September 10, 2013
The Vincentians have always been a part of Charles Barnes '55C life. And he'll be the first to tell you that he'll always be grateful to them.
Barnes was introduced to the unique philosophy of St. Vincent de Paul when, as a student in St. John's Preparatory High School on Lewis Avenue, he realized that it was time to make a decision about what he wanted to do after graduation. College would have been his first choice, but his family wasn't wealthy and there was no way they could afford the cost of tuition.
That's when Barnes learned that the Vincentian values were more than just words.
"I had done well at St. John's Prep," he recalled "and one of the priests arranged for me to get a scholarship to St. John's University, which was actually right across the street from the high school. Without that scholarship I would never have been able to go to college. The Vincentians really helped me when I needed it the most, and that's something I'll never forget. They believed in me back then, and I'm happy to return the favor now."
Barnes chose to serve his country by joining the Marines after graduation. After discharge he began a lifelong career in the paper industry, primarily with Scott Paper, where he held a variety of sales and executive positions. He retired from Scott after 35 years of what he describes as "…loyal service with a really great company. I used what I learned at St. John's during my entire business career, and I don't mean just what they taught us in the classroom. They gave me a great education, both academically and as a person. St. John's taught us to work hard and to always respect others, because every person has a right to be treated with dignity. Many people forget that today, which is a shame. It's nice to know that St. John's is still keeping those values alive."
Besides offering him the opportunity for a college education, St. John's added to his life in another important way. Barnes met his future wife Judy at the University. They were married during his Senior and her Junior year, and have been together for 57 years.
"We've always had a great life," he said. "We've raised and educated five wonderful children, and I really can't imagine spending my life with anyone else. My only regret is that my wife left St. John's before finishing her degree, but in life everything's a trade-off, after all."
Barnes' appreciation for all that the University has done for him is evidenced by his membership in The McCallen Society. It's a way for him to be a part of St. John's future so that tomorrow's students will be able to have the same opportunities that he did so many years ago.
"Raising five children can be expensive, especially when they all go to college, and so it wasn't possible for Judy and I to make many gifts to charity until now. It's taken a number of years, but we're happy to show our appreciation to the University that still means so much to both of us. The McCallen Society is a way for us to not only look into the future but to be a part of it as well. Believe me, it doesn't get much better than that!"