MISSION & CORE COMMITMENTS

Mission and Core Commitments

BARRY MISSION

Barry University is a Catholic institution of higher education founded in 1940 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, Barry University is a scholarly community committed to the highest academic standards in undergraduate, graduate and professional education.

In the Catholic intellectual tradition, integration of study, reflection and action inform the intellectual life. Faithful to this tradition, a Barry education and university experience foster individual and communal transformation where learning leads to knowledge and truth, reflection leads to informed action, and a commitment to social justice leads to collaborative service.

Barry University provides opportunities for affirming our Catholic identity, Dominican heritage, and collegiate traditions. Catholic beliefs and values are enriched by ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. Through worship and ritual, we celebrate our religious identity while remaining a University community where all are welcome.

CORE COMMITMENTS

Catholic intellectual and religious traditions guide us in the fulfillment of our mission. The mission and values of the Adrian Dominican Sisters serve as the inspiration for our core commitments.

KNOWLEDGE AND TRUTH

Barry promotes and supports the intellectual life, emphasizing life-long learning, growth and development. The University pursues scholarly and critical analysis of fundamental questions of the human experience. In the pursuit of truth, the University advances development of solutions that promote the common good and a more humane and just society.

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

Barry is a global, inclusive community characterized by interdependence, dignity and equality, compassion and respect for self and others. Embracing a global world view, the University nurtures and values cultural, social and intellectual diversity, and welcomes faculty, staff, and students of all faith traditions.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Barry expects all members of our community to accept social responsibility to foster peace and nonviolence, to strive for equality, to recognize the sacredness of Earth, and to engage in meaningful efforts toward social change. The University promotes social justice through teaching, research and service.

COLLABORATIVE SERVICE

Barry is committed to serving local and global communities through collaborative and mutually productive partnerships. The University accepts responsibility to engage with communities to pursue systemic, self-sustaining solutions to human, social, economic and environmental problems.

Barry brought a relaxing spa experience to the women of Lotus House Shelter.

Each woman enjoying the spa day at Lotus House Shelter had a different story to share. The Barry University physician assistant students, who arrived with enthusiasm, baked goods, nail polish, and some makeup, were there to listen.

The school hosted the self-care event on April 27, 2018 as part of a volunteer effort led by 2019 Community Outreach Representative and recent graduate, 27-year-old New York native Annie Chang. As she applied a facial to one woman’s face, they bonded over a shared experience. “She told me all about how she used to be a nurse and how rewarding that time in her life was for her,” Chang says.

"There were plenty of moments of connection."

A line formed outside the door as women brought their children to enjoy some refreshments, too. Volunteer Katie Pfister painted ladybug polka dots on the nails of a delighted lady in a wheelchair. Mixed in with the fun were tales of loss and shame. “One woman told us that she had older children living out of state but did not want to tell them that she was staying at a shelter,” recalls Chang. “It was a very humbling experience for all of us.”

Since 2006, Lotus House has worked to end family homelessness by providing a safe space and holistic care for cis- and trans women and children, many of whom have endured violence and trauma. Lotus House helps them find their footing by providing education, therapy, and other empowering tools, skills, and resources for healing and growth, including yoga, art, and events like this one. The Barry-hosted spa day was offered to encourage the residents to attend counseling afterwards.

This isn’t the first time Barry PA students have presented the event to Lotus House. The 2018 class also had an extremely positive experience there. Chang says that she was looking for local shelters where students could volunteer. “When I reached out to Lotus House, they were super receptive and also gave me a lot of creative freedom,” she recalls.

Providing the women living in the shelter with this opportunity for self-care was important for the residents and for the students. Chang initially thought of presenting a health education topic via the event, but the shelter told her to keep it lighthearted, entertaining, and interactive. The students also made sure to not bring up subjects that might be sensitive to the residents, allowing them to lead conversations. Chang says, “We wanted to provide them with a good time!”

Chang also saw the importance of increasing awareness of domestic violence in school curriculums after the event. She also says it’s important for PA students to learn about recognizing the signs of it in their patients and knowing the resources to offer those who are affected.

“Promoting self-care is so important as future medical providers because we want our patients to be their own, and best, advocates,” she says. “When PAs, doctors, and other providers take the time to educate and encourage patients, it can make a lasting impact on their lives.” HO W W E L I VE THE CORE COMMITMENTS 8