Legacy Partner Spotlight: Carol L. Barrett
Leaving a Legacy of Love and Hope
A Life Rooted in Learning and Service
Born in Missouri and raised in Blue Island, Illinois—a southern suburb of Chicago—Carol L. Barrett has lived a life dedicated to education, service, and community. Both of her parents were teachers, and it’s clear that their example inspired her lifelong commitment to learning and helping others.
Carol graduated from DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana) with three majors—education, history, and psychology—and a minor in English. She went on to earn her Master’s degree and later completed her Ph.D., both from Purdue University, solidifying her deep ties to both education and the Greater Lafayette community.
A Career Devoted to Helping Students Succeed
Before coming to Purdue, Carol taught high school for five years at Reavis High School in Burbank, Illinois—two years teaching English and three teaching American history. After completing her Master’s degree, she worked for three years in the Office of the Dean of Women at Purdue University (West Lafayette). She then began what would become her career calling — serving in the University Placement Service department (now the Center for Career Opportunities) until her retirement in 2005. During her tenure, Carol spent her time equally between students and employers, helping young professionals launch their careers while fostering meaningful connections with companies across the country.
A Heart for Community and Compassion
After retirement, Carol continued to give back—volunteering for several years with the LUM Tax Assistance Program, where she helped local residents file their returns and access critical tax refunds. Carol was drawn to the Lafayette Urban Ministry because of the breadth and depth of its programs and the hope it provides to the community.
“The range of services that LUM offers is so comprehensive,” she said. “It’s remarkable how many people it helps—and how many volunteers give their time to make it all happen.”
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Carol enjoys gardening, needlework, and caring for her beloved dogs. Though she no longer has a dog, she still finds joy in working with flowers and spending time outdoors.
Leaving a Legacy of Love & Hope
By becoming a LUM Legacy Partner, Carol has chosen to extend her lifelong commitment to service far into the future. Her generosity ensures that the LUM mission of providing shelter, nourishment, and being a lifeline of help and hope will continue for generations to come.
Carol’s story is a beautiful reminder that you, too, can leave a Legacy of Love & Hope through LUM. By including LUM in your estate plans—through a bequest, retirement account, appreciated stock, or other planned gift—you can make a lasting impact on those in need in our community.
LUM is thankful for the generosity and vision of LUM Legacy Partner, Carol Barrett.
Inspired by the Carol Barrett? In honor of National Estate Planning Awareness Week (October 21–25), LUM invites you to take the next step toward building your own legacy. Learn more in the LUM Legacy Giving Guide — click the button below to get started. There is no minimum gift required to become a LUM Legacy Partner. If you’ve already included LUM in your estate plans, we would love to hear from you so that we can thank you personally. To learn more or share your intentions, please email or call Steve Mogensen (smogensen@LUMserve.org | 765-494-2691).