for me, and I ended up at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, from 1992 to 1994. Our computer lab was run by Scott, and he made it one of the most advanced computer labs on campus.
A few years later, when I heard that Dean Eisenberg had hired Scott to run computer services for the new UW iSchool, I immediately thought that this was a great and important hire, and an indication of likely success for the future of the nascent iSchool.
Alas, I did not see Scott often when I ended up working in Odegaard library several years after, but it was always a treat when it happened. Our paths crossed several times over the past few decades -- and now I live not far from where he started in Syracuse, coincidentally.
I was very sorry to read about Scott's passing, in the most recent iNews issue. I won't forget him.
A few years later, when I heard that Dean Eisenberg had hired Scott to run computer services for the new UW iSchool, I immediately thought that this was a great and important hire, and an indication of likely success for the future of the nascent iSchool.
Alas, I did not see Scott often when I ended up working in Odegaard library several years after, but it was always a treat when it happened. Our paths crossed several times over the past few decades -- and now I live not far from where he started in Syracuse, coincidentally.
I was very sorry to read about Scott's passing, in the most recent iNews issue. I won't forget him.
Scott's early passing was just devastating. Scott was really synonymous with the INFO program, and most of its success is directly attributable to his tireless efforts. He also really loved the students. As Jevin noted, the worst day of the year for Scott was when he had to send out the rejection letters to those applying for the major, but the best day for him was graduation--he was always beaming with pride as each student walked across that stage to shake his hand. He loved the students, and they loved him.
Scott may no longer be with us, but the example he set will remain, especially with me.
Scott may no longer be with us, but the example he set will remain, especially with me.
I will remember Scott's kind smile and full-throated laugh. I was happy whenever I entered a room and saw that he was there. Scott was kind and thoughtful and passionate about his work in Informatics. I miss him.
Scott will forever be remembered for his devotion to our informatics students. The most difficult day of the year for him was the day he had to send out rejection letters. Scott’s physical heart failed him, but he had one of the biggest hearts one can have for our students. He will be sorely missed by all.
Scott, rest in peace knowing the positive impact you have had on so many people in our community.
Scott, rest in peace knowing the positive impact you have had on so many people in our community.
I was with Carrie Phillips in that 541 class, in dMLIS Cohort #2, preparing for our online iSchool life, before distance learning was a daily occurrence. Scott made the course fun, and one of my favorites, delving into the back end of data transfers, remote learning tools, and resources that we would use throughout our studies at UW. He really enjoyed teaching students of various backgrounds and abilities and his enthusiasm easily flowed to his students. A glowing star in the universe of information systems.
What sad news to read in my inbox today! I remember the very first dMLIS residency of my program when, in August of 2003, my cohortmates and I were working through LIS 541 with Scott and news of the east coast blackout appeared on our screens in real time. Peace be with Scott's family and friends.
Scott's sudden passing at far too young an age was shocking and heart breaking. I feel fortunate to have had a wonderful talk with Scott recently in person at the staff picnic. We talked about travel and retirement plans - yes, it was hard to imagine him retiring from the iSchool. He had so much passion and love for this place. He was a colleague and a friend who would challenge me and support me, both to the fullest extent. We were all better for having Scott as part of our community. I will forever think "what would Scott have said about this?" and imagine a long email - hard to believe I will miss those messages. We shall go on and honor his legacy but we will never be quite the same. Peace to all.
Hearing Scott's passing at work was hard for me. I had a very strong admiration and respect to Scott from the first video/lecture I saw when I took INFO 200. It was something that his teaching made it unique and interested in INFO for me. He really cared about everyone, all his students, that nobody would ever will. I hope he is in a better place right now and is proud of all of his students. Rest in peace Scott Barker...
The news of Scott's passing hit me hard. I admired and respected Scott for so many things. He was the "glue" of the Information School, able to understand our community from all angles. He had a keen wit and infectious smile. And nobody -- truly nobody -- loved our students as much as he did. I will miss him dearly. RIP my friend.
I really cannot comprehend this loss, it’s too soon and sudden. Scott has played such a big role in my UW career especially the past year. Being one of his TA and working closely with him really taught me that he cares so deeply about his students as he continuously advocate for them in and outside the classroom. I am so thankful that I had the pleasure of being one of his students and I cannot say enough thank yous to you Scott for the encouragement and support you given me in the past year. Thank you.
