Barbara S. Christie '76
Barbara Christie has been a Laurentian trailblazer for 50 years, using her liberal arts education and passion for progress for the betterment of her community. A government major while at St. Lawrence, she was the president of the Panhellenic Council as a sister of Alpha Delta Pi, was a Thelomathesian Society representative, served on the Orientation Planning Board, and made fond memories as a member of the Laurentian Singers.
Following her graduation from the University, Barbara began a dynamic career in sales and marketing for pharmaceutical and surgical device companies, including a decade of work at Johnson & Johnson. Having build prominence in the field of neurosurgery, she was approached by BrainLAB, a developer and producer of medical equipment and techniques for non-invasive brain surgery, and help start their U.S. sales force in 1996. After years of travel and success in the industry, she relocated in Charleston, SC to serve as the Director of Marketing for Darkness to Light, a non-profit committed to ending child sexual abuse.
While Barbara’s work helped countless individuals and families in need of medical care and compassion, she always found ways to remain connected to her local community and alma mater. In Charleston, she is a member of the choir of Grace Church Cathedral and was an active member of their Saving Grace capital campaign. Barbara is also a past Board Chair of the Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community, has supported One80 Place to help end homelessness, and was the first woman to serve as president of the Country Club of Charleston which hosted the 2019 Women’s U.S. Open. Meanwhile, she’s attended and volunteered for many St. Lawrence Reunions throughout the years, served on the Leadership Gifts Committee, has served students as a past Career Advisor, and most recently joined a group of Laurentians on a University-led golf trip to play in England and Scotland.
Barbara has answered the call for the University throughout her life as a philanthropist as well. She’s been a loyal St. Lawrence Fund supporter, including a $50,000 matching gift for her class to celebrate their 50th Reunion. In December of 2022, with memories tied to friendship and mentorship, Barbara established the Barbara S. Christie ’76 Director of Laurentian Singers endowed fund in honor of the group’s 75th anniversary and the impact her director, Dr. Bunny Jones, had on her life.