Barry University proudly celebrated its 2026 Commencement with a series of ceremonies honoring graduates, distinguished leaders, and members of the Barry community whose lives and work reflect the university’s mission of service, scholarship, and social justice. Ceremonies began on Saturday, May 2 and concluded on Friday, May 15.

The commencement season officially kicked off with Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine ceremony on May 2, followed by the university’s Doctoral Commencement Ceremony and annual Baccalaureate Mass on May 8, at the Shepard & Ruth K. Broad Performing Arts Center on Barry’s Miami Shores campus.

On May 11, Barry University hosted its undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The morning ceremony honored graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Andreas School of Business and Public Administration, while the afternoon ceremony celebrated graduates from the College of Health Professions and Medical Sciences.

During the morning ceremony on May 11, Barry University conferred Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters upon Trish and Dan Bell in recognition of their decades of philanthropic leadership and transformational support for education, arts, healthcare, and community initiatives throughout South Florida. Since relocating to Miami from Michigan in 1977, where Dan Bell previously served as an executive at Ford Motor Company, the Bells have been influential and generous supporters of Barry University, along with numerous cultural, religious, and educational organizations. Their philanthropy has impacted countless individuals through initiatives rooted in dignity, opportunity, and long-term community investment.

“Trish and Dan Bell exemplify the spirit of generosity and servant leadership that defines the Barry community,” said Dr. Mike Allen, President of Barry University. “Their commitment to expanding opportunity and uplifting others has left a lasting mark on our university and throughout South Florida.”

The May 11 afternoon commencement ceremony for the College of Health Professions and Medical Sciences featured remarks from Board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist Dr. Nelson L. Adams, a distinguished healthcare leader dedicated to addressing racial and ethnic inequities in medicine. Dr. Adams served as the first African American Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Chief of Staff at North Shore Medical Center. In 1992, he founded the Maternal Child Health Initiative, an award-winning program providing comprehensive care to at-risk, low-income pregnant women. He has held numerous leadership roles throughout his career and serves as Trustee Emeritus of Barry University.

Barry University’s commencement season concluded on May 15 with the Andreas School of Law ceremony in Orlando, featuring commencement remarks from The Honorable Carly S. Wish. Judge Wish discovered her passion for courtroom advocacy and litigation while representing juveniles in delinquency cases as a Certified Legal Intern through the Barry Legal Clinic and later through the Barry Law Advanced Social Justice Clinic. After graduating from Barry University School of Law, she prosecuted cases as an Assistant State Attorney at the Ninth Circuit State Attorney’s Office from 2006 to 2013. In 2013, Judge Wish joined the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court as a Senior Staff Attorney, and in 2019, she was appointed to the Orange County Court by Governor Rick Scott. Since becoming an Orange County Judge, she has served in Criminal, Civil, and Specialized Divisions and currently presides over civil matters.

“As we celebrate the Class of 2026, we honor not only academic achievement, but the resilience, compassion, and purpose that define our graduates,” said Dr. Mike Allen. “These events reflected the extraordinary journeys of our students and the faculty, families, mentors, and communities who supported them along the way. We were proud to celebrate this milestone together.”