As an MLISer a decade an a half ago, our paths didn't formally cross, but Scott's kind, subtly exuberant presence was always felt at MGH. He was dedicated, present, and always engaged. I returned a few years after graduation to attend a talk and of course Scott was there extending a gracious hello and following with his customary curiosity. He was a 'giver' for sure. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Scott's family and the many friends, colleagues, and students who were fortunate to know this remarkable human.
Rest in peace, Scott Barker. I was fortunate to have an office just across the hall from him. I will remember Scott as a fierce advocate for the Informatics program and its students, and as a faculty member able to raise thorny questions at critical junctures in discussions. He always had astute advice for teaching challenges, and was so generous with his time.
Scott was a kind and gentle man, with perspective and humor in abundance. His contributions to the development of the iSchool were immeasurable.
He will be missed, but not forgotten.
Scott was a kind and gentle man, with perspective and humor in abundance. His contributions to the development of the iSchool were immeasurable.
He will be missed, but not forgotten.
For 20 years Scott and I discussed current and potential uses of technology to support individuals and groups, and when I came to focus on educational technology, Scott was often the first person I turned to. His responses to inquiries were reliable and cheerfully frank, often including something I hadn’t thought to ask that he realized I should have. A recent protracted exchange was to better understand effects of shifting to remote learning, we worked out some issues together. I’m glad to have known him, the world needs more people like Scott.
Scott was my first friend at the UW. We served in the same committee and he was always so kind to me. I went to him to complain about a grade that I thought was unfair and he told me to remember that "I am not my grade." He wrote my recommendation letter. In my last interaction with Scott, he served as my Subject Expert for my project. Scott was always there when I needed him and also helped me prepare for my interview. I have lost a friend....a good friend but he will forever live in my heart.
Till we meet again professor Scott......till we meet again.
Till we meet again professor Scott......till we meet again.
I had the great pleasure to work with Scott for the past 14 years. He set the bar high for all who worked with him, always pushing, always doing what he could to insure we were the best iSchool in the world. I can't think of a more dedicated voice for students than Scott. He truly cared how university policies and procedures affected them. And, of course, he wanted them all to be part of the iSchool. There was never a request I had of Scott that went unfulfilled. Naturally, he always shared the article when another school got a new building or a seven-figure gift. And we'll get there, Scott. We will. Thank you for all you did to pave the way.
What a fierce advocate for his students. We will all remember Scott as a person who believed in the program, believed in the students, and let us reach our full potential.
INFO 200 with Scott is definitely one of my highlight classes at UW. His enthusiasm and passion for the subject clearly showed in each lecture. I came into INFO 200 without much knowledge about the Informatics major, but Scott quickly turned that around, which guided me to where I am today.
Scott will be dearly missed, but his impacts to students and faculties will continue to live on.
Scott will be dearly missed, but his impacts to students and faculties will continue to live on.
Scott was always, to me, the heart and soul of the Information School. He was smart, dedicated, caring, & compassionate. He could be direct when necessary but always had a sense of humor and a good-natured readiness to laugh. My heart hurts with his passing.
I never got the opportunity to take a class with Scott but I was able to speak to his INFO 200 class in the alumni panel. I could see the enthusiasm Scott had with his students and it made me wish I could be a freshman again and take INFO 200 with Scott. Scott was the chair of THE BEST program in the world and his contributions to the INFO community will be greatly missed.
Scott was the most welcoming and supportive professor when I was starting out as an INFO student. He tirelessly supported me, my friends, and DubsTech in our mission to help other students get access to free resources. He will be dearly missed.
In so many ways, Scott was a truly remarkable colleague. He was straightforward and honest in the best possible ways. From Scott, I saw the importance of saying it directly – calling a spade a spade.
From time to time, I would find myself in Scott’s office. I was there for advice. I might tell a story about a student and ask: “What do I do about that?” Scott always took time to listen and always offered good advice, often with a good deal of laughter. I always left his office feeling better and being better.
I miss Scott in many ways. I miss his wisdom and leadership but even more I miss his spirit for working together. But I gather comfort knowing that his influence and example will endure in all of us who knew him.
