It is with sadness the Department of Economics announces the passing of two devoted friends.

Barbara Lee Bachmura passed away on March 8, 2021. As her obituary states, Mrs. Bachmura had a life-long association with art. She earned B.F.A. and M.A. degrees in art from Wayne University and taught at several universities during her career. Many years ago, Mrs. Bachmura established the Frank T. Bachmura Award, which is named after her husband, the late Frank T. Bachmura. The department is very grateful for Mrs. Bachmura's philanthropy and support and has been presenting the Frank T. Bachmura award to students annually. Many outstanding graduate students in development economics or comparative systems have been recipients of this award.

Eileen Tess Balliet passed away on June 20, 2021. Mrs. Balliet, a Bloomington native, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from IU and worked for IU for over 35 years. While working full time and raising her children, see attended the IU Maurer School of Law part time and graduated cum laude. Mrs. Balliet was the daughter of Fred and Judy Witney. She and her husband Lee Balliet, her brother Frank Witney, and his wife Cathy, have been long-time supporters of the Fred and Judy Witney Scholarship Award. The department is very appreciative of their contributions. This award in memory of professor emeritus Fred Witney and his wife Judy, was established to recognize excellence in labor economics and has benefitted many graduate students.

Mrs. Balliet had a long association with IU beginning with her secretarial position in the Department of Political Science where she earned her undergraduate degree. She then spent most of her working years in the former School of Continuing Studies and eventually served as the Executive Director of Learner Services and later, Disabilities Coordinator. Mrs. Balliet was very active in the Monroe County History Museum, was a big supporter of CASA/GAL (Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardians Ad Litem for Children) and Pets Alive, bringing three rescue dogs into her homes. Her husband Lee shared some thoughts about Mrs. Balliet with our newsletter editor. She liked to travel and especially enjoyed many trips to Seattle to visit her daughters, she was an avid reader, reading two to three books per week; she would do anything for her children and was a wonderful Mom and wife.