Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD has a storied history with Barry. One of her many cherished mementos is this quilt, made by classmates from the Class of ’62 for her installation as Barry’s sixth president. (She served in that role from 2004 to 2019.) Each square holds a shared memory—the Barry College Alma Mater, the Rose and Candle Ceremony, her election as Queen for a Day, her classmates’ anguish with metaphysics. “It is a touching reminder of our interwoven lives and wraps me in love,” she shares.
Block by Block
The Queen for a Day square was submitted by Theresa (Terry) Vazac Haggerty ’61.
She found the purse in Middleton, Wis., and as she said, “I couldn’t resist using it.” It represents the fact that when we were sophomores (1959—1960), I was elected Barry College’s “Queen for a Day.” I regret that I do not remember much, except that it was a collegewide contest; the students voted; it was an honor: I was “crowned” in the Fine Arts Quadrangle
The heart was created by my roommate of four years and dear friend, Carol Horejs Hardt ’62.
The fact that we roomed together for four years was unusual. Carol was a nursing major, and I was an education major. We had a great group of friends from both of our majors and remain close friends to this day. When I was in my formation days at the Motherhouse (1962—63), she asked permission to visit me. She wanted me to meet her boyfriend, Bob. Would I approve? They are married to this day!
The square with the palm tree, sun, and message was created by Rosa Villalba Dery ’62.
The importance of the message is the last phrase: “There ain’t no flies on her,” a tribute to our class chant. We chant it whenever we get together.
“There ain’t no flies on us. There ain’t no flies on us. There may be flies on the other guys, but there ain’t no flies on us. Rah!”
At my Inauguration Ceremony, my classmates, who were well represented, stood up and chanted it. They were a hit!
The word block was created by Gwen Best McCann ’62. Each word has a meaning either to me personally or to our lives as Barry College students.
Theology: We all had to take 15 hours of theology (basically, we all had a minor in theology).
Theorems, logic, philosophy: We all had to take 15 hours of philosophy, and everyone had to take logic as sophomores.
Rose and Candle: A traditional ceremony that still takes place every year in May.
Olympics Day: An annual event when each class (freshmen, sophs, juniors, and seniors) competed against one another in team sports, along with competitions for best theme, best cheer, best uniform. The goal? To win Olympics Day!
Torch and Shield: The name of our yearbook.
Tara Singers: The all-women’s Barry College chorus. I was not a Tara singer, but they were well known and students auditioned to join.
Education: My major field of study.
Sun and sand: These words represent Miami. I am Adrian Dominican.
