Barry opens new Learning Center, able to serve more than 200 additional students

 

Miami Shores, Fla. – When the Glenn Hubert Learning Center officially opened Jan. 29 the improvements were more than physical. Under the new renovations, the center has already seen an additional 750 student visits since this time last year.

This is more than a figure. It represents students who, without these services, would find it hard to excel academically. Barry University’s Learning Center offers tutorial services, test preparation, developmental and supplemental instruction through its writing center, reading and math labs. The Center for Advanced Learning (CAL), also housed in the learning center, meets the needs of students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder. Under the recent improvements, the center has increased the number of visits to the Writing Center by 460, the number of visits to the Math Lab by 250 and the number of students enrolled in CAL from 35 to 50.

“The Math Lab has been able to increase the number of students we serve,” said Barry student and tutor Samantha Isaac in her remarks at the center’s opening. “I see the students enter with a very confused look on their face and leave with an understanding of the material that seemed so foreign only an hour ago.”

The nine-month project was the result of a $370,000 gift from benefactor Glenn Hubert, and allowed the Learning Center to completely renovate its Center for Advanced Learning, Writing and Math Labs with new furniture, equipment and cutting-edge software. All three spaces, located on the first floor of Garner, doubled in size. More than 35 computer stations were added throughout the facility, all with software that will better assist students with reading, writing and math comprehension skills. In addition, directors of all three centers will now have access to LOGITECH hardware that enables them to conduct virtual workshops.

Barry students, faculty and staff came out to celebrate the opening, and Hubert’s birthday, Jan. 29. Learning Center students and staff gave remarks during the program and led attendees on tours of the new facility.

“All of this is due to Glenn Hubert and his very sincere and generous donation to Barry University,” said Carol Clothier, assistant dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. “The two little words ‘thank you’ are so simple and short. But, sometimes, simple is better! Glenn, please know that these words come from the hearts of truly grateful people – the staff, the tutors and especially the students who need our services in order to excel academically. You have provided a wonderful, spacious learning environment for them.”

Hubert himself was inspired by his time as an educator in the Miami-Dade County Public School system to find a way to make a difference for Barry students through his gift.

“I believe in providence and feel my attention was directed to Barry for a reason,” he said. “As an educator, I knew that improvements to the Learning Center, a place where students can enhance academic skills, would be essential to their success in higher education. I wanted the Learning Center to be a place where the most students would receive the benefits of my gift. I am happy knowing that my gift will continue to grow and bear fruit in the lives of many Barry students.”

Barry University’s Learning Center offers tutorial services, test preparation, developmental and supplemental instruction through its Writing Center, Reading and Math Labs. The Center for Advanced Learning (CAL), also housed in the learning center, is designed to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder. The mission of the Learning Center is to develop independent, successful learners through its academic support services. With first-generation college students making up more than 40 percent of Barry’s current first-year class, these services are especially vital to those students who may not have the family background or tradition to support study skills needed for the college environment.

For more information, please contact Carol Clothier, assistant dean, College of Arts and Sciences at (305) 899-3481.