Barb was more than a good friend, de-facto guidance counselor and a dynamic, beloved teacher. She was a life force. The term may seem trite or clichéd applied in many other situations, but I can't think of any more succinct and appropriate way to put it for someone who had such an impact on so many.

I was in at least three of Barb's classes, which were all great, but weren't nearly as valuable to me as the countless informal, one-on-one bull sessions in her Hamilton Hall office where the conversations could ricochet across any array of subjects: Cyclone football and hoops, cooking and food, First Amendment law, farming, politics, women and dating, Charles Barkley vs Michael Jordan, etc. etc. One time she even ordered us a pizza, delivered right to Hamilton.

I didn't have Barbara Mack as a professor, but I sure learned from her.  While at ISU, we heard stories, often from Prof. Blinn, of her as a uniquely talented student, reporter and law student.  But I first met her for real when interviewing for a job as law clerk in spring 1984, for the Des Moines Register & Tribune Co., where she was general counsel. 

She was the boss you'd always want to have - quick wit, insightful, diplomatic, and able to run through brick walls when necessary.  DMR&TCo. owned the Register and Tribune and a few other media operations, including KHON-TV in Honolulu.

A former Hawaii highway patrol officer sued KHON for libel after it reported that police searched his home and were asking neighbors about what they saw the night a 19-year-old woman was pulled over by a real or fake cop, then raped and murdered.  I drafted a motion for summary judgment, which Barbara perused, then gently guided my writing in better directions, and she approved it for filing.  The motion eventually prevailed - which cost me a trip to Hawaii for the trial, oh well - but more because of over-stridency by the cop's lawyer than my writing.  (He claimed at argument that we reported that he actually killed her, and the judge got fed up and ruled for us right from the bench.)

For many years the DMR&TCo. legal staff did pro bono work for the state newspaper association.  I recall Barbara and the other corporate attorneys throwing as much energy into those battles - about public records in a small county seat, restrictions on newsbox placement on public sidewalks, sales tax on newsprint, trying to close public records through regulation rather than statute - as they did on DMR&TCo. matters.

Her plate was certainly full with the company.  Events in 1984-85 were the prelude to the sale of the Register to Gannett, and the ultimate sale of all DMR&TCo. assets and dissolution of the company.  I recall her amazement as the sales pushed the value of the company far above estimates, and wistful observation that once the assets were sold and proceeds distributed to shareholders, the DMR&TCo. "would just be a cake left out in the rain."  Fortunately for generations of Iowa Staters, she could leave that behind, and join the JlMC faculty. 

I recall her mastery of Broadway tunes; her magical ability to disarm opponents with a unique combination of unshakable logic, hurricane-force argument and pinpoint humor; her sweet fondness for Chip and her other horses; and her service as sister, mother and benevolent emperor to her staff.

Two quick stories:  On one trip to Hawaii she shared an elevator with an elderly and tiny Japanese couple, who gazed up at her in wonder.  Finally the man said, "You very tall."  She nodded.  He exchanged glances with his wife, and said, "All American women so tall?"  She said she just couldn't resist the setup, and proceeded to tell them she was about average height and had trouble making her high school basketball team.  Then she loved to tell how Chip was the ideal horse to show others how to load.  As she told it: "I say, Chip, I want you to go in the trailer.   He looks at me and says [here she would do Eeyore's voice], 'Is there food in the trailer?'  Yes, Chip, there is food in the trailer.  'Okay, I will go in the trailer,' and he goes right in."

We have horses now, Belgian Warmbloods, for dressage and hunter/jumper.  I always thought she'd visit Indiana sometime and be able to stop by and see them.  I'm sure she can now, from where she has gone after too few days with us.

It's been difficult for Willie and me to process Barbara's death. She was a hard-nosed but sensitive journalist-educator--hilarious at one moment, dead serious the next. Students identified with her and, in fact, loved her, as no other professor I've known in my 30 years of teaching. I was fortunate enough to team-teach an editing class with Barbara. It was a hoot, but she left those students with an understanding of and respect for the important role of  editor and with the skills to perform that role at a high level.

Our last conversations with Barbara were several years ago when she and Jim visited our ranch in Wyoming. She was clearly in sync with the western environment.

