Barry University recently welcomed members and guests of the Aventura Marketing Council/Chamber of Commerce (AMC) to campus for its “Meet the Judges” event. The panel featured seven distinguished judges: Judge Linda Singer Stein, Judge Natalie Moore, Judge Raul Cuervo, Judge Cristina Rivera Correa, Judge Christopher Benjamin, and Judge Michael Barket. The event was moderated by retired Judge Myriam Lehr. Together, they shared timely insights on the current state of the judicial system while engaging with local business leaders and members of the Barry community.

AMC Chairman Gary Pyott opened the event before introducing Barry President Dr. Mike Allen, who emphasized the University’s mission to expand access and strengthen industry partnerships.

“Here at Barry, we pride ourselves on truly being a school of opportunity…creating affordable private education for highly-determined students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, many of whom are the first in their families to go to college. We believe deeply in creating meaningful partnerships with industry and here is where your input, your support, and leadership are so important. We need to create internships and experiential learning opportunities for our students that will also help us shape curriculums or programs that will most effectively meet your needs as employers in 2026 and beyond.”

The evening also highlighted the impact of The Honorable Dr. Billy Joel and his wife Sandra, who were recognized for establishing the Honorable Dr. Billy & Sandra Joel Scholarship Endowment at Barry. Speaking about their commitment to student success, Dr. Joel shared:

“My wife Sandra and I are deeply committed to student success and that is why we created the Honorable Dr. Billy & Sandra Joel Scholarship Endowment here at Barry University. We understand that education is the foundation of community well-being. There are students whose families are counting on their success. For many, a college degree represents the opportunity to break cycles of multi-generational poverty. They are students that we believe in.”

The event underscored Barry University’s dedication to fostering strong community partnerships, advancing student opportunity, and creating spaces where leadership and service come together for lasting impact.