CONTACT - Volume 9, Number 2
Saying Thanks and Goodbye to Judith Balcerski

Sr. Jeanne O'Laughlin, OP, Ph.D., President and J. Patrick Lee, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs with Judith Balcerski

On May 7, 2002 the Division of Nursing and the Lambda Chi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing co-hosted a beautiful retirement reception at the University. The reception honored Dr. Judith A. Balcerski for 33 years of service to Barry University and the community. Giving tribute were Sr. Jeanne O'Laughlin, President; Dr. J. Patrick Lee, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; Sr. John Karen Frei (as representative for all the University's deans); Ann Lamet on behalf of the faculty; Daniel Little, President of Lambda Chi Chapter; and Craig Philhower, outgoing president of the student nurse association. Dr. Balcerski received the honor of Dean Emeritus by Sr. Jeanne O'Laughlin at the end of a program that highlighted her career, her leadership, and dedication. All of those in attendance stated that the event was a fitting tribute to her prestigious career.

Division of Nursing faculty Marcia Hacker (left) and Dr. Shirley Schantz join Sr. Peggy Albert, Executive Vice President, Barry University

On June 23, Dr. Balcerski was again honored at a dinner which included members of the Division of Nursing and University family, community leaders, and friends. This elegant dinner included humorous and fitting tributes and toasts, a pictorial presentation of her final year at the school, and beautiful gifts. The evening's events were a great final send off into a busy retirement schedule. We wish her peace, joy, and happiness in her new adventures.

Judith Balcerski