Bill and Willie Kunerth

Barbara was such a fount of informed and boisterous candor.  We struck up a political conversation years ago on the beach at Sanibel Island (Florida). Right away she  was sharp and definite on why Hillary should be the Democratic nominee rather than the inexperienced Obama ("I remember Carter!").   The irreverent sharpness went with appreciative good sense about big issues and good books, as well as about her beloved Paris and its French food. ("I did not get this big ass from MacDonald's").  Irreverent, but not cynical.  Barbara was a breath of fresh air.  Our little circle loved to have her and Jim in for drinks & talk.  We miss her already.  What a loss for Jim and her Iowa State friends.

Robert Faulkner

Professor of Political Science
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

I was deeply saddened to hear about Barbara's passing. Everyone I knew who took her classes almost bragged about it- being taught by 'the Barbara Mack'- and those who had never taken one still talked about her like they had. They also wanted the Mack Attack. She is a huge part of Iowa State and will be missed. I was fortunate enough to take two of her classes and I took with me, not only the course material, but many life lessons. 

Dear Mack family and friends,
I just wanted to write and pass along my condolences about your loss. Professor Mack's former students, myself included, were so lucky to be able to learn from her.
I was initially a little nervous to take her Media Law class because I had heard it was very challenging, but I'm so incredibly glad I did. Not only was I able to learn so much from Professor Mack, but I also got to know the amazing, funny and super-intelligent person behind the professor too. She treated each of her students as professionals and taught each of us so much about working in a newsroom or office, even though we only met in a classroom. To this day, I can't drive past a video billboard without remembering a particularly challenging essay exam question we had in class, and I'm positive that I used many of the ethical lessons she taught us in my job with FITNESS Magazine.

We are so sad to lose Professor Mack, but she will live on in all of her students.

Sincerely,
Karla Walsh
Class of 2010

I first met Barbara Mack when I was a student in her 400 level journalism law class in 1993.  Her enthusiasm and skill for engaging students was remarkable.  Great professors challenge, inform an inspire.  Barbara Mack did that like no other.  In the years after graduating from ISU, I kept in touch with Barbara and visited with her from time to time on visits to Ames.  A few years ago, she invited me to speak with one of her classes about my experiences serving as a spokesman at The White House.  It was an honor to be in her classroom and I was jealous of her students, as I knew they were enjoying the teachings of one of the greatest educators Iowa State has known.  Barbara Mack will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.    

Scott Stanzel

JLMC 1995

I would not have been a journalist had it not been for Barbara Mack. When I was a lowly sophomore, I was right on the cusp of passing the English Usage Test, which I needed to take my basic reporting class. I was one point away on my English ACT from being exempt from taking it and had failed it on two attempts by a couple questions each time. Then, the Greenlee School offered a prep course with Mack as the professor. After completing the class, I took the test again and I was four questions from a perfect score. Now I cringe when I read or hear less when it should be fewer. I correct people who say lay when it should be lie. I point out grammar mistakes during conversations on Gchat. I introduce myself as James Heggen and have a hard time listening to those who use 'like' every time he or she takes a breath.
Barbara was an amazing teacher and mentor. As many have said, she would absolutely terrify someone who didn't know her. Her intimidation only slightly subdued if you were lucky enough to get to know her, but with it came her compassion, kindness, wit and a true desire for you to succeed.
There are not many 8 a.m classes I could wake up for, but her law class was worth the dark circles under my eyes. Writing my law paper was the only assignment I needed the the entire night to complete. I remember when she handed them back and couldn't wait to see the student responsible for the "suitcase." It was mine. Or the time she called me out during the class I decided to sleep in and miss. And so many more memories of her during my time at Iowa State.
I'll never forget when she met my parents at the Greenlee brunch for graduating journalism students. We walked up to the door and her face lit up. She looked at my mom and dad.
"I love your son," she said.
I love you, Professor Mack.

