More than 300 guests came together January 12 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami to celebrate Barry University’s annual Founders’ Ball. With the theme of “Dancin’ the Night Away,” this year’s event raised approximately $165,000 for student scholarships.

Miami Archbishop John C. Favalora was honored with Barry University’s Faith and Freedom Award during the ball. The award recognizes men and women whose work and actions have embodied the shared religious values of civility, mutual respect and justice while addressing controversial and challenging issues. Past recipients of the Faith and Freedom Award include Monsignor Brian Walsh, Sen. Bob Graham, Alonzo and Tracy Mourning, and Dr. Pedro Greer. The award comes just as the Miami Archdiocese celebrates its 50th anniversary. Favalora studied for the priesthood at St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict, La., Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, where he was ordained on December 20, 1961.

Favalora was appointed as the third Archbishop of Miami on November 3, 1994, succeeding retiring Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy. Prior to that, Favalora served as the third Bishop of Alexandria, La., and the third Bishop of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Also recognized were Elly Vilano Chovel, Carmen Morris, The Most Rev. Agustín A. Román from the Archdiocese of Miami, and Rabbi Mario Rojzman of Temple Beth Torah in North Miami Beach. These four individuals received the Laudare Medal, which is given as a particular expression of gratitude and appreciation for outstanding community service. This year’s event marked the first time since 1987 that the Laudare Medal has been awarded.

William Heffernan, president of Barry University's board of trustees, Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD, and Miami Archbishop John C. Favalora at the annual Founder's Ball on January 12. Favalora was the recipient of this year's Faith and Freedom Award.