Honorary Degree recipients
Yvonne S. Boice
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
Yvonne S. Boice is a businesswoman, philanthropist and champion of arts, culture, education and women’s rights. She serves locally, nationally and internationally as a guiding force and inspiring advocate for charitable organizations and women in business.
Most recently, Boice became chair of the trust which supports the work of the National Endowment for the Humanities. On the international stage, she has represented the U.S. at four high-profile women’s international business conferences.
Closer to home, Boice has chaired Palm Beach State College’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) luncheons, the Palm Beach International Film Festival and the Governance Committee of Discover the Palm Beaches. She has also served on the Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council.
At Lynn University, Boice created an endowment to provide for the ongoing maintenance of the iconic Yvonne S. Boice Circle of Flags at the main campus entrance. She also funded the Boice Scholarship to support students studying abroad; the Yvonne S. Boice Box Office at the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center; and the Yvonne S. Boice Terrace at the Christine E. Lynn University Center.
Boice has raised millions of dollars for worthy causes and generously supported groups such as the Boca Raton Historical Society, Chris Evert Charities, Palm Beach State College Foundation, Inc. and YMCA of South Palm Beach County.
In acknowledgement of her charitable work and tireless devotion, Boice has received high honors from groups as varied as the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Palm Beach County Chapter; Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce; Rotary Club; Soroptimist International; and Northwood and Lynn Universities.
Yvonne Boice is married to attorney Alfred “Al” Zucaro and is a devoted mother to Lauren, a practicing attorney living in the Boston area with her husband, world-renowned astrophysicist, Dr. Randall Smith.
In recognition of her leadership and contributions to education and this university, Lynn University confers upon Yvonne S. Boice the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. Boice previously received honorary doctorates from Daemen College in New York and Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire.
Jamie S. and Stephen F. Snyder
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
Jamie and Steve Snyder have been together since college—she studied government at Connecticut College, and he was a Heptagonal Champion and a track record-holder at Yale University. After graduation they married and moved to California, where Steve served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He received an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley and was the president of the Beta Gamma Sigma international business honor society. He later served on the executive advisory board of the university’s Haas School of Business. Jamie worked as an assistant to the chancellor.
In 1971 the Snyders relocated to Florida, where Steve founded a multi-industry holding company. In 2007 he sold it and established private investment firm Chester Partners and The Chester Foundation to support education. He was active in the Young Presidents Organization, serving as chairman of the Florida Chapter, member of the international board of directors and chairman of its Leadership Committee. He was chairman of the advisory board at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business, and Broward Community College presented him the Seahawk Award for his commitment to higher education. He has been a member of the board of trustees at Lynn University for 29 years.
Jamie served as chairperson of the Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency and vice chair of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. She was a founding member and president of the Boca Raton Historical Society. The Junior League of Boca Raton named her 1990 Woman Volunteer of the Year. Jamie also received the Bob Graham Architectural Award, and she and Steve received Lynn’s Boca Raton Award in 1996 for their contributions to the community.
The Snyders funded Lynn’s Snyder Scholar endowed student leadership scholarship; the Snyder Idea Lab, a collaboration and incubation space; the Snyder Sanctuary, a place for contemplation and meditation; and the Snyder Center for Health and Wellness, currently underway.
In recognition of their leadership and contributions to education and to this university, Lynn University confers upon each Jamie and Stephen Snyder the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
Distinguished Alumni Award recipients
David Berger ’98
2020 Distinguished Alumni Award
David Berger, B.S. in hospitality administration, class of 1998, earned the Lynn University 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his successful career, charitable endeavors and mentorship of the next generation of business leaders.
With more than two decades of hospitality industry experience, Berger is currently the chief operating officer of Hospitality America. The company oversees branded and independent properties in the United States—managing more than $500 million in assets. The team differentiates itself by elevating each property for its owners, guests and employees alike.
“It’s a numbers business,” said Berger. “I am responsible for driving profitability. But at the same time, I am responsible for creating a great work environment, a great culture and great assets.”
During his time at Lynn, Berger’s communication and team-building skills made him a perfect fit for the hospitality program. The small classes and practical training prepared him for a series of management positions. By 2002, he was working for Hospitality America as general manager of the company’s largest hotel. Later, he held positions at Turnberry Associates and Thayer Lodging. He rejoined Hospitality America in 2013 as vice president of operations.
While Berger acknowledges the undeniable value of technology, he credits much of his success to genuine, meaningful relationships. “Relationships are the most important thing in life,” he said. “And they're the most important thing in business. I work hard at them.”
Berger proves his point beyond the office, too—boosting the quality of life in his adopted hometown of Greenville, South Carolina. He plays leadership roles in the local Artisphere arts festival, VisitGreenvilleSC and the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee.
Looking back, Berger credits Lynn for his start, so he pays it forward to current students by sharing his experience and preparing them for their own careers.
Berger is honored by this recognition, as well as by the support of his wife, Kristine, and mentor Chris Cargen, president and CEO of Hospitality America.
Kuda Biza '09, '10
2021 Distinguished Alumni Award
Learn more about this year's Distinguished Alumni in the Commencement address section of this program.
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