The Ultimate Gift

Thomas Paul Severino and Dr. Anton Wallner became part of the Barry University family in 2000. Combined, the two of them worked at the University for over three decades. Both have made bequests for Barry in their estate trusts out of gratitude for what they have been given and out of a deep desire to support the mission of the school.

Severino worked in Institutional Advancement and taught theology. A lifelong teacher, he is impressed with Barry’s academic rigor. A lifelong Catholic, he treasures the caring community founded by women and the school’s lived mission of service and inclusion as a minority majority institution.

Tony served as the chair of physical sciences and as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. As a first-generation United States citizen and college student himself, the University’s commitment to serving these more at-risk students is particularly important to him. He was impressed that when he began teaching 20 years ago, Barry was already requiring undergraduates to engage in academic research.

Recently, Tom visited the Barry University campus on behalf of the Kolasa Foundation and were reminded of the significance of legacy gifts. Scholarship recipients they spoke with said the funds were a critical boost for finishing their degree. They are especially necessary during the pandemic, when so many have put their hopes and dreams on hold.

“Education is the ultimate gift you can give somebody,” said Severino. “We hope our bequests provide opportunities for students to become the very best people they can be.”

Like Tony and Tom, you, too, can make a lasting impact on Barry students and support your passions through planned giving. To learn more, please contact Smilka Melgoza at 305-981-8182 or smelgoza@barry.edu today.