It is with profound respect and admiration that we posthumously award Helen Gallo Bryan, Class of 1981, the Saint Anselm College Alumni Association Joseph P. Collins Alumni Award of Merit. Helen's life, legacy, and dedication to her alma mater embody the core values and excellence this award seeks to recognize.

Helen, a member of the Gallo family, a name synonymous with a deep commitment to Saint Anselm College. For over 40 years, she devoted herself to fostering lasting connections among her classmates and supporting the Saint Anselm community. Her unwavering dedication was evident in her consistent outreach and her role as a leader in promoting alumni engagement. As a key ambassador for the college, she inspired her classmates to participate in reunions and regional events, strengthening the bonds of the Anselmian network. In a word Helen was all about relationships.

One of the most profound examples of Helen’s philanthropic spirit emerged following the passing of her father, Walter Gallo. In honor of his memory, Helen and her siblings spearheaded an impressive fundraising challenge, which successfully raised over $100,000 for the Gallo Family Endowed Scholarship. Through this initiative, they ensured that future generations of Saint Anselm students would benefit from the same values and opportunities that had shaped their family’s legacy.

In her professional life, Helen’s impact was just as remarkable. With a career spanning more than four decades in the wine industry, she has to be related somehow to Ernest and Julio, she distinguished herself through her passion and dedication, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues and peers. Her grace and kindness were defining characteristics of who she was. Rooted deeply in her faith and commitment to serving others, Helen brought to life the Benedictine charism of hospitality. Helen’s devotion extended beyond her professional achievements and college affiliations. She showed immense love and care for her family—her husband Dave, their sons Daniel and Oliver, and her parents Walter and Julie —even as she faced her own courageous battle with cancer. Her resilience, generosity of spirit, and unwavering love were an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Helen Gallo Bryan was a true Anselmian in every sense of the word. Her legacy of professional excellence, faith, kindness, and commitment to others reflects the ideals of the Joseph P. Collins Alumni Award of Merit. We believe she is more than deserving of this honor, and her memory continues to inspire us all. 

As her son Daniel wrote, “Even as we mourn her, I know that nothing would make her happier than to see the great many of you whom she knew and loved share a home cooked meal around a candle lit table, write a postcard to an old relation, or enjoy a good bottle of wine.