For Jaime Lizotte '05, MA'19, a "blind date" turned into a lifelong relationship. A Maine native, Lizotte committed to Barry University without ever having visited the campus, drawn instead by scholarships and the promise of warm weather. What she found was a supportive, uplifting community that became like family. That bond has shaped the last two decades of her life, earning two Barry degrees, building a successful career in product management, and serving as alumni board president for two terms before handing over the reins in July 2023. Her journey almost came to an end before it began. On the eve of moving to Miami, her father worried about the financial strain that would come with it. Lizotte's reply was simple: "God will make a way." Determined, she worked hard her first two years, then flourished socially and academically, stepping into leadership roles across campus.
She became a Resident Assistant, helped lead the Student Government Association, mentored business students, and organized major campus events through the Campus Activities Board. "Negotiating with the Hard Rock Caf at Bayside for an exclusive Barry event was a pivotal moment," she recalls. "It honed my negotiation and event planning skills like nothing else." Balancing leadership with academics demanded discipline, but it also prepared her for the workplace. With support from Barry's career services, Lizotte landed her first job as a travel nurse recruiter, discovering a passion for human resources. From there, she advanced into management and eventually into her current role, where she combines her knowledge of HR with product development. "Barry's leadership training and conference opportunities gave me the confidence to guide my career path," she says. "This position
brings together everything I've learned—it's the ultimate synthesis of my skill set." In 2016, Lizotte deepened her commitment to Barry by joining the alumni board and later serving as president, all while earning her master's degree. Addressing alumni from the podium at her own graduation in 2019 was, she says, a moment that reinforced the importance of giving back through time and service." For Lizotte, Barry University isn't just her alma mater. It's a lifelong community, a springboard for her career, and a home she continues to cherish. "I praise God every day for the opportunity and doors He opened through my time at Barry University. Without Him, I wouldn't be who He truly created me to be," says Lizotte. "While I may have done the hard work, He gets all the glory!"