Barry University Receives $1.25 Million from Supporters Trish and Dan Bell

Press Release

Jun 03, 2022

Press Release Barry University Receives $1.25 Million from Supporters Trish and Dan Bell

(MIAMI, FL) Barry University today announced that longtime supporters Trish and Dan Bell have committed $1.25 million to the Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin Scholarship fund. Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin was the fifth president of Barry University from 1981 to 2004 and led Barry through time of unprecedented growth. The gift will provide financial support for students who embody Sr. Jeanne’s legacy of academic success and service to community.

Since the Bells and other donors established the Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin Scholarship in 2004, more than 100 students have received support. This gift will extend the support to up to twenty additional students, ensuring cost never prevents promising students from achieving their dream. 

“The Bell’s generous gift will transform lives,” says Barry University President, Dr. Mike Allen.  “At Barry, we proudly serve students who are immensely qualified and determined, but also among the most financially needy in our communities, and many are the first in their families to attend college.  With this gift, we will be able to educate even more students who will graduate Barry and succeed professionally but also work to make a positive difference in the world.”

Based in Coral Gables, The Bells, have been engaged leaders and philanthropists in South Florida for over twenty years. Their active commitment to service and philanthropy includes leading the effort to establish the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, supporting the building of a non-denominational chapel at Florida International University, as well as serving as the principal financial supporters and advisors of Branches, a multi-site organization supporting underserved youth and their families for 17 years.  

Their giving has focused on supporting underserved communities, particularly in the areas of education and the cultural arts. The Bell’s generosity through this gift directly supports students who demonstrate Barry University’s core commitments of working towards social justice, inclusivity and giving back to one’s community.

On their gift, the Bells state, “Suporting this scholarship fund, named for our dear and highly respected friend, Sr Jeanne, particularly appeals to us because it, hopefully, will enable the recipients to reach their full potential. It brings us much joy to support Barry University in this way.”

The Bells have been widely recognized for their impact and generosity, including receiving the Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. "Humanitarian Award,” Miami-Dade's "Outstanding Philanthropists,” and MCCJ's "Silver Medallion Humanitarian" award.

Contact: Gina Margillo
Communications Manager
PR@Barry.edu
(786) 564-6423

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