College administrators love accolades lavished on their universities. But old-school Top 10 lists—“Best Gothic Architecture” or “Tallest University Clock Tower”—are categorically un-Lynn.
“We don’t do clock towers,” said President Kevin M. Ross.
What do we do?
We do sleek, efficient, state-of-the-art buildings that tell the story of higher education today: environmentally friendly and student-friendly spaces designed to nurture mind, body, spirit and community. Lynn’s buildings multitask, serving many functions and a variety of users, so nothing is wasted, including the sunshine (massive glass walls and windows are a hallmark of the new Lynn aesthetic).
Nowhere is the school’s what’s-next thinking more evident than in the building projects of the Lynn 2020 master plan. Lynn understands that today’s digital-native students are accustomed to a phone upgrade every year and having dinner delivered via an app, so campus planning must be just as flexible and innovative.
“You can do amazing things with a strategic plan that’s lofty, that stretches you,” said Greg Malfitano ’73, ’75, senior vice president for development and administration. “But you also have to have the drive and the love for the school to get things done.”
Key word: done. Lynn 2020 called for a new residence hall, business school, performing arts center and student center, four building projects in all. Remarkably, by fall 2017, Lynn had completed 12 major campus enhancements. The school’s largest project to date, the Christine E. Lynn University Center, is also well under way.
“That’s the big one, the dream,” Malfitano said. “But every project is special to us.”
In addition to new construction, the unprecedented over $100 million raised for Lynn 2020 also ensures upgrades of current facilities. The Assaf academic building and the Lynn library are receiving state-of-the-art upgrades to systems and equipment. The Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn College of Communication and Design and the Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics stay ahead of trends in equipment and technology, another priority specified in the plan. Some upgrades, like energy-efficient windows and new science labs, are funded by Lynn’s deferred maintenance plan, but still help the college achieve its Lynn 2020 goals.
“Our physical plant is 55 years old,” Malfitano said. “Maintenance is important.”
New construction, though, points to our future.
The model is the Mohammed Indimi International Business Center. It is designed for collaboration and multiple modes of learning. Its modern classrooms and offices are connected by bright glass corridors, reinforcing community even in passing. Next-era technology in suites, labs and study rooms creates its own digital world, linked to the larger digital universe.
“And it’s a beautiful building,” Malfitano said. “That’s Lynn, too, making it beautiful and functional.”
The Indimi Business Center also reflects the college’s commitment to sustainability. It features 100 percent reflective roofing, 21 percent of building materials made from recycled content, and maximized exposure to natural light.
The result is an honor that is categorically Lynn: LEED Platinum certification, awarded by the United States Green Building Council. The two projects that followed the example of the Indimi Business Center—the Mary and Harold Perper Residence Hall and the forthcoming Christine E. Lynn University Center—are also on track for LEED certification.
You can do amazing things with a strategic plan that’s lofty and stretches you. But you also have to have the drive and the love for the school to get things done.Greg Malfitano ’73, ’75, senior major gift officer
Building boom
2010
Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center
In 2010, the Wold Performing Arts Center kicked off Lynn’s building boom. Audiences love the setting for Live at Lynn and the Philharmonia, but it’s a must for history buffs, too. A commemorative coin is adhered to the Wold’s stage floor, the actual coin tossed to determine who would speak first at the 2012 presidential debate. Mitt Romney won the toss. President Barack Obama, of course, won the election.
2012
Sheetz main entrance and guard house
Remembrance Plaza
When an earthquake struck Haiti in 2010, four Lynn students and two faculty members were killed while performing community service there. To honor its beloved community members, the campus mobilized to build a memorial that would forever tell their stories.
In 2012, Lynn dedicated the Remembrance Plaza in honor of Stephanie Crispinelli, Britney Gengel, Christine Gianacaci, Courtney Hayes, Dr. Richard Bruno and Dr. Patrick Hartwick.
Benjamin Olewine III Preserve
2014
Bobby Campbell Stadium
Mohammed Indimi International Business Center
See how this impressive new addition to Lynn's campus came together.
2015
Snyder Sanctuary
In 2015, Lynn created something completely new school in contrast to the old school landmark of a campus clock tower. The all-faiths Snyder Sanctuary stands as an emblem of the university’s modern vision, an elegant, sculptural design inspired by nature’s spiral forms.
Mary Ann and Harold Perper Intramural Field
2016
Sylvester Center at the Institute for Achievement and Learning
Yvonne S. Boice Circle of Flags
In 2016, businesswoman Yvonne S. Boice funded an endowment to maintain the 100+ flags offering a warm welcome to campus visitors. The flags had been installed on the university’s 40th anniversary in 2002 at her suggestion and were officially dedicated 14 years later. The flags represent the home countries of Lynn’s student body.
Expanded parking
2017
Mary and Harold Perper Residence Hall
In 2017, Lynn’s upperclassmen moved into their new digs at the Mary and Harold Perper Residence Hall. The apartment-style suites feature contemporary furnishings and top-of-the-line common spaces (stainless steel gas grills and big-screen TVs), plus a location on campus that can’t be beat.
2018
