For Dr. Anthony DeSantis '96, MS '99 and Michelle DeSantis '98, Barry University is more than where they studied; it is where they found second chances, lifelong friendships, and each other. Anthony arrived in 1992 on a baseball scholarship but soon faced academic struggles in 1994, resulting in a 1.9 GPA and academic dismissal. Thanks to his mentor, Dr. George Wanko, who helped him secure work, housing, and encouragement, Anthony returned focused and motivated, graduating in 1996 with a 3.0 GPA. “Barry gave me the environment and the people I needed to thrive,” he reflects. That same year, Anthony met Michelle, a firstgeneration student and volleyball player on academic and athletic scholarships. “Barry made sure we were students first and athletes second,” she says. Michelle first noticed Anthony on campus and took the initiative to learn more about him, finding ways to cross paths. What began as a college crush evolved into something far more profound: a bond that would become the foundation of their lives and a love story that has endured and strengthened over 26 years of marriage and 30 years together. “I saw something in Anthony,” Michelle recalls. “And it didn’t take long to realize how important Barry, and the people here, were to him.” The DeSantis legacy at Barry extends beyond academics and sports. Anthony was a founding member of Alpha Delta Gamma (ADG), a fraternity established to reflect the values he and his peers
held dear, and in turn created a brotherhood that still thrives. “These friendships are lifelong,” he says. Michelle agrees: “When we hosted his birthday last year, 50 of his fraternity brothers showed up. That speaks volumes.” Michelle, a dedicated athlete, played on the 1995 National Championship Volleyball team, leaving a legacy at Barry. In gratitude for all that Barry had given them, Anthony and Michelle made a planned gift to support scholarships. “We didn’t have much when we first made our wills 15 years ago,” Michelle explains, “But we knew we wanted to give back to the place that changed our lives.” Anthony adds, “Barry gave me a second chance, and I want other students to have that opportunity too.”
Today, Anthony serves as the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Saint Leo University, a career path inspired by the guidance of Barry mentors. Their advice for current students is simple: “Barry is a family,” Anthony says. “Cherish your time here,” Michelle adds.
