Vera House will award the Sr. Mary Vera Recognition Award at the Annual Recognition and Celebration Luncheon at the DoubleTree Hotel on June 13, 2017 to Berry L. Wells of Syracuse. The Sr. Mary Vera Award is given to a member of the community who has made a significant contribution to the fields of domestic and sexual violence prevention and who has performed this work in a manner consistent with the humility, gentleness, and humanitarian spirit reflected by Sr. Mary Vera Blank, one of the agency’s founders and namesake.
Barry Wells is Special Assistant to Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud and has shown a deep dedication and appreciation for the work of Vera House for over a decade. Barry joined the Vera House Board of Trustees in 2003 and soon created a close partnership with the Syracuse University community, committed to bringing education, awareness and information to students around the topics of relationship and sexual violence. Under Chancellor Syverud, Barry has been a leader in advocating for best practices and prevention of relationship and sexual violence. Barry’s gentle persuasion and passion about these issues are creating true and meaningful change and bringing many others on campus into conversation and action. Vera House Executive Director Randi Bregman states, “I believe that Barry truly embodies the spirit of Sister Mary Vera, through his passionate support of our mission, his tenacious pursuit of justice and his refusal to let obstacles sway him from his vision.”
Barry also served as Vera House Foundation White Ribbon Campaign Honorary Chair in 2005 and the Vera House Foundation “Home for the Holidays” Gala Honorary Chair with his wife, Claudette McGowan-Wells, in 2006.
In addition to the Sr. Mary Vera Recognition Award, Vera House will present Special Appreciation Awards to: Elaine Brown, ACMG Federal Credit Union & Elder Justice Committee Member; Doug Logan, Award-Winning Broadcaster & Community Volunteer; Gina Pauline, Associate Professor, Department of Sports Management, Falk College at Syracuse University; Sarah Riley, Donlin Drive Elementary School Counselor and Junior Taber, a young activist.
Vera House is also honored to present the Annette Briggs Memorial Award, which will be presented in memory of former Vera House Board Member Annette Briggs. Annette’s passionate dedication to ensuring that education and awareness about domestic and sexual violence reached the broader community was an inspiration to all who knew her. In loving memory of her legacy, Vera House is proud to recognize Desiree Williams, Vera House Alternatives Coordinator, who brings a similar passion to ending violence in our community.
To join us in honoring these most deserving awardees, please call the Vera House Special Events office at (315) 425-0818 x248 or make a reservation securely on-line HERE. June Recognition Luncheon tickets are $25 per person and tables of ten are also available for $250.
The Recognition and Celebration Luncheon is made possible through the generosity of Visions Federal Credit Union and Northland Communications.