-James Heggen, class of 2010

It’s hard to fight back the tears as I sit here and think back to the experience I had with Barbara Mack.  It was a complete shock to hear the news of her passing.  As many have said before, she was my favorite professor and her lessons have stayed with me since I had my first class with her in 2008.  I was lucky enough to have her as my professor in two classes and I remember them like it was yesterday.  The first class I had with her was Mass Media and Society, I believe, and it was a class with over 400 students.  I quickly became terrified of her when she would randomly select students throughout the lecture hall to answer questions.  I would sink down in my chair in hopes that she wouldn’t notice me.  Yet, it was my favorite class and I wouldn’t miss it.  The laughs, the stories, and what I learned quickly overpowered any fear I had to begin with.  I learned so much in her Ethics class and remember it so clearly.  I can’t say that for my other courses at Iowa Sate.  Her rules for the word “like” have stuck with me to this day, and I hear her voice pointing it out when I or other people use the word.  She made such an impact on me and my experience at Iowa Sate, that it’s hard to fight back the emotions.  Even though she could be terrifying, I felt like I could always go to her if I needed guidance or help with anything going on in my life, whether it be in my personal life or school.  She is the only professor who has always been a voice in my head since I graduated in 2010 and I want to thank her for her impact on my life, on other students, and the many people in her life.  She was not only an amazing professor, but an amazing person.  She would be there for any student, as she called us her “children”.  Yet, she didn’t treat us like children.  I looked to her as a mentor, role model, and I am saddened that I won’t get a chance to tell her how much I enjoyed her classes, how much I appreciate her life lessons, and what an impact she’s had on my life and other student’s lives. 

Iowa State has lost a legend.  The fact that no more Iowa State students get to experience Barbara Mack breaks my heart.  Her memory will live on throughout Greenlee’s hallways and classrooms, along with the lives of thousands of students lucky enough to have had her as a professor, mentor, and friend. 

Sincerely,

Jana Marley

What a great lost. My heart can't be more sad today. Barbara was more than a mentor but a friend and a true inspiration. Her legacy, life lessons, smile, and personality will always remind in my heart. I thank God for having send her into my way and give me the strength to continue fighting for my dreams and goals. I send my prayers and condolence to her family and friends. We lost her presence today but forever she will remind alive in our hearts and memories.

Karla Martinez 

Media Specialist

Greenlee School alumna  

I just wanted to let you know how much Barbara means to me. Without her I would still be in school getting a different degree. She took the time out of her busy summer schedule in 2010 and taught me grammar for a month, in order to pass the dreaded English Usage Test. As I am typing this I am thinking about her correcting this message right now. :) I owe her my life, because of her I know that dependence on anybody isn't an option. If I want something I go after it. Without her I wouldn't have gotten a journalism degree or be currently working right now because of it. She will truly be missed by many.

- Ashley Ewalt class of 2012

- degree in Advertising

My daughter, Candace started Intro to Mass Communication on Monday.  She was very excited about her class and her new professor Barbara Mack.  Candace stated that she finally found her fit in life and that she had made the right decision to change her major.  She was very pumped up after class on Wednesday and absolutely loved going to class. The excitement in her voice assured me that everything was going to be ok. On Thursday morning Candace was on the phone with me when she went on Dr.Mack's Facebook page and learned of her passing.  The shock and disbelief was overwhelming as she tried to make sense of it all.  I'm sorry that I never met Professor Mack but she was able to make a lasting impression on my daughter in just two days and for that I will be forever grateful.

Barbara Mack taught me many, many things, but my fondest memory of her has absolutely nothing to do with journalism.

A month or so into my freshman year (when I was still more than slightly terrified of Barbara), she took my mother and me to breakfast in Des Moines. Stella's Diner served milkshakes at any hour. When the waiter brought hers and asked where she'd like it, she looked right at him, narrowing her eyes a bit. 

"Can I trust you?" she asked. 

"I've worked here four years," he replied confidently. 

"I didn't ask you how long you've worked here!" she barked. "I asked if I can trust you." 

Eventually, carefully, he replied: "You can trust me."  

At that, she tilted her head back, placed the bottom of the shake glass in her mouth, and gave the waiter a thumbs-up. He stepped up onto the booth beside her and poured the shake into the glass without spilling a drop. 

She declared it the best shake she'd ever had. She then let out a great laugh -- probably at the looks on the faces of the two women across the table -- that quickly had us laughing, too. I knew, at that moment, that I was blessed to learn from this woman. I hope I've made her proud, even if I can't fit the bottom of a shake glass in my mouth.

I could go on about my experiences with Barbara Mack while I was at Iowa State from '95 to '97. She helped me with the English Usage Test during my first semester, in her usual hard-nosed style. Or, how she made certain I had a spot in Print Media Editing after I forgot to register on time.

But my last contact with her was the most impressive. Two years ago, I decided to finally apply for graduate school. I took a detour into information technology a year after I graduated from Iowa State. After my IT career stalled, I decided to apply to the University of North Texas' Linguistics and Technical Communication program - technical writing with a broader scope. I figured it would combine my writing and technology skills perfectly. Plus, I had taken a technical writing course at Iowa State for an English credit, and enjoyed the work.