From time to time, I would find myself in Scott’s office. I was there for advice. I might tell a story about a student and ask: “What do I do about that?” Scott always took time to listen and always offered good advice, often with a good deal of laughter. I always left his office feeling better and being better.
I miss Scott in many ways. I miss his wisdom and leadership but even more I miss his spirit for working together. But I gather comfort knowing that his influence and example will endure in all of us who knew him.
Scott was one of the first people who took a chance on me during a time when things weren’t exactly going my way academically. I was stressed about getting into my major and really wanted someplace to use my skills and he was kind enough to offer me a TA position in INFO 200. I learned a lot working for him and he was such a patient, kind and caring mentor. Whenever I’d speak with him he’d always ask how things are going for me and I could see he genuinely cared. He was a great mentor and was really passionate about his students and technology. He will be missed by the entire iSchool community deeply!
I am so sorry for the loss of Scott, gone much too soon. The 12 years I worked at the iSchool were wonderful ones, and Scott was a part of that experience. He didn't just work at the iSchool, he lived and breathed it. His care for the students and his colleagues was sincere. He was always kind to me and I will always appreciate that. Lifting him up in prayer, and sending virtual hugs to all my iSchool family as you navigate this great loss.
As a student, I was able to witness Professor Barker’s endless enthusiasm about the class, endearing care for his students, and his beaming kindness that he radiated every second, every day. It was unfortunate that I was unable to meet him in person due to the pandemic but Professor Barker was definitely one of the most memorable. I can tell from him and what others praise of him, Professor Barker was someone we all loved having around and he made me feel confident. Thank you for influencing me so much in such a short time and you have definitely touched the hearts of so many students, faculty, staff, and more. The world needs more people like you. Rest in peace professor.
Oh Scott … you have left us all so sad . You were such a rock solid friend and colleague you loved the ischool . You loved the movement. And we loved you.
You kept us on our toes … always pushing us to the next new thing , always building, always guiding us. We always trusted your judgement which never let us down . Sharing your wisdom and knowledge so that we could understand where we should be headed with the next technology.
The school will miss you … but we will miss you as a loyal trusted snd wonderful friend .
You left us too early . We loved sharing every dinner after Commencement with you before and after h stepped down as dean .
Rest In Peace gentle soul
You kept us on our toes … always pushing us to the next new thing , always building, always guiding us. We always trusted your judgement which never let us down . Sharing your wisdom and knowledge so that we could understand where we should be headed with the next technology.
The school will miss you … but we will miss you as a loyal trusted snd wonderful friend .
You left us too early . We loved sharing every dinner after Commencement with you before and after h stepped down as dean .
Rest In Peace gentle soul
Scott was responsible for so much we took for granted as students. Although I never took a class with him, he knew me and I remember his laughs in the hallway. He was a strong positive force for all of us.
Scott was one of the kindest people that I have ever met and had a true passion for technology. He dedicated his life to sharing and teaching that love for technology. Teaching under him for almost 2 years was life-changing and taught me so much by being an amazing mentor to me. If you asked me about the one person who I'd want to talk to 10-15 years later to show who I've become and what I've done - I'd pick him. Thank you for being a huge part of my life and also the entire iSchool community at UW.
I want to thank Mike and Carol Eisenberg for their beautiful eulogy for our dear friend and colleague Scott Barker. Their words brought back such wonderful memories.
It is nice to reflect back to 1998 when a number of us, including Scott, arrived on the UW campus to build a very special school. We all drank the cool aid but I think Scott may have returned for an extra serving. We all know how deeply devoted Scott was to the iSchool. It was very important to him that our school would become a world-leading place to work and learn. He also knew that our school would have a deep and lasting impact on the UW campus and beyond. He worked tirelessly to support our faculty, staff and students. In fact, he was a vital ingredient for what came to be known as iSchool “magic”.
Scott was a great leader. He wholeheartedly embraced the vision of the iSchool. His first role as IT Director was to establish a leading edge IT infrastructure for our school. Imagine the incredible advances in technology that have taken place over the past two decades. Scott and his team have ensured that our IT infrastructure has keep pace with every new innovation developed to support research, teaching and information work. He not only achieved this for the iSchool, he also worked across the UW campus with UW IT and IT directors from other schools and colleges to ensure that our university IT resources were interconnected and available for collaboration. He negotiated large scale software licenses and hardware purchases. He enhanced the reputation of the iSchool through all his interactions with IT leaders on campus.
