Barbara Jackson

Distinguished Friend of the University Award 2013: Barbara Jackson

Barbara Jackson, a longtime Davis resident, is a major philanthropic donor and volunteer for UC Davis. Her $5 million donation to UC Davis’ Center for the Arts campaign was, at the time, the largest gift for the arts in the capital region. The Mondavi Center’s main venue, Jackson Hall, is named after Jackson and her late husband, Turrentine, who was a UC Davis history professor. 

Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Texas, Austin. She is a retired staff member from the UC Davis English department. She has been active in community activities, including University Farm Circle, Sutter Davis Hospital Auxiliary and the Embroiderers Guild of America. She is an award-winning costume designer, volunteered for local opera and theater groups, and managed the Mondavi Center gift shop. 

Among her many posts are Friends of UC Davis Presents and Mondavi Center Advisory boards, and the UC Davis Foundation board. In 2008, she was awarded the UC Davis Medal, the highest tribute bestowed by the university. 

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