Lynch School of Education Dedicated in Grand Fashion

(11-3-2000) "God has blessed us with so many things, and this is one of our best blessings," said University Trustee Peter S. Lynch, '65, as he and his wife formally dedicated the Carolyn A. and Peter S. Lynch School of Education yesterday.

The dedication ceremony at Campion Hall and a symposium held earlier in Robsham Theater ‹ with a keynote speech by US Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) ‹ commemorated the Lynches' $10 million gift to Boston College last year.

"This is a grand occasion to say how grateful we are for [the Lynches'] magnificent generosity" in support of the School of Education, said University President William P. Leahy, SJ. "We are a community involved in this work of education. We are all striving to do our part to make our society an even better place."

Fr. Leahy termed the Lynches' $10 million gift to the school one that will have "a lasting and profound impact on us and on American education."

Introducing the symposium, "Educational Excellence and Equity through Partnerships," Kennedy said Boston College has made "a commitment to education in America and in the world.

"Today is important not only for BC, but also for our nation," he said. "Peter and Carolyn Lynch have the understanding that the greatest equalizer for all Americans is getting a quality education."

Lynch, one of the world's most successful and well-known financial investment managers, said that the school stands "not just as a structure, but as a community of wonderful faculty and students." He said the goal of the school will remain "providing our most important asset, our children, with a positive start in life."

Added Carolyn Lynch, "There is nothing more important or more noble than to be a teacher." The daughter of a career educator, she serves as president of the Lynch Foundation, which funds innovative educational programs, and on the board of the Boston College Campus School.

Fr. Leahy presented the Lynches with a replica of a plaque that has been placed near the school's central administration office, citing the couple as "devoted friends of Catholic schools and compassionate advocates of learning."

LSOE Dean Mary Brabeck said that the Lynches "are two people who give generously not only of their financial resources, but of themselves," to the education of the nation's children.

The symposium, which drew a capacity audience of public and private school teachers and administrators, LSOE alumni and University faculty, featured presentations by prominent American educators.

Boston Superintendent of Schools Thomas W. Payzant moderated the panel, which included Ernesto J. Cortes Jr., southwest regional director of Industrial Areas Foundation, a community action organization; Henry Levin, the William Heard Kilpatrick Professor of Economics and Education at Columbia University; and Nellie Mae Foundation President and CEO Blenda Wilson, Ph.D.'79.