Remembering Barbara DiBernard

Barbara DiBernard, professor emerita in the Department of English and the Women's and Gender Studies program, passed away September 19, 2023.

She graduated from Wilson College and SUNY Binghamton and joined the department in 1978 to teach modern British fiction. She was soon invited by the newly-established women's studies program to teach courses in women's literature. DiBernard eventually became director of the program and co-established the LGBTQ/sexuality studies minor.

"For decades, Barbara was a tremendous–and tremendously important–colleague in the department and on campus," Marco Abel, chair of the department, said, "a pillar of the community, beloved by her students. I personally knew her as a very kind, generous, and caring colleague, whose commitments to social justice centered everything she did.

"This is a tremendous loss for all of us–but we are so grateful to have been able to enjoy her gifts as a teacher, scholar, and engaged colleague-citizen who guided the department with her presence, sharp intellect, and warmth."

DiBernard's impact has been recognized in multiple ways, including the naming of an award for the Zero Street book series after her, the Doc Elliott Award from the Nebraska Alumni Association, and the Outstanding Teaching and Instructional Activity Award from the College of Arts and Sciences.

The full obituary is available online.