But, I needed an academic reference. That's a bit of a tall order for someone who had been out of school for thirteen and a half years.

I emailed Barbara for that reference. I gave details of my time at Iowa State, hoping to jog her memory: I was getting a second bachelor's, the classes I had with her, the EUT guidance, and more.

Her response was immediate, taking less than a day. Of course she remembered me, and was "delighted" to serve as a reference.

I couldn't believe it. I was no superstar in the journalism program; a solid performer, but not especially remarkable. And yet, well beyond a decade later, she knew exactly who I was, and was more than willing to help.

That kind of dedication and caring are rare. And sadly, they just became a little more rare, well ahead of schedule.

Good-bye, Barbara. Many will miss you.

I just wanted to express my condolences to Barbara Mack's  colleagues and family. She was a great teacher and I enjoyed taking her Journalism and Mass Communications class. The ISU community and Barbara's family will be in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Kleveland

I have known Professor Mack since my wife, girlfriend at the time, and I attended her Journalism Law class in 1999. We recently reconnected at Aspen gym on SE 14 Street, where for the last eight months we have had poolside conversations about her upcoming retirement, life, politics, religion, the economy and anything that Barbara wanted to discuss, naturally.

I will always remember Barbara Mack as one of the best communicators I have known. She used her words to communicate knowledge, compassion, inspiration and encouragement. Those words, will be sadly missed as me and many others mourn her passing.

My sincerest condolences to her husband and other family members.

Sincerely,

Keith Kmett

Everyone has that one teacher who sparks their imagination and inspires them to greater heights.  Some of us are lucky to have had more than one.  Barbara Mack was one of mine.  I would not be the journalist I am, the human being I am, without her influence.  I had the privilege to attend two of her classes, Mass Media 101 and JLMC 401 Media Law.  The first class was my first journalism course at Iowa State my freshman year.  There were more than 500 students in the class.  I sat in the front row making snarky comments throughout the class.  Within a week she knew me by name and went on to become a valued mentor.  Luckily she liked my snark, or things could have gone the opposite direction.  

She was sagacious, funny and a force of nature, the only person in the world who could tell me she read Playboy for the articles and I'd believe her.  There can be no copycats, no replacements, only someone new in her office.  She was a true one of a kind.  May she rest in peace.

It's really weird, but therapeutic, to sit here and write this about Professor Barbara Mack. The last thing anyone expects is for a professor or fellow student to die during the semester. But B-Mack wasn't just a professor, and the Greenlee School and ISU didn't just lose a person. They lost an icon, a Cyclone, and a friend.

As a sophomore in Journalism finding my way through college (at the time, with little success), we had an opportunity to interview a person for our final project in JL MC 206.The person had to have significant impact and a great story to tell. During the pitches, everyone went around the room and picked their person -- and a lot of great choices were certainly there. I had struggled the night before to come up with someone, and it really didn't occur to me until I got to class that day. There was no better person for the interview than legendary ISU professor Barbara Mack. 

After some back and forth chatting about how we had previously met and how things were going, we had set up an interview in her office on a Friday afternoon. To say I was nervous was an understatement -- screwing up this interview would be a sign that journalism wasn't where I needed to be. To make matters "worse," the story was about her phased retirement as many knew she was on her way out by either 2011 or 2012. The moment she opened the door and that big smile of hers hit, I knew I was in for a treat. The 25 minutes I sat in her office were 25 of the most important to me as a journalist and a person. The stories she had to tell and the emotion she showed about her retirement was powerful to see. She laughed about her favorite stories, she cried about having to leave her "kids" behind, about the many stories of students who went to Law School or even named their kids after her. 

I also had the chance to talk to other students and colleagues about her impact, with stories ranging to B-Mack filling the fridge of her sick friend Kim McDonough to her numerous instances of catching a student napping or walking into class late. Every person I talked to -- whether it was for the story or not -- had passion and cared deeply about Barbara. Reading the reviews on ratemyprofessor.com about the students that had gone through the system reinforced the pitch I made on the fly. 

After the interview, I received an email from Barbara about the story I wrote -- how humbled she was that someone would care enough to right about her. She even joked that I should read her eulogy. The email she sent will last in my mind forever - the fact that I, this person from Nowhere, IA, could have any kind of impact on someone so beloved gave me the confidence to press forward with journalism.