In other words, Scott went well beyond what might be expected of an exceptional IT Director but that was not enough to completely satisfy his passion for our school. He knew he had more to offer and took on the role of chair of the informatics program. In every thing that Scott achieved, he would always acknowledge the hard work of our faculty and staff and the many contributions made by our students, but I think it is fair to say that Scott was the driving force behind the incredible success our our informatics program. For Scott, the informatics program was his way of expressing his devotion to our students. He loved our undergraduate students. He knew that our school could provide each student with a transformative educational experience and he worked relentlessly to achieve that goal. It is a great comfort to think about the wonderful legacy Scott provided through his work as the informatics program chair. When we conjure up the thousands of informatics graduates who are now, and will be into the future, making a positive impact on our world, we know that Scott’s life had great purpose.
When Scott had a heart attack a couple of years ago, Lorraine and I took our granddaughter Kitty to visit him. Kitty was six at the time and Scott was so sweet with her. He showed her all around his lovely home. She marveled at his robot vacuum cleaner and his lights that worked by voice command. She was so astounded that she asked Scott “are you rich?” We all thought that this was very funny. What does it really mean to be rich? Well, there is no doubt in my mind that our lives have been greatly enriched by our friendship with Scott Barker. God Bless you Scott.
It is nice to reflect back to 1998 when a number of us, including Scott, arrived on the UW campus to build a very special school. We all drank the cool aid but I think Scott may have returned for an extra serving. We all know how deeply devoted Scott was to the iSchool. It was very important to him that our school would become a world-leading place to work and learn. He also knew that our school would have a deep and lasting impact on the UW campus and beyond. He worked tirelessly to support our faculty, staff and students. In fact, he was a vital ingredient for what came to be known as iSchool “magic”.
Scott was a great leader. He wholeheartedly embraced the vision of the iSchool. His first role as IT Director was to establish a leading edge IT infrastructure for our school. Imagine the incredible advances in technology that have taken place over the past two decades. Scott and his team have ensured that our IT infrastructure has keep pace with every new innovation developed to support research, teaching and information work. He not only achieved this for the iSchool, he also worked across the UW campus with UW IT and IT directors from other schools and colleges to ensure that our university IT resources were interconnected and available for collaboration. He negotiated large scale software licenses and hardware purchases. He enhanced the reputation of the iSchool through all his interactions with IT leaders on campus.
In other words, Scott went well beyond what might be expected of an exceptional IT Director but that was not enough to completely satisfy his passion for our school. He knew he had more to offer and took on the role of chair of the informatics program. In every thing that Scott achieved, he would always acknowledge the hard work of our faculty and staff and the many contributions made by our students, but I think it is fair to say that Scott was the driving force behind the incredible success our our informatics program. For Scott, the informatics program was his way of expressing his devotion to our students. He loved our undergraduate students. He knew that our school could provide each student with a transformative educational experience and he worked relentlessly to achieve that goal. It is a great comfort to think about the wonderful legacy Scott provided through his work as the informatics program chair. When we conjure up the thousands of informatics graduates who are now, and will be into the future, making a positive impact on our world, we know that Scott’s life had great purpose.
When Scott had a heart attack a couple of years ago, Lorraine and I took our granddaughter Kitty to visit him. Kitty was six at the time and Scott was so sweet with her. He showed her all around his lovely home. She marveled at his robot vacuum cleaner and his lights that worked by voice command. She was so astounded that she asked Scott “are you rich?” We all thought that this was very funny. What does it really mean to be rich? Well, there is no doubt in my mind that our lives have been greatly enriched by our friendship with Scott Barker. God Bless you Scott.
It is hard to put into words how much of an impact Scott had on me, and I don't think I had fully realized it until now. I was a teaching assistant for Scott for over 2 years, and through that time I built the strongest bond I have ever had with an educator. Scott cared deeply about my progress, and we would often speak for hours about progress in my classes, clubs, and internship. Every unprompted message from him brought a smile on my face because I knew he genuinely cared. I knew it because he would proudly share it with others or encourage me to share it with our class.
