Press Releases

Assumption Receives $500,000 Grant from the Lynch Foundation

Worcester, MA (October 4, 2006) - Assumption College has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Lynch Foundation for the establishment of a Lynch Scholars program.

The grant will provide an annual $5,000 financial aid enhancement award to a student who attended one of the Archdiocese of Boston inner-city Catholic high schools. The Board of Directors of the Lynch Foundation recently voted to approve the grant, after a very impressionable visit to the Assumption campus. “We were very impressed with everyone we met on our visit to Assumption--their enthusiasm and devotion is exceptional,” remarked Katie Everett, the executive director of the foundation. Carolyn and Peter Lynch are very familiar with Assumption College as they received honorary degrees at the 2003 Commencement and gave a memorable joint Commencement address (pictured at left with Assumption College President Thomas R. Plough Ph.D. at the 2003 Commencement).

The Lynch Scholars program at Assumption will also support a special endowment fund to provide mentoring programs and leadership training for those students selected. This program will involve faculty advisors and the Academic Support Center, and will provide leadership development opportunities through Student Activities and Campus Ministry.

The Lynch Foundation, established in 1988, funds innovative programs in the domains of education, healthcare and medical research, religious and educational efforts of the Roman Catholic Church, culture, and historic preservation. The Foundation has awarded more than 400 grants to 200 organizations over the last 18 years. Only 11 of the grants have been in excess of $500,000.

“This award to Assumption College speaks volumes about our proposal and the commitment we are willing to make to the program,” said Assumption President Thomas R. Plough, Ph.D. “This grant will improve our visibility in the Catholic high schools of the Boston Archdiocese and it could open doors for other grant opportunities in support of this type of program for disadvantaged students.”

The Lynch Foundation award also provides a significant contribution to the endowment component of the Centennial Campaign. The Campaign, which officially ends on December 31, 2006, now stands at $29.3 million, 98 percent of the $30 million goal.

Original article
http://www.assumption.edu/news/newshp/
current_news/lynch.html