Barry University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Barry University, a private Catholic institution rooted in Miami Shores, Florida, has fostered a diverse and accomplished alumni network across various fields. Founded in 1940 by Bishop Patrick Barry and Mother Mary Gerald Barry of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, the university has grown from a women's college to a comprehensive institution offering over 100 degree programs. This article explores the notable alumni who have emerged from Barry University, making significant contributions to society.

A Foundation of Faith and Education

Originally established as Barry College for Women, the institution transformed an empty tract of tropical vegetation into a vibrant campus. The university's commitment to its Catholic identity is evident in the Cor Jesu Chapel, a spiritual and physical centerpiece made possible by Margaret Brady Farrell. Barry College officially became Barry University on November 13, 1981, and continues to be sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan. With its main campus in Miami Shores, Barry University also extends its reach with locations in Orlando and St. Petersburg, Florida.

Alumni Success Across Disciplines

Barry University's alumni have made their mark in diverse fields such as sports, entertainment, politics, science, and law. The university's emphasis on a purpose-based education has equipped graduates to excel in their chosen careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Sporting Legends and Commentators

Shaquille O'Neal: Perhaps the most recognizable Barry University alumnus, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal, known as Shaq, earned his Doctor of Education degree from the university. A dominant force in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 19 years, O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion and is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Since retiring from professional basketball, he has transitioned into a successful sports analyst on the television program Inside the NBA.

Elvar Már Friðriksson: An Icelandic professional basketball player for Maroussi of the Greek Basketball League (GBL). He is also a member of the Icelandic national basketball team.

Read also: Barry University Admission

Dean Green: An American former professional baseball first baseman. He played for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball's Central League in 2017.

Henry Owens: An American former professional baseball player. A pitcher, Owens played in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets in 2006 and the Florida Marlins in 2007.

Musical Artists and Performers

Flo Rida: Tramar Lacel Dillard, known professionally as Flo Rida, is a highly successful rapper, singer, and songwriter. His debut single "Low" topped the charts for ten weeks in the United States and broke digital download sales records upon its release.

Juju Casteneda: Juliette "Juju" Castaneda is a media personality, author, actress, and businesswoman. She gained recognition as a cast member on the VH1 reality series Love & Hip Hop: New York and its spin-off, Love & Hip Hop: Miami. Castaneda is also the author of the novel Secrets of a Jewel.

Political Leaders and Activists

Carlos A. Giménez: A Republican politician, Carlos A. Giménez represents Florida's 28th congressional district. He previously served as mayor of Miami-Dade County and as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner. Giménez also held the position of fire chief of the City of Miami Fire Department.

Heni Ozi Cukier: A Brazilian political scientist, professor, writer, and public speaker. Cukier was elected as a state legislator to the State Legislative Assembly of São Paulo in 2018. He is also a faculty member for the International Relations Program at ESPM college in São Paulo and teaches geopolitics on his YouTube channel, Professor HOC.

Laurent Lamothe: A Haitian businessman, technology entrepreneur, and political figure. He served as Haiti's Foreign Minister and then as Prime Minister.

Laura Loomer: An American far-right political activist, conspiracy theorist, and internet personality. Loomer was the Republican nominee for Florida's 21st congressional district in the 2020 United States House of Representatives elections.

Danny Burgess: An American politician who currently serves as a Florida State Senator from District 20. He previously served as the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, and as the mayor of Zephyrhills.

Allyson Maynard Gibson: A Bahamian barrister, politician, and community rights advocate. She served as the Attorney-General and Minister for Legal Affairs of The Bahamas.

Matt Hudson: An American politician and businessman who served as a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives.

Priscilla Taylor: A West Palm Beach, Florida, businesswoman and Democratic politician who formerly served as Palm Beach County commissioner for District 7.

N’Diaye Ramatoulaye Diallo: A Malian politician and entrepreneur. She was the Minister of Handicrafts, Tourism and Culture in Mali.

Leaders in Education

Alberto M. Carvalho: A Portuguese-American educator and the superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District. He previously served as superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the fourth-largest school district in the United States. Carvalho was named the 2014 National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

Walter C. Young: An American educator and politician.

Advocates for Health and Well-being

Saima Wazed: The daughter of Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Saima Wazed is a psychologist. She is serving as the South East Asian regional director for the World Health Organization.

Kellyn George: From Dominica, Kellyn George created a support foundation to help people with sickle cell anemia in her homeland. In 2015, she was awarded the Queen's Young Leader Award for her activism.

Legal Professionals

Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law has produced numerous accomplished legal professionals who are making a difference in their communities.

Daniel “Danny” Burgess Jr.: A Barry Law alumnus, Burgess has had a successful career in law, politics, and public service. He is the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Burgess credits Barry Law for preparing him for the bar exam and instilling in him a strong sense of public service.

Jayme Buchanan, Jordan Mejeur, Scott Millard, and Ana Cristina Torres: These four Barry Law alumni were recently named partners at Cohen Law Group in Maitland, Florida. They attribute their success to the education and experiences they gained at Barry Law.

Artists and Journalists

Helen Aguirre Ferré: A Nicaraguan American journalist and the former executive director for the Republican Party of Florida. She previously served as Communications Director for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

David Johnson: An American photographer known for his portrayal of society, urban life, and the jazz culture of San Francisco's Fillmore District.

Other Notable Alumni

Felipe de Jesús Estévez: A Cuban-born prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who was bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine in Florida.

Marco Vélez: A Puerto Rican former footballer who played as a defender and currently works as coach for Puerto Rico Surf SC.

Virginia Díaz Rivas: A Spanish rower. She competed in the women's coxless pair event at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Paula Forero: A Colombian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for American club PSE Conquistadores in the United Premier Soccer League Women's Division.

Tiina Saario: A Finnish football midfielder. She plays club football for MPS in the Finnish second tier Naisten Ykkönen.

tags: #Barry #University #notable #alumni