The Division of Student Affairs recognized students who pursue leadership and volunteering roles illustrating Barry’s commitment to and responsibility for the community at their annual awards banquet on Thursday, April 19. Senior Grace Collins earned the evening’s most prestigious award, being named the 2012 President’s Award winner.
Barry’s President’s Award is presented each year to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding service and leadership for the benefit of the Barry University Community during his or her career at Barry.
Collins, who will graduate in May with a dual degree in history and philosophy, carries a 3.85 cumulative grade point average. In four years at Barry, Collins has volunteered with numerous philanthropic organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and the Miami Children’s Museum. Collins has spent countless hours involved with Barry-organized events as well. She has taken part in Barry’s Safe Halloween, Miami Shores Community Fest, the Adopt-A-Family Thanksgiving Food Drive and the Gobble Wobble run.
Collins initiated the America’s Moms for Solders Care Project at Barry, sending monthly care packages to American soldiers, Marines and airmen serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is president of the Phi Sigma Tau philosophy honor society, is a member of Phi Alpha Theta history honor society and two prestigious national honor societies – Delta Epsilon Sigma and Kappa Gamma Pi. She is also team captain of Barry’s Ethics Bowl Team.
In addition to her outstanding record of academic achievements and community service engagement, Collins is a highly-celebrated student-athlete on Barry’s softball team. She is Vice President of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), and was chosen by Barry’s student-athletes to represent Barry at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum.
“In my four years at Barry, I have been blessed with the opportunity to receive a tremendous education and to represent and serve Barry in campus organizations, activities, programs and projects,” Collins said. “I excitedly accepted leadership opportunities to represent Barry in various local, statewide, regional and national conferences, competitions and events.”