More than 150 people gathered Nov. 16 for Barry University’s dedication of its newest and most noticeable landmark, the Silvester Tower. At 73 feet tall, the tower sits adjacent to I-95 at the west end of Barry’s campus, between the NW 119th and NW 103rd Street exits.
“Today we mark a special moment in our history - we have achieved and surpassed the vision of Barry’s founders,” said Barry President, Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, Phd.
The tower was designed by Stephen J. Althouse, chair of Barry’s Fine Arts Department and modeled after the Cor Jesu Chapel, which was constructed on Barry’s campus in 1940.
Construction of the tower cost approximately $650,000, and was underwritten entirely by a group of donors. Renee T. Silvester of Palm Beach Gardens provided the lead donation and is the tower’s namesake. Luigi Salvaneschi, PhD, adjunct professor and former Board of Trustees member, organized the tower project.
Barry benefactors and their families, students, faculty, administrators and other visitors affiliated with the university attended the dedication. President Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD led the ceremony - providing opening remarks and presenting Silvester and Salvaneschi with gifts from the university. The Barry University Choir performed several selections as Rev. David Caron, OP led the group in prayer to bless the tower.
The tower, which will eventually be illuminated at night, is visible to the thousands of motorists who travel I-95 everyday. The tower stands as a beacon marking the location of Barry’s main campus in Miami Shores and represents Barry’s mission of learning, service and religious commitment within a caring environment.
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