The story I wrote made me want at least one more class with B-Mack. The big one coming up was Law. I had heard the horror stories from upperclassmen about the challenge that awaiting -- and one that I was ready to accept (or so I thought). Despite the many lectures that were spent off topic, or the challenge of the big law paper at the end of the semester, taking JLMC 460 with Mack was one of the best decisions of my life. The study group of ISUtv members we formed grew stronger together in ways we likely wouldn't have in any other class. That class made me study the hardest I ever have. The friendships we had in that group grew stronger because of our debates over law and the challenge of learning what we needed for the exams. We'd spend a good portion of our study session talking about the quirks of Mack and how the past few lectures had gone. 

I could probably write another 1000 words about Professor Mack's impact on me and my life and the lives of the thousands of people she impacted in her life. In fact, our assignment for Friday's Ethics class with Barbara was to write a page essay about someone we owe something to. While she'll never get to read my assignment, I took the time I was supposed to be writing that to write about the women that changed Journalism at ISU for 25 years of students, and made them think in a way they never knew was possible. Seeing the impact she had on everyone she came into contact with inspires me to try and be like she was -- caring and loving to everyone she met, and passionate about what she did. 

To whom it may concern -  I was very sadden today to learn about the passing of Barbara Mack. I graduated in the school of Journalism in 2000. While at Iowa State, I was a staff writer for the Iowa State Daily where Barbara served as an advisor. I also took several of her classes. Barbara was one of my biggest advocates and the best mentor I have ever had. I have used her advice and counsel many times throughout my career. My heart goes out to her family and the ISU journalism community.

Barbara touched so many lives - including every one of us O'Tooles. My first experience with her was a beautiful bouquet of flowers with a card saying something to the effect “My apologies in advance”. It was her way of saying she was about to drive Mark crazy while he worked on her house… which she did. On the other hand, she encouraged him to take a chance on some of her projects and showed him and our family a degree of kindness and generosity you just don’t always find in people. She taught both of our daughters at ISU and upon finding them in her class told them both “I love your dad!!”. What a wonderful spirit. I wish I had taken the time to tell her.

I guess now she's taught me something else - take the time to tell people how you feel about them while you can!

I'm truly shocked to learn of Professor Mack's passing.  She was my Mass Media Law professor my junior year and helped tutor me very patiently for the EUT exam to gain formal entrance into the Greenlee School.

I have fond memories of her passion for her subject matter and her sometimes "tough love" style of teaching. 

She was a legend at ISU and will truly be missed.  My heart goes out to all of her friends and family during this difficult time.

Her memory will live on in my mind as a truly wonderful person as well as professor.  She is a model of what other future students of academia should aspire to be.

It's hard to imagine a world without Barbara Mack.  She was a force of nature.

My heart is with all of you in this huge and sudden loss.

Geneva

As I've read through the Facebook posts commenting on Barbara's death, I've smiled as opposed to cry when I've read how personal people's memories of Barbara are. It's incomprehensible to me that one individual can have such a similar impact on so many people; giving them each the impression they were the most important student/friend that she was advising or educating. I can't imagine the time and energy it took for her to live in such a way and still have time to appear as though it was effortless.

Please allow me to share this...one afternoon she and I were talking about something going on in my life. Like she usually did, she focused solely on me and was very pointed with her advice and appraisal of my situation. I reacted by telling her that her blunt reaction was why some people were afraid of her...which made her tear up...something I had never seen from Barbara before. That incredibly strong, brilliant and immovable woman who could engage, empower and strike fear into the heart of every student in the room showed a fragility that unknowingly helped me understand that you can be tough and sensitive at the same time. That moment, when she let down her guard with me, cemented in my heart and mind how much she cared about me and her role with everyone else she mentored. I owe her more than I can return for her counsel.

"We" have lost a great human and the Iowa State family will not be able to replace her. Please ensure the journalism department, and the university as a whole, recognizes her appropriately. There have been far greater accolades paid to people who have done much less and it would be a shame not to make her tribute and legacy equal to the impact she had on so many.

Professor Mack taught me to believe in myself and helped me get to where I am today. She would scare the crap out of you one minute to make you pay attention in class and then the next minute be there with unending praise. I was terrified of her JLMC Law class as you heard many stories of students failing on the final project- a paper that was worth over half your grade. I will never forget when she handed me my paper with a huge "A" at the top, smiled and said "I am so proud of you." She will be greatly missed and has made a difference in so many lives.

