Dear Members of the SCU Community, 

With a heavy heart I share the news that Rich Barber, Professor of Physics, died on June 25. We keep in our hearts Rich’s wife, Letel, and son, Charlie ‘25, in this time of mourning and remember Rich as the creative and vibrant colleague we cherished.

Rich came to Santa Clara University in 1995 and built a lab that became a hub for cross-disciplinary undergraduate research. During his career at SCU, he mentored 48 SCU undergraduates and three high school research students whose majors included Physics, Engineering Physics, Biochemistry, Biology, and Public Health; 36 of these students ended up being co-authors with Rich on one or more peer-reviewed publications. On projects ranging from superconductors to solar materials to insect silk to dance, he engaged students and colleagues with kindness and a deep love for learning. In 2023, Rich received the Bernard Hubbard S.J. Creative Collaboration Award, a testament to his gift for teaching through professional research projects and creative work. Beyond the classroom and research lab, Rich served as, among other positions, Chair of the Physics Department, Director of the Center for Nanostructures, Chair of the University Rank and Tenure Committee, and advisor to Sigma Pi Sigma, the honor society for Physics and Astronomy students.

We will miss Rich and his wonderful spirit of generosity to all who knew him.

Condolence notes can be sent to Rich’s family care of the Physics Department:

Barber Family
℅ Physics Department
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053

Please keep Rich and his family in your prayers. May he rest in peace.

In sympathy, 

Julie Sullivan
President