February 22-24, 2013 marked the start of a new Homecoming and Reunion tradition at Barry University. For the first time in recent history, the departments of Alumni Relations and Student Affairs joined forces to offer a wide variety of events to appeal to both our alumni and student populations.
Homecoming Highlights:
Highlights of Homecoming week included a bonfire where an effigy to the opposing team’s mascot was burned while students feasted on s‘mores, the crowning of a Homecoming King and Queen at the Barry Buccaneers Homecoming Basketball Game, and the celebration of the incredible diversity within the Barry community at Festival of Nations.
Reunion Highlights:
Reunion welcomed all alumni, with a focus on those from the classes of 2008, 2003, 1988, and 1963. Returning alumni enjoyed campus tours to see how much Barry had changed since their last visit to campus, a special exhibit in the archives of the Barry they remembered, and a trip to Roussell Dining Hall to experience current student life. On Saturday evening, Barry University President Sister Linda Bevilacqua OP, PhD, hosted a Presidential Reception, which provided an opportunity for all reunion guests to connect with each other and to learn about the latest developments at their alma mater.
Class of 1963 Celebrates 50 Year Reunion:
Sunday was a special day for the Barry Women’s College Class of 1963, celebrating their 50th Reunion. Following Reunion Mass, the Class of ’63 was honored with a Champagne Brunch. Each member of the class was inducted into the Golden Shield Society to celebrate this golden milestone. Reunion Chairs Patricia Fox MacLaughlin ‘63, Annette Kund Nolte ‘63, and Sandra A. Southmayd ’63 led the group in a lively game which had the guests reliving their Barry experiences from 50 years prior as they were quizzed on many things including the names of past favorite hang outs and strict dress code requirements. The group also recited “Ah, Wasteful Woman,” by Coventry Patmore, a poem they were required to memorize as students for a now unremembered wrong doing. Brunch ended with a rousing rendition of the original Alma Mater Song from Barry College for Women.
Plans for Homecoming Reunion 2014 - Volunteers wanted!
Homecoming and Reunion were a great success and we are looking forward to continuing to grow this tradition next year. Mark your calendars for the weekend of February 21-23, 2014. Barry will welcome back all alumni, regardless of graduation year, and a special highlight will be Deans’ Receptions on Friday, February 21, 2014 to give you a chance to reconnect with your school and spend time with your favorite faculty members. Additionally, the Barry Buccaneers will be hosting a homecoming basketball game on Saturday, February 22, 2014. Alumni and their families will be invited to a pre-game tailgate and custom made Barry paraphernalia will be awarded to the alumni group with the largest turnout. Finally, the Class of 1964 will be Barry’s guests of honor on Sunday, February 23, 2014 as they are inducted into the Golden Shield Society at the Champagne Brunch following Reunion Mass. If you are interested in becoming a Reunion Chair and getting a group of your alumni friends together to celebrate Reunion and Homecoming 2014, contact the Barry University Alumni Association at alumni@mail.barry.edu or (877) 899-2586.
Photos from Reunion Weekend can be found here: https://www.barry.edu/alumni/photo-gallery/
Alumni toast Barry at the Reunion 2013 Presidential Reception
Guests arrive at the Reunion 2013 Presidential Reception
Barry Women’s College Class of 1963 reunion guests don their Golden Shields in celebration of their 50th Reunion with Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD, ‘62.
Just a few of the people who made Reunion 2013 possible: Alumni Relations staff and student volunteers