My condolences to the family and colleagues of Professor Barbara Mack. I was fortunate have shared a few hours on a committee with Prof. Mack last year (student success summit). I can never forget her zeal and “lets get this done” attitude. The University has lost a great asset!

I am shocked and heartbroken to receive the news of Barbara’s passing. I was just in Des Moines for a brief visit with my family. Barbara (and Jim) were so on my mind. We haven’t seen each other in a few years and I was anxious to reconnect. I met them both through Jim’s brother , Mike, who was a colleague of mine back here in CT. But the universe was smaller than that. We discovered my son’s new bride was the riding instructor at the barn where Barbara boarded her horse, Mickey. So, the blessings from connection to Barbara were many: my own DesMoines friend, an open invite to ride Mickey anytime I was in town, the “ extraordinary delicious-ness” of Barbara’s gourmet box lunches for the horse shows, an always available tour guide, and the quality of our time together. I openly admit I mostly sat back… in amazement… soaking up her stories about family and career…and reveling over her wit, humor and encyclopedic mind . She left her family and friends much too soon. My sympathy and prayers go to Jim, and all who loved her… such a terrible loss. 

I clearly remember my first day of my journalism law class. Barbara took stock of each of us one at a time, getting to know us with a few questions. I thought it was wonderful that she cared that much! When she got to me, she recognized my last name, as my father and uncle had both worked for the Des Moines Register for years. She said to me, “Witke. David or Randy?” “Randy,” I said. “Ok. I’ll expect a lot out of you,” she replied. I loved her instantly for taking the time to make a personal connection. (And she kept her word – pushing me to do my best!)

She had a knack for teaching. Though she stood in a dimly lit lecture hall speaking to sleep-deprived college students, we hung on her every word and learned so much. She took great joy in teaching us everything we needed to know about journalism law. I am so lucky to have landed in her class. May she rest in peace.

"We were undergrad classmates. In one class we shared, I made some ill-founded observation about the Supreme Court during a session and she set me straight in no uncertain terms. I last caught up with her a couple of summers ago at a Twin Cities gathering of ISU alums at which she warned me off the topic of being among the more elderly in the room. Her sense of humor was as razor sharp as her sense of journalism. A true loss for the program."

I graduated from ISU in 2004, and I can't say I remember any other professors names outside the Greenlee school.  They may have had the biggest impact on me as a student and for that I will always be grateful for their passion of teaching.  It was so nice to be apart of a smaller major where we were able to get to know our peers/professors. 

My first memory of Barbara was of course being terrified of her! Couple lessons you learn in her classroom: 

1. You never wanted to wear a shirt that had lettering, she would read them out loud and somehow single you out 

2. NEVER let your phone ring....EVER. She would find you, and she would answer your phone and have a conversation with who ever was calling

3. Never be late...she won't let you stay

4. Very contagious laugh/sense of humor, even if the topic was dry, she always had a way to make it one of the best classes you would ever attend

After my first few days I knew to always be on time, always turn my phone off, and always sit near the front.  How many professors dream of having this type of control over their class?! 

She will be missed, I am so happy I had the opportunity to be in her classes.

I wanted to share my great sadness at the news of Barbara Mack's passing.  Like many other ISU journalism students over the years, she was my very favorite professor.  She was an inspiration to me, and I'm sure to many others.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family, her friends, her colleagues and her current students.  I know her presence will be sorely missed. 

Barbara will be sorely missed for her wit, integrity, and eloquence.  I am so very sorry she is gone.

To Barbara's family and the Greenlee family,

Today is one of great loss for ISU grads all over the world. Everyone knew BMack (as everyone called her), loved her, and respected the hell out of her.

I graduated from the Greenlee School in 2005 and had the honor of taking Barbara's journalism law class and having many conversations with her about my future, my position on the Ethos magazine staff and the challenges of becoming a journalist. Her door was always open and if you wanted honesty, you went to her. She didn't sugar-coat things. She didn't try to be your best friend. She was a teacher to her core and taught me many of the fundamentals of being a solid journalist and human being. 

