Sponsored Institutions - Stories

May 15, 2019, Miami, Florida – Barry University is creating the Adrian Dominican Institute for Mission and Leadership in honor of President Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD, and her predecessors, all Adrian Dominican Sisters. 

Sister Linda, who has been president of the University since 2004, is retiring on June 30, 2019, and is the only Adrian Dominican Sister in full-time ministry at Barry University. She will be succeeded by Dr. Michael Allen, the first non-Adrian Dominican Sister and lay President of Barry University.

“It is essential that we cultivate and sustain our mission in the heritage of the Adrian Dominican Sisters for future generations,” said John Bussel, Chair of Barry University’s Board of Trustees. “The Institute will honor the work of Sister Linda and her predecessors, and through its staff and physical space will serve as the nexus for mission-centered education and leadership formation in alignment with Barry’s Mission and Core Commitments.”

Barry University has received lead gifts from the Adrian Dominican Sisters, the Shepard Broad Foundation and the Garner Foundation. In addition to redesigning physical space, the University has created an endowment to support the Institute. 

A long-term goal is to secure grant funding for research projects in leadership development and stipends for faculty and staff to promote and enhance mission engagement.

The Institute is expected to open in January 2020 and Sister Linda will serve as its Founding Director. Plans for the Institute include workshops, lectures, and special events that focus on the importance of mission-centered learning, as well as programs and services on moral concepts such as justice, equity, access, and equality issues. 

The University also plans to create a resource library and develop resources, videos and modules that address the values and purposes of Catholic higher education.

“I am deeply humbled and honored by the creation of the Institute,” said Sister Linda, who will also serve as President Emerita of Barry University upon her retirement. “With the engagement of students, faculty and staff, we will work diligently to strengthen the infusion of the University’s Core Commitments – Knowledge and Truth, Inclusive Community, Social Justice and Collaborative Service – into all aspects of the University’s life.”