Dear Barry University Community,
I am delighted to share that the theme for our May 10, 2021 commencement ceremony is “Honoring Resiliency and Community Heroes,” in recognition of the members of our Barry University community who have answered the call to serve, who are tireless in their pursuit of social justice, and who have displayed true perseverance in the face of uncertainty brought by the global crisis.
Our students have been remarkable throughout the pandemic, and we could think of no better way to energize them as they head into the world to achieve professional excellence and serve their communities than to bring together a most accomplished group of community leaders who set the bar for excellence.
With a focus on the areas of health care, the arts, education, and equity and inclusion, the following individuals will receive honorary degrees as part of the ceremony:
Adrienne Arsht, Business Leader and Impact Philanthropist
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, via Ms. Arsht’s support, enabled staff and performers to pivot quickly during the pandemic, hosting free virtual performances and creating the blueprint for safely offering audiences live performances, providing an example for others to follow. And, in the summer of racial reckoning and healing, it was the Adrienne Arsht Center that brought performers to our area that reflect the richness and beauty of a multicultural world.
Ms. Arsht’s profound impact extends well beyond the arts both nationally and globally, including through the work of the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center at the Atlantic Council focused on solutions to climate change, migration and human security challenges, and the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at the Atlantic Council devoted to the advancement of hemispheric prosperity.
Ms. Arsht will receive an Honorary Doctor of Arts.
Marilyn Holifield, Partner, Holland & Knight
A trailblazer since childhood, Ms. Holifield became the first Black female partner of a prominent Florida law firm in 1986. Years prior, she made history when she was one of three African American students to desegregate Leon High School in Tallahassee in 1963. She is a graduate of Swarthmore College and Harvard Law School and is co-founder of the planned Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora. Ms. Holifield recently co-authored Seven Sisters and a Brother, detailing her student activism during the Civil Rights era. She continues to champion social justice, equity, and inclusion in all areas of her work, and she has received numerous awards for professionalism and public service.
Ms. Holifield will address our graduates as Commencement Speaker and will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
Carlos A. Migoya, President and CEO of Jackson Health System
Peta-Ann Anderson, Chief Nursing Officer at Jackson North Medical Center
Mr. Migoya has been at the helm of Jackson Health System throughout the pandemic, serving as a key outside advisor to state and local leaders while Florida was the epicenter of the crisis, and marshalling Jackson’s forces to become the largest vaccination provider in South Florida.
Ms. Anderson has devotedly led a team of 450 nurses at Jackson Health System’s largest suburban campus, including at the height of the pandemic when the facility was caring for nearly as many COVID-19 patients as another in the system more than double its size.
Mr. Migoya and Ms. Anderson represent the harmony between clinical and support teams that is vital for daily success and crisis management. They will each receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
Gladys Montes, Group Vice President, United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education
As the pandemic forced educators and childcare providers to reimagine instruction and care for children, Ms. Montes and her staff at the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education worked tirelessly to ensure their early childhood programs continued to provide critical services and support.
Ms. Montes will receive an Honorary Doctor of Education.
As a reminder, space is limited due to physical distancing requirements. All those who are not registered to attend in-person are encouraged to watch online at Barry.edu/live.
I look forward to coming together as a community for this momentous occasion in a few short weeks.
Sincerely,
Mike Allen, PhD
President