Hall of Fame
Sr. Jeanne O’Laughlin, O.P. – Barry University (President, 1981-2004)
Barry University’s athletic excellence truly began with Sr. Jeanne O’Laughlin. The University’s president from 1981 through 2004, a period of 23 years, Sister Jeanne founded the school’s athletic department and guided it through its first 20 years of existence. During that time, the Buccaneers won five national championships, made 77 NCAA Tournament appearances in 11 different sports, captured 28 Sunshine State Conference titles in 10 different sports and had 123 All-Americans and 106 Scholar All-Americans. Helping to raise more than $200 million for the University since 1981, it was Sister Jeanne who raised the funding for Barry’s athletic complex, which includes Buccaneer Field, Feinbloom Field and the Health and Sports Center. Under her watchful eye, Barry’s enrollment increased from 1,750 to 9,042 students and added 38 buildings to the campus prior to her retirement as president after the 2003-2004 academic year. Following a well-deserved year-long sabbatical, Sister Jeanne will continue to serve Barry University as chancellor. Sister Jeanne’s involvement extends well into the community, not just on campus. The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce recognized her as the community’s top volunteer with the Sand in my Shoes Award in 1999 and The Miami Herald honored her with its Charles Whited Spirit of Excellence Award in 1993. The first female member of two exclusive south Florida groups, the Orange Bowl Committee and the Non-Group, Sister Jeanne has also served as chair of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and was given the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal under Pope John Paul II for her service to the Roman Catholic Church. She is truly a special person who has touched countless lives.