In June 2019, Barry University bid farewell to its sixth president, Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD, after many years of dedicated service. To honor her and the five presidents who came before her, the Barry University Board of Trustees took a momentous step, creating the Adrian Dominican Institute for Mission and Leadership (ADIML). This institute serves as a tribute to the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan, the founders of Barry College for Women in 1940, which transformed into a co-educational institution in 1975 and achieved university status in 1981.

Purpose and Mission

The Adrian Dominican Institute for Mission and Leadership has two primary objectives at its core. Firstly, it aims to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Barry’s religious heritage. The institute strives to preserve and promote its Catholic and Dominican identity, emphasizing communal responsibility in supporting and advancing the university’s principles.

Secondly, ADIML acts as an agent for fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and purposeful integration of the university’s Mission and Core Commitments into its living and learning environment. To achieve this goal, the institute is dedicated to nurturing informed and committed lay leadership among Barry’s esteemed faculty and staff. By encouraging and cultivating lay leaders—a pressing and critical issue within U.S. Catholic higher education institutions—ADIML seeks to promote excellence, diversity, inclusion, and equity. We view these elements as essential to fostering academic brilliance and ethical leadership among all members of the Barry University community.

Initiatives and Collaborative Efforts

True to its Dominican identity, ADIML will actively promote learning, reflection, and service through collaborative efforts and dialogue among diverse curricular and co-curricular units and initiatives. It aspires to infuse the University’s Mission and Core Commitments into all aspects of campus life and educational experiences.

Ultimately, ADIML aims to create an environment where all members of the university community can engage in meaningful discussions, gain insights, and grow as individuals committed to Barry’s long-held values.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Adrian Dominican Institute for Mission and Leadership marks a significant milestone in Barry University’s journey. It stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of its past leaders and the timeless legacy of the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan. By fostering informed and committed lay leadership and encouraging inclusivity, ADIML will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the university’s future. As the institute continues its noble mission, it will uphold the values that have been at the heart of Barry University for decades, ensuring that the institution remains a beacon of academic excellence and an embodiment of its cherished heritage.