What's most impressive to me is that so many others have similar stories about Scott - the fact that he had the capacity to mentor so many students while never giving you less than 100% of his attention.
There really aren't many people in this world who would happily announce to over 300 students that, if they have no family to be with, they can come over to his house for Thanksgiving dinner. Among many other great memories, playing Xbox and being shown around his "smart house" on Thanksgiving is one that I'll never forget.
What's most impressive to me is that so many others have similar stories about Scott - the fact that he had the capacity to mentor so many students while never giving you less than 100% of his attention.
There really aren't many people in this world who would happily announce to over 300 students that, if they have no family to be with, they can come over to his house for Thanksgiving dinner. Among many other great memories, playing Xbox and being shown around his "smart house" on Thanksgiving is one that I'll never forget.
Scott was the professor that impacted me the most during my time at UW. I took INFO 200 in fall’20 and he made the online experience of the course very engaging and always offered support to students who needed it during hard times. His passion for equity in technology and technology for the good of people is what motivated me to pursue Informatics major. I will certainly remember the values he carried onto his students and all the valuable school and career advice. He was such a bright, positive and kind person and will be missed greatly.
Scott was one the friendliest, charming and passionate professors I’ve come across at the UW. He remembered my name when I took INFO 200 in 2018 and thought I would be a good fit for the TA job in 2020 when they were expanding.
I can safely say that Scott was my first real mentor and his passion for technology rubbed off on me. He really helped and supported me throughout my TA job and even through my first internship. He never put any pressure on us but his passion for teaching and helping us made us never want to disappoint him.
If there was one person I would’ve spoken to 5 years down the line for any advice, it would’ve been him.
He was an amazing person and will truly be missed.
I can safely say that Scott was my first real mentor and his passion for technology rubbed off on me. He really helped and supported me throughout my TA job and even through my first internship. He never put any pressure on us but his passion for teaching and helping us made us never want to disappoint him.
If there was one person I would’ve spoken to 5 years down the line for any advice, it would’ve been him.
He was an amazing person and will truly be missed.
Scott was such an influential presence on my life as I decided to pursue Informatics as my second major. I was a 5th year senior but Scott encouraged me to pursue my newfound passion before graduating and entering the workforce. That choice ended up changing the trajectory of my future career and landed me in an industry that I loved. I'll never forget Scott's influence on my life and his abundance of wisdom. RIP and thank you for impacting not just my life but so many others.
I will deeply miss Scott and not just because he pulled my bacon out of the fire so many times when I mismanaged panopto, gradebook, canvas or any of the other applications that he made look so simple. I knew him as a man of infinite patience, generosity and grace particularly when answering the same question from me time and again; an occupational hazard of only teaching 1x a year. Again, my mother has been proven right. The good do die young and that is why I am still here. While Scott is no longer with us, his examples as a teacher, colleague and support tech will live on.
There has been very few individuals that have made a monumental impact in my life, during my time at UW but Scott was one of them. I always looked forward to coming to class because he put a tremendous amount of effort into making sure each and every student was actively learning and received valuable skills to conquer future endeavors. Even outside of the classroom, Scott was always eager to meet with students and help with anything from job applications, portfolio help, ISchool apps, etc. I probably met with him 10+ times just to discuss random projects I was interested in and job applications. This is a huge loss to the UW community but I know his impact will carry on for years to come.
Scott was the heart of the iSchool. I certainly don’t and I’m sure not many truly know how involved he was in the development of the program. But one I personally know about was his crucial role in getting the Women in Informatics student organization started. He was an avid and passionate supporter of all students. He was always a cheerful and friendly face in the hallways who would always greet you. Those who knew him will miss him dearly and future students will miss the opportunity to have known him, but we can all acknowledge the impact he made. Thank you so much for all your contributions, Scott.
I had the privilege of having Scott as one of my first-ever college professors just a few quarters ago. From a perspective of a frightened freshman still trying to acclimate to college and my new major, albeit online, his positive energy proved to be contagious despite the remote environment, and I found myself benefitting so much from him throughout the entire duration of the INFO 200 course. I regret never getting to meet him in person, and I wanted to thank him for being not only a great instructor but also a great person!
