CONTACT - Volume 9, Number 1
Balcerski Receives Honorary Doctorate

Judith A. Balcerski, Dean of the Division of Nursing, received an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Barry University at the December commencement. As President Jeanne O'Laughlin and Leslie Pantin, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees, placed the academic hood on Dr. Balcerski, Dr. Patrick Lee, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, said that this honorary degree was "in recognition of her many years of leadership and service to Barry University, her immense contributions to South Florida's health care system, and her dedicated service to many school children and families in this community."

Judith Balcerski has been dean of the Division of Nursing for 28 years. In 1969 Dr. Balcerski joined the university as head of the Department of Nursing and became dean in 1974 when the Department officially became the Division of Nursing. She earned a BSN from Barry in 1965, a master's degree in nursing from Wayne State University in 1972, and her PhD in 1981 from The University of Michigan.

With a record of involvement in nursing and health care organization in Florida, Dr. Lee noted that "perhaps her biggest legacy to South Florida is having established the Primary Care Nursing Center as part of Barry University's outreach programs. The PCNC currently serves the health care needs of more than 3,000 children, families, and teachers in this community."

On taking the podium, Dr. Balcerski spoke to the graduates saying that "Barry instilled in me the 800 year old Dominican charisma to search for truth through study, prayer, and action." While acknowledging how she has studied, prayed, and acted in partnership with "great faculty members and administrators," Dr. Balcerski emphasized that what helped her the most, especially in times of greatest challenges, was the students.

As an expression of respect, joy, and pride, the graduates led the assembly to a standing ovation for Dr. Balcerski.