Nobel Prize Recipient Barry Barish awarded 2019 ΣΑΜ Man of the Year

Indianapolis, IN  – Physicist Barry C. Barish (UC Berkeley, ‘55), recipient of the 2017 Nobel Prize in physics for the discovery of gravitational waves, was presented with Sigma Alpha Mu’s 2019 Achievement Award at the Convention Banquet. Barish’s wife, Samoan, and his Sigma Sigma chapter house roommate, Bruce “Lubo” Lubarsky (UC Berkeley, ‘56), joined him at the Banquet. 

 

“I fell in love with the ambition to learn something new and that has been my drive in life,” shared Fra Barish. “However, none of my success is possible without the human element. This is why I stand by my wife, and with Lubo, my college friend.” 

 

Before the banquet began, Executive Director Andy Huston showed Barry his original pledge biography and photograph that was submitted to headquarters in 1955. Andy noted, “It was great to see his eyes light up with this piece of nostalgia. Barish also showed a keen interest in the current state of fraternity life across the country as well as his alma mater. His life and work have exemplified the principles espoused in Sigma Alpha Mu’s Creed and, for that, he was selected as our 2019 Man of the Year.”

 

As a first-generation college student, Barry concluded his remarks stating, “One does not have to come from a privileged background, but if you have someone who guides you with the right principles, then your life will be a success.” 

 

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity was founded in 1909 at the College of the City of New York. Sigma Alpha Mu’s Mission is to foster the development of collegiate men and our alumni by instilling strong fraternal values, offering social and service opportunities, encouraging academic excellence and teaching leadership skills. We will continue to attract members of all beliefs who appreciate our great heritage as a fraternity of Jewish men. Sigma Alpha Mu currently has 50 chapters and colonies and more than 57,000 living alumni.

 

Please consider donating to the foundation in honor of Fra Barish by going to sam.org/donate. You can view photos of Fra Barish and all other 2019 award winners at sam.org/awards.