Eight distinguished alumni were honored during an evening celebrating achievement, service, and generosity, highlighted by an unexpected $100,000 pledge from a Barry graduate.

Barry University celebrated eight distinguished graduates and the generosity of its scholarship supporters at Ruby Night on October 22, 2026, at the University’s Health and Sports Center.

The evening brought together alumni, donors, students, university leadership, and friends of Barry for the 17th Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards, the highest honor bestowed upon Barry alumni. The celebration recognized graduates whose professional achievements, leadership, and commitment to service exemplify the University’s mission.

Co-chaired by philanthropists and community leaders Meme Ferré and Norma Jean Abraham, Ruby Night also welcomed Barry University President Dr. Mike Allen and highlighted the transformative power of philanthropy.

Celebrating Alumni Who Lead and Serve

The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients represent excellence across healthcare, business, law, education, and religious leadership. This year’s honorees were:

• The Honorable Denise Kim Beamer, J.D. ’09, Circuit Court Judge for Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit and member of Barry University’s Board of Trustees. A dedicated public servant, Judge Beamer supports future legal professionals through her philanthropic commitment to Barry’s Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law.
• Laura Hodges Bethge, M.S. ’98, President of Celebrity Cruises. A leader in the global travel industry, she has helped shape innovative cruise experiences and is guiding the brand’s expansion into river cruising.
• Barbara Fonte, M.S. ’06, Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer of Jackson Health System. Fonte advances community health, addresses healthcare disparities, and champions initiatives supporting vulnerable populations throughout South Florida.
• Dr. Juan M. Gonzalez ’09, M.S.N. ’13, D.N.P. ’13, Ph.D. ’24, Professor of Clinical and Director of the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of Miami. A four-time Barry graduate, he is a nationally recognized nursing educator, researcher, and practicing emergency nurse practitioner.
• Dr. Stephanie Kane, D.P.M. ’17, Founder of Signature Foot & Ankle and President of the Palm Beach County Podiatric Medical Association. A surgeon, entrepreneur, and mentor, she champions personalized patient care and supports future healthcare professionals.
• Rolando L. Medina, Jr. ’97, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ALC Home Health and Amerihealth Medical Group. A former Barry basketball scholarship recipient, he has spent more than 25 years building healthcare organizations, expanding access to care, and creating opportunities for individuals and families.
• Father Ryan Saunders ’13, Pastor of Saint David Catholic Parish and School in Davie, Florida. His journey from public service to the priesthood reflects his commitment to faith, education, and community service. He also serves in leadership roles throughout the Archdiocese of Miami and on the Board of Trustees of LaSalle Educational Center, supporting Catholic education and underserved communities.
• Dr. Jennifer L. Williams, M.S.W. ’98, Ph.D. ’16, Associate Professor in Barry University’s School of Social Work. A trauma-focused psychotherapist, researcher, and educator, she has dedicated her career to advancing trauma-informed care and preparing future social work professionals.

Together, these distinguished graduates reflect Barry’s commitment to developing leaders who achieve professional excellence while making a meaningful difference in their communities.

Learn more about the honorees at barry.edu/alumni.

The Power of Giving

Ruby Night also celebrated the life-changing impact of scholarship support through the story of Casey Simpson, a senior finance major from Jamaica.

Simpson shared how her mother spent 18 years saving for her education in the United States, only to discover those savings would not cover her first semester. Determined to continue her studies, Simpson worked three jobs, sometimes for as many as 15 hours a day.

Scholarship support changed her trajectory. Today, her educational and housing expenses are fully covered, allowing her to focus on her studies and future.

“Your generosity is a seed sown in me that will stay with me forever,” Simpson told the audience. “One day, I hope to sit where you are sitting and help another student find a way forward.”

Her story underscored the profound impact of philanthropy, creating opportunities for students and easing the financial burden on their families.

In an unexpected moment of generosity, Barry alumnus Rolando Vazquez ’08 spontaneously took the stage and pledged $100,000, inspired by the stories shared throughout the evening.

The pledge was a powerful expression of the connection between Barry’s alumni, students, and mission.

Ruby Night celebrated more than professional achievement. It honored a community of graduates who lead with purpose, students who persevere, and supporters whose generosity opens doors for the next generation.

Learn more about supporting Barry University students at barry.edu/give.