b'PHOTO: ROBIN JERSTADschool, says Charles, but my father encouraged a Still rings true Charles Barrett, Jr. and hisCPA career. wife, Melissa, who generouslyThe Barretts returned to St. Marys recently. We saw donated funds to build the Taking his fathers advice, Charles became a CPA students at the bell tower taking photos of one another Barrett Memorial Bell Tower atand partner in a San Antonio accounting firm. He later in their caps and gowns, Melissa says. Itmakes us St. Marys University in 2013established his own firm, bought a car dealership and so proud and happy that we could bring that tower toled other business ventures. As a retired Coast Guard the campus and be a part of its history.commander, I credit my 22 years of Coast Guard At the towers dedication 13 years ago, it was recog-Reserve service for building the skills Ive used in nized as the universitys geographical and spiritualmaking a successful business career, he says. center. Charles described it then as a memorial forToday, Charles serves as president and CEO of loved ones and a symbol of the excellence of St. MarysBarrett Holdings, Inc. The company includes high-end University.automotive dealerships, real estate and equity invest- That description reflects not only the special Thements. He has earned top honors in the business Bells of St. Marys moment with his motherbut acommunity and recognition as an Outstanding Texan legacy of generosity that still rings true today.by the Texas Legislature. I believe in doing a little extra beyond what is Kevin Conway is a freelance writer from Bloomington, Indiana.expected, said Charles in a newspaper interview yearsago, a reflection of what he and Melissa have embracedas their civic philosophy throughout the years.Interested in supporting Marianist ministries? Visit marianist.com/mission or call 800.348.4732.marianist.com/donate 17'