Dr. Marilyn Barry has a multifaceted relationship with BSU: Student, professor, dean, trustee and lifelong supporter of the university.
Her name remains a fixture on campus through the building that recognizes her and her husband.
Named For
Dr. Marilyn, ’58, and Dennis Barry
The Backstory
The Barry House honors Marilyn and her husband, Dennis, for making a gift to the BSU Foundation that supported the acquisition of the home. The two-story, 10-room Colonial-style structure was built between 1901 and 1903 by J. Franklin McElwain, who co-founded a shoe company in Bridgewater.
The house was dedicated to the Barrys at the start of the 2006-2007 academic year, when then-President Dana Mohler-Faria moved in. BSU had been without a presidential residence since the 1980s when the Gates House was repurposed as offices.
In addition to being an alumna, Marilyn worked at her alma mater from 1972-1998 as professor of special education and dean of the graduate school. She also served as a trustee of the BSU Foundation and the university.
“Little did I know when I walked the halls of Boyden Hall more than 50 years ago that my love affair with the college would span a lifetime and provide me with some of the most wonderful days of my life,” she said at the home’s dedication.
Marilyn received three distinguished service awards during her tenure and even taught in Brazil and Mexico. She was also the founder and past president of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children and the former vice president of the Massachusetts Association of Children with Learning Disabilities.
The BSU Alumni Association named an award after Marilyn. It recognizes a graduate of the College of Graduate Studies who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement at the state, regional or national level.
Use Today
The Barry House is located on the west side of campus near Maxwell Library. Current President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83, lives off campus, and the home now hosts events and dinners.
Material in this article comes from the Fall 2006 Bridgewater magazine story, "On-campus Presidential Residence Established at Barry House" by John Winters, G'11.