The Helen Taft Manning Award for valuable service to Bryn Mawr College was recently presented to Susan Kelly Barnes ’76.
Barnes has been a member of the Bryn Mawr College Board of Trustees since 1998, and has served in many leadership capacities. She has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2004 and Officer of the College serving as Vice Chair of the Board since 2010. In addition she has served as a member (2010-2016) of the Strategic Advisory Group (formerly the Thinking Forward Group) providing advice to the President and critical thinking on the institution’s future strategic direction.
Barnes' business acumen has been invaluable in guiding the College financially. She has been a member of the Finance Committee since 1998, serving as Chair from 2004-2014, Co-Chair from 2015-16, Vice Chair from 2001-2003, and member as a member from 1998-2015. She was chair of the Budget Subcommittee from 2004-2015 and a member of the Subcommittee from 2001-2015. She has also served on the Audit Committee (2003-2016) and the Investment Subcommittee (1999-2016).
Over the years Barnes has served on a number of other committees and task forces as a member of the Board of Trustees.
In addition to Board and Committee work, Barnes has supported the College’s fundraising efforts over the years.She hosted a San Francisco Science 360° in 2013, was a member of the 125th Anniversary Gala Committee (2010-2011), volunteered for Challenging Women Campaign events (2003-2004), and was a Campaign Coordinator for the Campaign for Bryn Mawr College Solicitors Committee (1991-1993).
The award is named in honor of Helen Taft Manning, former professor, dean, and acting president of Bryn Mawr College. Established in 1980, it recognizes outstanding service to the College.