Parents give tools for success

Student success is the result of many small things coming together—whether it's technology, a coach's support and encouragement or learning moments outside of the classroom. Tools, like a piano to refine an aspiring musician's skills, embolden our students and are often made possible thanks to generous donors.

College is a time of growth for many young adults. It's their first time living away from home. It's the place where they begin to act and think independently; where they learn to overcome challenges and thrive in an ever-changing, diverse world.

As students find themselves, it's their parents who see the most dramatic transformation. They witness the challenges and the successes, as well as the opportunities.

These three parents saw an opportunity to impact students on their path to success through giving.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the Spring 2020 semester to an abrupt halt, students required a safe, remote way to earn their degree.

Zoom quickly became a free way for families and friends to hold gatherings and stay in touch, but it was a costly option for large organizations. Lynn University required an enterprise software with elevated services such as large group meetings, webinars and high-quality video sharing, as well as secure sign-on for private discussions. That's where the Fisher family stepped in.

The Fisher family, including Greg Fisher '21, who was a student at the time, gifted Lynn the funds to upgrade the campuswide online learning experience with Zoom.

The Fishers' generous gift put state-of-the-art technology in the hands of every student, faculty and staff member—and opened up opportunities to reach alumni and friends of the university around the world. The Lynn community continued classes whether a student or faculty member was in person or remote, held information sessions and virtual tours for incoming students, connected students and business professionals in mentorships and virtual internships, broadcasted music and theater performances, and so much more.

Although classes have returned to campus, Zoom continues to be a staple at Lynn.

Lynn University parents Mark and Sheila Cohen saw the impact that out-of-the-classroom experiences can make on a student. Their son, Chris '20, majored in sports management and was part of the debate team.

"We have a love for Chris's experience at Lynn," said Sheila. "He felt included and developed a family away from home."

When Chris walked across the stage in December 2021, his parents wanted to thank those who made a difference in his life at Lynn.

They donated $5,000 to the debate team, in honor of faculty members Eric and Kate Hamm, and $5,000 to sports management, in honor of Chad Barr and Ted Curtis, who lead the program.

"Although we didn’t make a large donation, we hope it gives some short-term help and provides opportunities for other students," said Sheila.

Taking part in activities outside of the classroom isn't always as easy for some students who may not have the funds to cover participation—donations, like the Cohen's, can make a big difference in their future.

When a men's lacrosse potential had his eyes set on a Division I college, it was a visit with Fighting Knights' Head Coach Brian Kingsbury that turned his plans around.

"Coach Kingsbury organized a campus visit that was classy and made us feel special. It was better than any other campus visit we experienced last year," said the student-athlete's parent, who prefers to remain anonymous. "That visit changed everything for us."

Since the student-athlete began last fall, he continues to succeed both on and off the field.

"Our family is a big believer in athletics and how they build character and teach life lessons," the father said. "I'm already noticing a change in my son from Coach Kingsbury's leadership philosophy. My wife and I are big believers in what you all are doing at Lynn."

To show his support for Lynn and demonstrate his belief that "if you look good, you play good," the father donated $12,000 for coveted new lacrosse helmets. The bold blue and white design instills a renewed pride in each player.