Scott was one of my first professors at UW. One day, we ran across each other in the HUB. Even after 3 quarters, he remembered me by name. His valuable feedback on my Informatics application essay got me into the major. He was a gem and he will be missed!
Scott was a kind and invaluable support person when I began my MLIS program in 2004. As a teacher, I have continued to reflect back on the creative and engaging lessons he put together to teach us about how computer networks functioned. He was a wonderful teacher. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Scott is one of the reason why I built my confidence in the informatics program. His words of encouragement helped me vividly see what’s possible. I would always stay after class just to chat with him because I really enjoyed talking to him. Scott really help me understand what it means when they say “you only get as much as what you put” when talking about my learning experience at UW. Scott’s energy and positivity will be deeply missed in the information school and the entire University of Washington. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
I had the privilege of being one of Scott’s students this past winter quarter, and his passion and positivity permeated through the virtual environment. It was an honor to be one of Scott’s students. My condolences go out to those close to him.
Scott was always very helpful and willing to lend an IT hand to me and our college. He was an active and participating member of the UW Computing Directors group and will be greatly missed by the UW Community.
Such a tragic loss! My sincere condolences to Scott's family, friends and other colleagues. I met Scott through UW Computing Directors where he represented the iSchool. He was a major part of our community, as others have mentioned, and a passionate advocate for the iSchool. He will be missed.
Scott was also a valued member of his peers via the UW Computing Directors group. He was that guy who others turned to for advice about new software or the latest gadget. Just before he passed, he was sharing his experience using Meeting Owls with many of us. His loss leaves an immense hole in our community.
Scott was a founder and core member of the Information School in 1998-99. In fact, he helped coin the term iSchool and picked the logo that we still use today. His dedication to the students, the iSchool, and Informatics was boundless. Scott is irreplaceable.
When I joined the UW Information School faculty in September 2016 as the inaugural Distinguished Practitioner in Residence, I was a "fish out of water" having been a public library administrator for most of my career, but the "Syracuse in Seattle" team, including the entertaining Scott Barker, welcomed me. As a Syracuse University alum, Scott and the SU family, with the Eisenbergs and Joe Janes, were my "home away from home" during my tenure at UW. Scott's office was next to mine and we would often be the only people in the faculty hall working past quitting time. Scott will be missed by his colleagues, students and friends. We were glad to know him but he is gone too soon.
Personally, I have a lost a dear colleague, a respected friend. Someone known to me with great affection as “Mr. Barker.” Unreplaceable.
Simple fact: Of the 2000+ Informatics alums there is not a single one who did not personally encounter or was not impacted by Scott Barker. This is fact, not hyperbole.
Scott lived and breathed Informatics. For over two decades he advocated for, championed, sang praises of, architected curriculum for, celebrated, went to battle for Informatics students in a myriad of ways: scholarships, IUGA, WINFO, internships, capstone, the minor, and more.
Scott was “doing” Informatics before the major was a major, before even the name was “Informatics.” And he continued “doing” Informatics through the pandemic – opening the world of Informatics and the iSchool to undergrads from all walks of life, with all types of interests, motivations, and passions.
There is no greater tribute to Scott than the 2000+ alums who are taking their Informatics education out into the world – making a difference.
Simple fact: Of the 2000+ Informatics alums there is not a single one who did not personally encounter or was not impacted by Scott Barker. This is fact, not hyperbole.
Scott lived and breathed Informatics. For over two decades he advocated for, championed, sang praises of, architected curriculum for, celebrated, went to battle for Informatics students in a myriad of ways: scholarships, IUGA, WINFO, internships, capstone, the minor, and more.
Scott was “doing” Informatics before the major was a major, before even the name was “Informatics.” And he continued “doing” Informatics through the pandemic – opening the world of Informatics and the iSchool to undergrads from all walks of life, with all types of interests, motivations, and passions.
There is no greater tribute to Scott than the 2000+ alums who are taking their Informatics education out into the world – making a difference.
Scott was a part of everything in the school, our student community, our culture, our embrace of technology, and even the physical space in which we worked. We didn’t just lose an incredibly kind, loyal, and passionate person, we lost part of our school.