Karen and Kevin Lynch Commit $5 Million to Advance Leadership and Student Success

Gift establishes the Karen S. Lynch Center for Leadership and Social Impact at Lynn University

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lynn University today announced a transformative $5 million gift from Karen and Kevin Lynch to establish the Karen S. Lynch Center for Leadership and Social Impact and create endowed support for new leadership programs and student scholarships.

Ranked by Fortune magazine as the No. 1 Most Powerful Woman in Business for three consecutive years, Karen Lynch is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders. Drawing on her exceptional leadership journey—including her role as CEO of CVS Health—Lynch recently authored Taking Up Space: Get Heard, Deliver Results, and Make a Difference. She has pledged proceeds from the book to support mental well-being and leadership development.

Lynn will name its social impact lab the Karen S. Lynch Center for Leadership and Social Impact. The center serves as a vibrant hub for leadership development, innovation and community engagement. The collaborative coworking and experiential learning space brings together students, nonprofit startups, alumni, faculty, and community partners to tackle today’s most pressing challenges.

“Karen and Kevin’s generosity will create life-changing opportunities for our students today and for generations to come,” said Kevin M. Ross, president.

The Karen S. Lynch Endowed Scholarship will provide $100,000 or more annually in student scholarships—reducing financial barriers and enabling more students to achieve their educational goals. In addition, a leadership program endowment in her name will support transformative learning initiatives.

“Education is all about opportunity, and I’ve benefited greatly from mine,” Lynch said. “Lynn has clear strategies around innovation. They’re focused on ensuring students are incredibly successful, and they’re not afraid to try new things. That forward-looking spirit resonates with me and my husband.”

The Lynches are also passionate advocates for mental health. Kevin Lynch, a 2012 graduate and founder of the Quell Foundation, has screened the foundation’s documentaries at Lynn, supported scholarships and contributed to the curriculum for the university’s M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

Lynn University

Lynn University is an independent college based in Boca Raton, Florida, with approximately 3,500 students from more than 100 countries. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Lynn for its innovation, international students and value. Lynn's NCAA Division II Fighting Knights have won 27 national titles, its Conservatory of Music features a world-renowned faculty of performers, and its nationally recognized Institute for Achievement and Learning empowers students with learning differences. The school's Dialogues curriculum and award-winning use of mobile technology help Lynn graduates gain the intellectual flexibility and global experience to fulfill their potential in an ever-changing world. For more information, visit lynn.edu.