Barbara Rieber ’36

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Selfless work on behalf of people of all races, cultures and circumstances has been the life focus of Barbara Rieber, a community leader of uncommon intelligence and good humor. Rieber spent some 20 years as a volunteer interviewer with what is now known as the Legal Aid Foundation, located in the heart of Skid Row. No one can ever know just how many troubled, indigent people were helped by her interest in their problems.

During Rieber’s two-year term as president of Lawyers’ Wives of Los Angeles, she marshaled considerable financial support for Legal Aid, enabling the foundation to purchase the small building that is still its headquarters. Rieber also gave 10 years of service conducting guided tours at the Los Angeles County Courthouse, explaining to some 13,000 school-children annually how the court system works.

A dedicated alumna, Rieber served for 22 years in the Advisory and Scholarship Program of the Alumni Association and has hosted 12 Dinners for Twelve Strangers in her home. Her achievements have been acknowledged by a United Way Leadership Award, a California State Assembly Award for Volunteer Service and a 1988 commendation from Mayor Tom Bradley. Always cheerful and energetic, Rieber has truly been a dynamic force in her community.