Barbara J. Gaudio Taylor Recreational Therapy Scholarship Donation
Barbara J.Gaudio Taylor graduated from Slippery Rock University (SRU) in 1984 and unexpectedly passed away January 22, 2021 following a 4-year illness. Barb was a wife, mother, leader, public servant and friend to all. She made the bad times better and good times great!
While at Slippery Rock University, Barb demonstrated her leadership skills in the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority as Pledge Trainer, President and later as Advisor. She was a Phi Sigma Epsilon Little Sister and was named to the Parks and Recreation Honor Society. Barb’s friends describe her as a “lovely, caring person with a wonderful sense of humor.” Many appreciated Barb’s grace, courage, quick wit and easy laugh - she was truly “one of a kind.” After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Parks & Recreation, Barb was a recreational therapist at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Butler, PA until she retired. Every day was Veterans Day to Barb as she helped restore veterans’ health and skills through recreation. She loved veterans and her coworkers and they loved and admired Barb. Recreational Therapy (RT) professionals knew Barb as a strong advocate for the veterans she served. Barb was always willing to mentor SRU students through supervising practicums, internships, and shadowing experiences. She also served as a valuable member of SRU’s RT program advisory board. Barb lived a RT lifestyle by enhancing the life quality of everyone she encountered whether it was veterans, colleagues, alumni, friends or family. Originally from Conyngham, PA , Barb married her husband Mark Taylor and they raised their son Luke in Slippery Rock. Over the years, Barb and Mark hosted many Homecoming gatherings with the Alpha Sigma Tau alumni. Barb stayed active in the Slippery Rock community and her church. Behind the scenes, Barb quietly did small acts of benevolence, sometimes anonymously. On the forefront, she was the “den mother” by actively keeping SRU alumni connected. Throughout her illness, Barb stayed positive and often downplayed her condition. During hospitalizations, Barb quickly connected with her caregivers by learning their children’s names and family fun facts. Barb was a “forever friend”, so her sorority sisters, family and friends have established a Barbara J. Gaudio Taylor Recreational Therapy scholarship fund in her memory. This annual scholarship will assist other devoted Recreational Therapy students pursue their professional passions. Thank you for for keeping Barb’s ray of sunshine shining bright. This scholarship will reflect her love, dedication and leadership to enhance the well-being of others. Please donate below electronically or you may send donations payable to the SRU Foundation, Inc. (note ‘Barbara J Gaudio Taylor Scholarship' on the memo line) to: |
Slippery Rock University Foundation
104 Maltby Ave., Suite 100
Slippery Rock, PA, 16057