1970 – Midland, Michigan
Barbara Carras is the daughter of Vada Bennett and Alden B. Dow of Midland. The late Mr. Dow was a noted international architect and architect laureate of Michigan. Her husband, Peter J. Carras, is an attorney proudly sharing his practice with their two sons, John and Stephen. They also have a daughter, Elizabeth, and seven grandchildren. She is a member of Arts Midland, the Development Committee of MidMichigan Medical Center, a past board member of the International Diabetes Center of MidMichigan Medical Center, an Executive Board member of the Town & Campus chapter of Northwood’s National Women’s Board, a past chairman of Town & Campus and an active member of Northwood University’s National Women’s Board. Mrs. Carras is the founding chairman of the Northwood FAD Auctions and served as the chair or co-chair of the Midland auction for twenty-five years. She has also chaired numerous creative activities and programs for the University including Buy-Lines and the Holiday Boutique, two major fund raisers in support of student needs on the campuses. She is a promoter of the Northwood Gallery in Midland, acting as its volunteer buyer. She has been honored by the students of Northwood in Michigan for her activities on their behalf. A scholarship fund at Northwood bears her name. Mrs. Carras, her daughter and her daughters-in-law, recently opened an upscale children’s boutique in Midland, The Plaid Giraffe. Northwood students organized its first fashion show. In May 1988, Northwood University conferred the Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree on Mrs. Carras during the commencement ceremonies on the Michigan campus.
