Barry University’s 2009 Distinguished Alumni Awards
A Night to Recognize Leaders in the Community and in the Kitchen

The award ceremony featured an interactive chef competition where five South Florida chefs competed for the Barry University Distinguished Chef Award. Each guest had the opportunity to taste each of the dishes created by the chefs and then score them based on creativity, presentation, and taste. This year’s Distinguished Chef Award went to Chef David Hackett, Executive Chef for Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa.
The award program-meets-culinary competition kicked off with a cocktail reception from which guests were escorted into the grand ballroom where the “cooking” theme décor prevailed. A stainless steel colander filled with flowers and garden veggies was the focal point at each table. The award program doubled as a take-home recipe book with special recipes submitted by Barry Alumni. Lined against the walls on both ends of the room were the massive trusses that framed the five chef cooking stations, and in the center of it all, a stage with two giant screens.
Once appetites were satisfied, guests were seated and award program began. Emotions were high as the introduction video, portraying the recipients’ impressive efforts and successes, played on the giant screens. On hand to present the awards was Barry University President, Sister Linda Bevilacqua. “I am proud of the all the achievements made by the alumni whom have earned the right to be acknowledged tonight for the leadership they have demonstrated in their communities and in their professions,” said Sister Bevilacqua.
The Distinguished Alumni Awards is the highest honor given to alumni by Barry University through the Alumni Association. The award honors Barry Alumni who are locally, nationally and in some cases internationally recognized for their paramount contributions to their professions and communities, as well as demonstrating a commitment to Barry University and its mission.
Executive Chef David Hackett, Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa
Chef Morgan Nims, Chef in the Box LLC
Chef Pablo Guarella, Miami's Chophouse
Distinguished Alumna in Business, Heather Rohan, CEO of Aventura Hospital
Master of Ceremony, Barry Johnson
Sister Linda Bevilacqua, Helen Aguirre Ferre, Dr. Karen Callaghan
Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Bakotic
Luigi Salvaneschi, Sister Linda Bevilacqua, Didi Salvaneschi
Sisters in Pink, Chef Susan and Chef Soco Rojas
Guests lining up at chef station
Chef Andrew Platt, Catering Coordinators LLC
Guests enjoying the distinguished alumni awards