A graduate of Augustana College, and former corporate executive, has died. Brenda Barnes was 63 years old when she died on Tuesday.
She earned a degree in economics from Augustana in 1975, and went on to work for Wilson Sporting Goods, Frito-Lay, and Pepsi Cola. In 1996 Barnes was named president and ceo of Pepsi Cola North America.
One year later she left to spend more time with her family.
She also was an active and generous alumna of the college, serving as a member of the board of trustees for 16 years, including 5 as board chair.
President Steve Bahls calls her "a friend, role model, and mentor. She was an inspiration and hero to all of us at Augustana. I will miss her greatly.”
