Alumnae Spotlight
Barbara Schindler Dinslage ‘63
Attending college was the natural next step for Barbara Schindler Dinslage ’63 following her high school graduation. But growing up in a small town required her to overcome many obstacles and adjust when she enrolled at College of Saint Mary.
“The faculty supplied an environment crucial to my success and guided me toward my teaching career,” Barbara said. “I especially enjoyed the many relationships with fellow students. Learning to see things from multiple perspectives and hard work contributed to the foundation of my teaching.”
Barb earned her degree in elementary education, which led to a 36-year career teaching at Nebraska schools in Raeville, Elgin, Coleridge, Culbertson, Geneva, and Westside in Omaha.
Barb earned her master’s degree in computer education from Lesley College in Cambridge, Mass., in 1991. She became a member of Community Discovered, a five-year project that linked technology and the visual and performing arts with other subject areas.
She also was a faculty member with Prairie Visions Art Institute of Nebraska, a consortium of nearly 100 Nebraska districts. For two weeks every summer from 1990 to 2000, teachers would go to the Joslyn Museum to learn how to integrate art and technology. Barb presented a workshop called “Add Pizzazz to Your Lessons: Incorporate Art and Technology!” She also created a CD called “Simple Solutions” that included art and technology lessons for elementary teachers.
Barb credits CSM with helping develop her leadership skills.
“I found that tough times provided me with a steady hand, and I became very observant of the role models and leaders of the faculty and upper classes,” she said. “I was aware of their characteristics and attributes. I followed their lead and became effective with commitment and focus. My potential as a leader slowly developed with the assistance and inspiration of many colleagues.”
While at CSM, Barb was selected as the 1963 Queen of Hearts, now known as the Heart of the Walking Woman award.
CSM also taught Barb the value of volunteering. She taught Catechism for St. Joseph Church in Geneva for three years. For two years, she volunteered at All Saints School in Omaha, where she implemented many art and writing projects for students. In 2019, she experienced a 10-day mission trip to Guatemala to help build ventilated wood-burning stoves that used less wood and created warmer and safer homes.
At CSM, she recently served as a co-chair for the Striding Forward campaign.
Barb and her husband, Bill, have three children, two grandsons, a step-granddaughter, and a great-grandson.
Barb will be awarded the Alumnae Achievement Award during Homecoming on Saturday, Sept. 23.
