Brock University will honour the lives of distinguished scholars and community builders Terrance Carroll and Barbara Wake Carroll during a joint celebration of life on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Family, friends, colleagues, former students and members of the Brock community will  gather from 1 to 3 p.m. in Pond Inlet to remember the couple, whose academic careers and philanthropy have left a lasting impact on higher education and generations of students.

Barbara passed away Sunday, Aug. 16 at the age of 79. Her husband, Terrance (Terry), a retired Brock Associate Professor of Political Science, predeceased her in January 2024.

An internationally respected political scientist, Barbara focused her research on democracy, governance, public administration and development. Throughout her career, she held academic appointments at Brock and McMaster University, where she was recognized as a leader in her field and a committed mentor to students and emerging researchers.

“Their careers and generosity will long be remembered by the many successful graduate students who went on to pursue doctoral studies and successful careers in academia and beyond,” said Hevina Dashwood, Professor of Political Science.

Terry joined Brock’s Department of Political Science in 1975 and taught at the University until his retirement in 2012. During his nearly four decades at Brock, he served as Department Chair, contributed extensively to University governance and became known as a thoughtful scholar, dedicated educator and generous mentor. He was also an active member of the Brock University Faculty Association and frequently shared his expertise on political issues through public lectures, panel discussions and media appearances.

Together, Terry and Barbara shared a passion for education, social justice and international engagement. Their collaborative research examined democracy, civil society and political development, producing scholarship that reached audiences around the world.

Their commitment to student success continued after retirement.

In 2015, the couple established the Carroll Scholarship in Political Science, creating opportunities for graduate students from Africa to pursue studies at Brock for years to come. The scholarship reflected their belief in expanding access to higher education and their long-standing efforts to recruit and support international students.

Professor of Political Science Charles Conteh, a former mentee of Barbara’s and family friend, said those who knew Barbara and Terry will remember not only their accomplishments, but also their “warmth, grace, humility and genuine interest in the lives of others.”

“As a couple, they possessed a rare ability to combine intellectual rigour with humanity, making everyone around them feel valued and respected. Whether as a scholar, teacher, colleague, supervisor or friend, they left an indelible mark on the people and institutions they touched. They will be deeply missed and fondly remembered,” he said.

Associate Professor of Political Science Paul Hamilton remembers Terry and Barbara with gratitude and admiration.

“We, the Brock and McMaster communities, were indeed lucky to have these exceptional people as teachers, mentors, colleagues and friends,” he said.

Those wishing to attend the celebration of life are asked to RSVP online. Complimentary parking will be available in Lot E.