Barry announces award recipients for 2010 Founders' Ball

Contact: Jeremy Jones
(305) 899-3195


Miami Shores, Fla. – Barry University is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2010 Faith and Freedom Award and the Laudare Medal. The awards will be handed out Saturday, Jan. 16 as Barry celebrates its 70th anniversary during the 2010 Founders’ Ball, which will take place at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa.

The 2010 Faith and Freedom Award will go to Dr. Suzanne and Brian Keeley.
The Keeleys are being honored by Barry University for their personal and professional dedication to the ideals of Catholic social justice – changing structures and institutions that enslave, objectify and diminish the value of human life. As community leaders, generous benefactors and dedicated volunteers, they have challenged the dehumanizing forces of unjust business practices and advocated for the well-being of families, especially those most in need of strong support.

Established in 2001, the Faith and Freedom Award recognizes women and men whose lives, work and/or volunteer activities embody the values of respect, justice and right relationships in addressing challenging issues. Past honorees include Tracy and Alonzo Mourning, Dr. Pedro Greer, Jr., Monsignor Bryan O. Walsh, Dr. Horatio Aguirre and Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin, OP, PhD.

The 2010 Laudare Medal, a noteworthy expression of the university’s gratitude and appreciation to outstanding members of the South Florida community for admirable service, will be bestowed upon Roberta and David Lawrence and Marc Buoniconti. Barry University President Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP PhD, will honor the Lawrences and Buoniconti for their extraordinary zeal and passion, lives of consummate leadership and service to others, especially children. “Together they represent the finest commitment to enrich lives by sharing gifts, time, and creativity – a commitment that is also expressed in Barry’s mission and values and the vision of our founders,” Bevilacqua said of the honorees.

Inaugurated on Founders’ Day 1956, the Laudare Medal was given for the first time to John G. Thompson, attorney, one of the four original founders of Barry College, and to Gerald A. Barry, architect. Past honorees include Shepard Broad, Alvah and Betty Chapman, Trish Bell, Josie Poitier and Congresswoman Carrie Meek.

For more information, visit www.barry.edu/foundersball.