Donor Makes a Difference Today and Tomorrow

In the early 1980s, Barbara Sibley was nearing completion of her degree in cultural anthropology at the University of Arizona when a course in medical anthropology changed her future. “I loved studying the peoples of the world, and I also wanted to make a positive difference in their lives,” she says. “I realized that being a doctor would allow me to blend my fascination with the human body and health care with culture and traditions.”

After graduation, Barbara completed pre-med coursework at the UA and worked as a research assistant in the College of Medicine – Tucson. Under the mentorship of pediatrician Dr. Burris “Duke” Duncan, she joined medical service trips to Mexico, helping care for children with her fluency in Spanish.

Barbara earned her medical degree from Stanford and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Washington. She has spent 32 years caring for children and families in Medford, Oregon.

Barbara has never forgotten the encouragement she received at the UA. After building her successful career, she chose to honor the scholarship support that helped her as a student by establishing the Barbara Jean Sibley Student Award Endowment in the School of Anthropology.

Although she originally intended to create the fund through her estate, she launched it in 2018 with immediate gifts, including a contribution from her donor-advised fund (DAF). In 2025 six students received support from the endowment for field school attendance, tuition, and participation in professional meetings.

Through her planned gift, Barbara will further enrich the Anthropology endowment and establish the Barbara Jean Sibley Scholarship Endowment at the College of Medicine – Tucson, helping future medical students fulfill their dreams.

Back