DePaul Law is honored to announce a new scholarship established in memory of Karen Louise Barancik (JD ’92), made possible through a generous gift from her mother, Maija-Liisa Barancik.
Karen was a bright and talented public servant who was passionate about her career in environmental law. Her mother’s wish is that this scholarship will inspire future generations to pursue the noble calling of environmental law, or the broader pursuit of public interest law, in Karen’s name.
Karen served as a manager of the Air Regulatory Unit at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, where she oversaw the enforcement of environmental laws, coordinating responses to non-compliance, and advising senior leadership on air quality policies.
“This scholarship reflects the very heart of our mission at DePaul Law—supporting students who are called to serve the public good,” said Dean Geoffrey Rapp. “We’re honored to help carry forward Karen’s legacy through the next generation of public interest leaders.”
Through this meaningful gift, the Barancik family ensures that Karen’s life and values will continue to shape the legal profession for years to come.