Barry University’s Annual Awards for Exemplary Community Service
The Celebration of the Human Spirit
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
Each year, Barry University acknowledges the outstanding contributions in community service by distinct members of the human family. Against the backdrop of one of the world’s most extensive and eclectic private art collections, Barry University celebrates with gratitude and admiration the generosity and service of extraordinary philanthropist and community leaders.
This year, on Thursday, Feb. 3, at a cocktail reception and recognition celebration at the renown Margulies Collection at the WAREhOUSE, Sister Linda Bevilacqua, O.P., Ph.D., president of Barry University, and William Heffernan, chair of the Barry University Board of Trustees, will award the Laudare Medal for service to four outstanding leaders. Barry will recognize the dedication and achievements of Paul Farmer, M.D., Ph.D., founding director of Partners in Health, Norma Jean Abraham, philanthropist, Marvin Dunn, Ph.D., educator and community activist and Alexandra Codina, filmmaker.
In addition, the evening’s celebration will include the presentation of the Faith and Freedom Award, Barry’s highest award for exceptional service to the human family. Established in 2001, the annual Faith and Freedom Award is given by Barry University to recognize men and women who represent the shared values of compassion, mutual respect and justice when addressing controversial and divisive issues.
For this year's Faith and Freedom Award, Sister Linda will acknowledge Joshua Williams, philanthropist. Williams, age 9, is the founder of Joshua’s Heart Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to the eradication of hunger in the Miami community and throughout the world.
Williams is the youngest recipient of this award, which in the past has recognized the work of Monsignor Brian Walsh, Tracy and Alonzo Mourning and Suzanne and Brian Keeley and others.