From collection Member List
Two very important things happened to Barbara Wirt Clarkson when she was a Mu Chapter member at the University of Washington. First, she had one of her first opportunities to use her business and accounting savvy in a fulfilling way, serving as the chapter treasurer. Second, she met Mu alumna and former Sigma Kappa National President Ernestine Duncan Collins, who inspired many with her energy and devotion to Sigma Kappa.
Upon graduating with a degree in accounting, Barbara worked for Remington Rand, an early business machine manufacturer, where she taught punch card accounting, a computer system that would lead to a lifetime enthusiasm for computers.
She also continued to work closely with Sigma Kappa, serving as a chapter advisor, alumnae chapter president, collegiate province officer, alumnae province officer, national secretary/treasurer, and then, in 1982, as national president, where she helped guide the Sorority into the computer age. After her term, Barbara continued to serve in a variety of positions, including Sigma Kappa Foundation trustee and treasurer, national historian, nominating committee chairman, and past national presidents chairman.
Barbara had a passion for genealogy, being an active member and later president of the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society, and she used her skills to help trace information about the Sigma Kappa Founders, adding valuable information to the national archives.
Past National President Anne W. Dale, Alpha Delta, University of Tennessee, said of her, “Barbara was such an important part of Sigma Kappa for so many years, serving as a friend and teacher. Her commitment to Sigma Kappa was unwavering.”
Barbara died at age 76 from complications due to ALS on November 9, 1999, Sigma Kappa’s Founders’ Day and 125th anniversary.
Upon graduating with a degree in accounting, Barbara worked for Remington Rand, an early business machine manufacturer, where she taught punch card accounting, a computer system that would lead to a lifetime enthusiasm for computers.
She also continued to work closely with Sigma Kappa, serving as a chapter advisor, alumnae chapter president, collegiate province officer, alumnae province officer, national secretary/treasurer, and then, in 1982, as national president, where she helped guide the Sorority into the computer age. After her term, Barbara continued to serve in a variety of positions, including Sigma Kappa Foundation trustee and treasurer, national historian, nominating committee chairman, and past national presidents chairman.
Barbara had a passion for genealogy, being an active member and later president of the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society, and she used her skills to help trace information about the Sigma Kappa Founders, adding valuable information to the national archives.
Past National President Anne W. Dale, Alpha Delta, University of Tennessee, said of her, “Barbara was such an important part of Sigma Kappa for so many years, serving as a friend and teacher. Her commitment to Sigma Kappa was unwavering.”
Barbara died at age 76 from complications due to ALS on November 9, 1999, Sigma Kappa’s Founders’ Day and 125th anniversary.
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New Member Pin
This new member pin was owned by Past National President Barbara Wirt Clarkson,Mu, University of Washington.
Lois J. Vernon to Lillian M. Perkins Letter, December 20, 1982
Lois Waltz Vernon, Gamma Gamma, Indiana State University, writes to Lillian M. Perkins, Omicron, Tufts University, regarding an October payment issue.
Louise Coburn Velten to Barbara Clarkson Letter, September 27, 1985
Louise Smith Velten, Alpha, Colby College, writes to former National President Barbara Wirt Clarkson, Mu, University of Washington, to thank her for sending information on the Coburn family's genealogy and discuss the grave marker at Ida F…
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This Order of the Triangle alumna pin belonged to Past National President Barbara Wirt Clarkson, Mu, University of Washington.
Lou Duncan to Barbara Clarkson Memorandum, October 28, 1985
Louise LeClair Duncan, Beta Eta, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, writes to former National President Barbara Wirt Clarkson, Mu, University of Washington, to put her in contact with two alumnae members who may have attended the instal…
Pamella Sims to Lillian M. Perkins Letter, April 27, 1977
Pamella Sims, Upsilon, Oregon State University, writes to Lillian M. Perkins, Omicron, Tufts University, regarding a monologue from Mary Low Carver, Alpha, Colby College.
Frances M. Knight to Mrs. Ralph E. Clarkson Letter, June 3, 1985
Frances Knight writes to Barbara Wirt Clarkson, Mu, University of Washington, to gratefully accept Sigma Kappa Sorority's offer of a memorial marker to be placed at the gravesite of Frances Mann Hall, Alpha, Colby College.
Beverly Bradstreet to Mrs. Ralph E. Clarkson Letter, September 12, 1985
Albion, Maine Town Clerk Beverly Bradstreet writes to Barbara Wirt Clarkson, Mu, University of Washington, with the results of a town records check relating to the family of Ida Fuller Pierce Alpha, Colby College.