We need more teachers like Barbara. We need more teachers who are tough, don't accept excuses and work diligently to make everyone else better. Too many teachers want their students to like them, instead of wanting to teach them. For Barbara, her tough love only made her more endearing. She instilled a bit of fear in every student who walked through her door (even if we were early!), pushed us to study a little bit harder, think deeper. I, among so many other students, am grateful for that. I'll never forget applying to be the Editor in Chief of Ethos magazine my junior year, and being passed over by another student who had been out on academic probation, among various other things. Barbara went to bat for me, supported me and mentored me when ultimately, I didn't get the job. I'll never forget that. I'll never forget her!

Rest in Peace, BMack. 

Like many in the ISU Journalism community, I am shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of my college advisor and mentor Barbara Mack.  Barbara was an incredible human being who devoted her formidable experience and talents to helping her students be the best of the best in the Journalism business, and in life.  When the chips were down, and I needed advice, Barbara always returned my calls and emails; giving me sage and sound input.  She will truly be missed by the entire Greenlee Journalism School family.  My prayers go to her husband and family.

One of my greatest college professors Barbara Mack has passed away. I am in tears. She was such a powerhouse of a woman! Throughout my years at ISU, she always lifted me. Dr. Mack was a bright spot on a campus that never really made me feel welcome. But she definitely got through to me, in class & out. Her high expectations pushed me to my greatest realms. I wrote my first law paper because of her class. She taught me all about libel & slander. She even had me thinking I could be a lawyer. Dr. Mack is a wonderful spirit (because I don't believe our spirits ever perish). She was opinionated, outspoken and kind. A major influence she was and I could only hope to emulate a smidgen of her greatness. I am so grateful to have known her, to have taken two of her courses and to have been impacted by her knowledge and humanity. She was always upstanding, hilarious, demanding and informative. Her Journalism Law course was the only 8 AM class I attended religiously and punctually because Dr. Barbara Mack didn't play those games. She was all about proper grammar and timeliness. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones at this time. She certainly left an impression of greatness on me and my peers. Peace and love to her soul.

Beth and I have lost a marvelous friend.  And all of us who knew her are diminished by her passing.

I often entertain cynical thoughts about our leaders’ decisions and their questionable actions.  But from today forward I’ll pause and  think of Barbara.  Then I will once again have faith in how good someone can be and how much that person can improve the lives of everyone she meets.  That was Barbara

What a truly wonderful person she was.  She was remarkably intelligent, amazingly compassionate, overflowing with enthusiasm, and wittingly irreverent when appropriate. You fell in love with Barbara only moments after you meeting her.

I have known many great teachers in my lifetime.  Barbara tops the list in so many ways.  She loved her students more than anyone I have seen in the classroom.  She was equally supportive when counseling her advisees outside of class…often going to extraordinary lengths to encourage them, support them and instill confidence in their abilities to excel both professionally and personally.  Barbara was equally inspirational with her colleagues in the Greenlee School…dispensing wisdom and sharing her good nature with any of us who wisely chose to visit with her when we needed a lift.

When I think of Barbara the one word that always comes to mind is love.  She loved her students, she loved journalism, she loved expertly crafted language and brilliant storytelling.  She loved the law and how it supported our democracy.  She loved to tackle difficult challenges and always conquered them. 

And in turn, we loved Barbara.

Dear Michael and other Greenlee faculty,

I’m so sad to hear about the loss of Prof. Mack. She was my favorite college professor – as I’m sure you’ll hear many times today.

I had Prof. Mack for my freshman year introduction to mass communication class. One of the first days, she encouraged new students to use the rec center. She hiked up her skirt and hit her thigh, saying “or else you’ll get legs like these!”. I knew then that I would never miss one of her classes.

Students in Prof. Mack’s journalism law class knew they had to do their reading, or risk her wrath if you couldn’t come up with the right answer when called upon. But one morning, I dozed off in the 8 a.m. class. She sneaked up behind me, put the edge of her hand under my chin and shouted “And they cut off her head!” I jerked awake, getting lots of laughs from the class.

You can see why I was always kind of scared of Prof. Mack. J She was loud, funny and outspoken and never hesitated to put someone in his or her place. But I admired her intensely and learned so much from her. Thanks for this opportunity to share memories.

Erin

My mother and I attended my brother's freshman orientation in the summer of 2009.  My mother and I attended a session for parents of freshman.  Professor Mack was on the panel of educators that day.  We talked to her briefly after the session had completed.  Almost exactly three years later I still remember our meeting.  It was easy to see in one brief talk that she was an amazing woman.  I was excited for my brother to have her as a professor.  I know her absence will be deeply felt.  

My prayers are with you all.