Springfield College Board of Trustees Names New Campus Union
December 11, 2009SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Dec. 11, 2009 – The Springfield College Board of Trustees has announced that the college’s new campus union, scheduled to open in January 2010, will be named for Dr. Richard B. Flynn, the twelfth president of Springfield College.
Flynn, who became president of the college in March 1999, has an extensive record of accomplishments as an educator and as a college and community leader. His presidency has been characterized by progress toward his vision for Springfield College as the preeminent institution in educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to humanity.
In making the announcement, Board of Trustees Chair Sally Griggs said, “First and foremost, it is fitting that a student-centered building is named for Dick Flynn. Since day one, his priority has been to ensure that each Springfield College student receives the best educational experience, and to do so in a learning and living environment that offers new and enhanced state-of-the-art facilities, outstanding instruction and programming, and a vibrant campus life. The Richard B. Flynn Campus Union speaks to Dick’s commitment to meeting the needs of our students today, and in the years to come.”
“I have never worked with a more student-centered president than Dr. Flynn,” said David Braverman, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. Braverman nominated Flynn in 2007 for the President’s Award of the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region I, which Flynn received. In his nomination, Braverman cited the president’s participation in all types of student events including performances, discussion groups, spiritual programs, athletics, and numerous student activities. “He also hosts, in his home, a number of student functions, including residence life staff dinners, freshman class ice cream socials, student leader dinners, and the senior class social,” Braverman added. “He cares deeply about our students and works hard on their behalf. He has made a significant, positive impact on the quality of student life on our campus and leads the entire institution in realization of our mission of educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.”
Father Leo James Hoar, the college’s associate Catholic chaplain who has served the institution since 1984, met Flynn on the day he arrived, March 1, 1999. “It was a proud day for Springfield College,” he recalled. “From that first meeting, I felt he was a perfect fit for our community. Since then, for over 10 years, President Flynn has inspired leadership in our faculty and staff, and, most especially, in our students. I have great admiration and respect for his leadership and for his creation of a new and renewed college community. Having his name on a building that is designed to facilitate collaboration and unity is a tribute to his dedicated work on behalf of the entire Springfield College family.”
The Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, the final new construction project of the college’s recently completed comprehensive campaign, will serve as the hub of the college. The 58,500-square-foot building includes space for student programs, organizations, and activities; international programs; and the Career Center. Featured are a food court for casual dining and snack service, a bookstore, a post office, a lounge and activity space, and a large multi-purpose room overlooking Lake Massasoit.
Flynn’s tenure as president of Springfield College has included numerous facility renovations and new construction, strengthened relationships with neighbors and community organizations, a renewed partnership with the YMCA that formally names the college as a premier educator of YMCA professionals, and international outreach and engagement on behalf of the college. He has overseen the largest enrollment in the college’s history, and completed the most successful campaign in the college’s 125-year history, exceeding its goal by more than 11 percent for a record $44.5 million.
The formal dedication of the Richard B. Flynn Campus Union is scheduled for February 4, 2010. More details will follow.
