CC Mourns Passing of Barbara Yalich ’53 After a Lifetime of Service

After a lifetime of devoted service to Colorado College and the greater Colorado Springs community, Barbara Neeley Yalich ’53 passed away on Friday, April 11 due to a short illness. She was 94.

“Barbara’s unabashed love of Colorado College and her commitment to building and sustaining our community was unparalleled,” says CC Chaplain Kate Holbrook. “Deeply invested in all aspects of community life, from ensuring students’ developmental growth, supporting CC Hockey and Athletics, and ensuring that CC had the financial resources to thrive, Barbara’s legacy continues today.”

Yalich arrived at CC in 1949 and met her future husband Milo “Mike” Yalich ’50 (a member of the 1950 National Champion CC Hockey Team). After leaving campus the following year to marry Mike, Yalich began her career of public service. Yalich returned to CC in 1971, first as an alumni trustee and then transitioning to alumni support, eventually becoming Director of Alumni Affairs.

In 1991, Yalich was appointed VP of Development and College Relations, becoming one of the first three women in CC history to be appointed to Vice President positions within the administration. From her start at CC, Barbara was committed to lifting-up and making sure women’s voices were at the table.

“An advocate and true public servant, Barbara immersed herself without hesitation in everything she did with steadfast determination. Strong, hardworking, intelligent, fiercely tender, gracious, and direct, Barbara was a gifted colleague and mentor to generations of CC staff and administrators,” says Holbrook. “She did not suffer fools, and her strength of character encouraged the best in each of us. Gifted relationally and with fostering connections, Barbara found ways to enrich not only our ties to each other on campus, but with alumni, and the city of Colorado Springs, which she so loved.”

Yalich had a strong influence in the growth of the CC campus, serving as a powerful guide in the creation of Baca, Tutt Alumni House, Packard Hall, Spencer Center, and building relationships with foundations such as the Inasmuch Foundation. Her philanthropy dramatically increased and ensured the well-being and legacy of CC.

Off campus, Yalich was devoted to public service in the local community. She served as the International President of the Association of Junior Leagues of America, the Executive Director of the Health Association of Pikes Peak Region, and the Executive Director of El Paso County Mental Health Association. In 2021, CC honored her and her husband’s work in the dedication of the Mike and Barbara Yalich Student Services Center, which houses mental health, physical health, and wellness resources with a gift from the Inasmuch Foundation. Following her retirement from CC in 1994, Barbara was awarded an honorary Bachelor of Arts degree by the trustees of the College.

“Barbara was a treasured member of this community,” says Holbrook. “In her living, she taught us about the value and importance of nurturing relationships. She witnessed to us the unfolding gifts of choosing to engage in community, and the sustaining, transformative power of friendship. Embodying the common good through her actions, she encouraged us to reach beyond ourselves into a shared vision at CC and in the wider Colorado Springs community. She epitomized life-long learning and the continuing contributions of retirees to community.”

Yalich is survived by her children, Nick Yalich (Betty) and Jan Yalich Betts ’77 (Don); her granddaughter, Kelley Betts (Kenny) and grandson, Nick Betts (Christen); her great-grandchildren, Quinlan and Nikola; and her two brothers, Curt Neeley (Angie) and Mike Neeley (Kay). Barbara was preceded in death by her husband.

A memorial service for Barbara Yalich will take place on Tuesday, April 22 at 11 a.m. in Shove Memorial Chapel on the CC campus.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Annual Fund for Mental Health and Wellness, the CC Men’s Ice Hockey Discretionary Fund, and/or the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.