Wall of Honor Inductee - 1996

Sr. Jeanne O'Laughlin, OP, Ph.D.
Meritorious Service
Barry University President, 1981-2004
Driving force behind the creation and growth of Barry Athletics

Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin, OP, Ph.D., president of Barry University, was the driving force behind Barry's decision in 1984 to add intercollegiate athletics as we know it today. She remains firmly committed to the maintenance of a strong, competitive program for men and women, and has seen this very young athletic program achieve the success she envisioned both athletically and academically. She proudly wears three national championship rings -- soon to increase to four as a result of Barry's recent national title in volleyball. She was the vision that brought about Barry's beautiful Health & Sports Center.

Sister Jeanne has been Barry's president since 1981. Previously she was the executive assistant to the president at St. Louis University. Her life as an educator also includes time as an adjunct faculty member at the University of San Francisco and Siena Heights College, plus years of service as superintendent of the Adrian Dominican Independent School System.

With zeal and an unshakable spirit, she is dedicated to community service. She is very active in the fight against drug abuse, and is the chairperson of the Miami Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Community. She has developed "Pockets of Pride" in the Miami Shores area to energize the local community. She was a member of the Steering Committee for the Summit of the Americas (Miami, 1994), and was appointed to the Governor's Commission on the Homeless. She was also a member of the Board of Directors of "We Will Rebuild" following Hurricane Andrew.

Sister Jeanne was the first woman elected to the Orange Bowl Committee. She serves on the Board of Governors of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and is a past president of the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities.