- Date Of Birth: October 25, 1907
- Date Of Death: July 4, 2010
- State: Connecticut
Dean Emeritus Sherburne Barber, 102, died July 4th.
Sherburne Frederick Barber was born on October 25, 1907 in Nunda, New York. His father, George Barber owned and operated a large farm, but passed away when Sherburne was 14 years old. As Sherburne was the only son of his mother, Ethylwyn, he became the man of the house and farm.
After graduating from high school, he was accepted and attended Rochester University. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa with an AB and AM. He then attended the University of Illinois and in 1933 earned a PhD in mathematics. Following a National Research Institute Research Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, he then spent 1934-35 at the then newly organized Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. He fondly remembers meeting Albert Einstein who was at Princeton at that time.
In 1935, during the depths of the Great Depression, he was offered a teaching position at Iowa State University. However, due to the lack of advanced course offerings, he soon found the position lacking in challenge. In 1937, a colleague suggested he look into positions at The City College of New York. In November 1937, he was offered a tenure track position.
During World War II, he taught at the US Naval Academy. On April 12, 1945, I was on communications duty. Coded messages were broadcast from Washington to naval stations around the world. The codes were top secret, and only a designated officer was allowed to handle them. When I received and decoded this particular message, I was stunned, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had died.
In 1944, he married Virginia Louise Roy at the Naval Academy Chapel.
Back at CCNY, Dr. Barber was appointed Assistant Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1953, and Dean in 1967. I enjoyed being Assistant Dean because I was able to teach half-time. When I became Dean I could no longer teach and missed the classroom because City’s students were intelligent and highly motivated.
He stepped down as Dean in 1971, and taught full time until his retirement in 1976.
Regarding his life philosophy, Dr. Barber wrote “The most sustaining influences in my life have been those clearly stated basic principles for living as set forth in the Bible. They have given me faith, courage, and understanding with which to face many crises. They have helped me to make the best use of those abilities with which I was endowed in whatever situation I might find myself at any given time. They have helped me to rise above pettiness, to look upon all men as equals, and to achieve inner peace and strength. As a result, I have found life full of challenges and rich in human values.
During his retirement, Dr. Barber and his wife enjoyed numerous trips to Europe. He was also an avid collector and restorer of antiques, many of which are now displayed in the homes of his three sons.
Memorials: none specified.
