I. Introduction: Honoring Our Roots, Serving Our Community
Lynn University’s Founders Day is more than just a celebration of our history – it’s a powerful demonstration of our commitment to service and community. Every year, our Fighting Knights come together to honor our founding principles while actively contributing to the communities that surround us. This year’s event was truly exceptional, showcasing the best of what it means to be part of the Lynn University family.
Founded in 1962, Lynn University has always emphasized the importance of civic engagement and social responsibility. Founders Day serves as a reminder of these core values and provides our students, faculty, and staff with an opportunity to live them out in a meaningful way. This year’s dual focus on community service and campus pride perfectly encapsulated the spirit of our university.
II. Morning of Service: Fighting Knights Give Back
The day began at 7 AM as over 400 Fighting Knights gathered for the morning of service. Volunteers were organized into teams and dispatched to 15 different community service sites across South Florida. The diversity of volunteer opportunities reflected the diverse interests and skills of our student body.
Teams worked at local food banks, helping to sort and package meals for families in need. Others participated in environmental conservation efforts, including beach clean-ups along the Boca Raton coastline and invasive species removal in local nature preserves. Additional groups volunteered at animal shelters, senior centers, and youth mentoring programs.
“This is my third Founders Day service project, and it just gets better each year,” said Sarah Johnson, a junior psychology major. “It’s amazing to see so many of my fellow students coming together to make a difference in our community. It really reinforces my pride in being a Fighting Knight.”
III. Campus Carnival: An Afternoon of Fun
After a morning of hard work, the campus transformed into a festive gathering space for the Founders Day carnival. The event featured over 30 food trucks representing diverse cuisines, from authentic Mexican tacos to gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Live music performances took place throughout the day, with the university’s student bands and ales providing entertainment.
Student clubs and organizations set up engaging booths offering activities, information, and freebies. The carnival atmosphere fostered connections between students from different majors and class years, strengthening the fabric of our campus community. Special activities included a mechanical bull ride, a rock climbing wall, and a photo booth with Founders Day-themed props.
The carnival also included a special ceremony recognizing the community partners and student volunteers who made the morning service projects possible. Several local organization leaders spoke about the impact of the students’ contributions and expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with Lynn University.
IV. Keynote Address: A Vision for the Future
The day concluded with a powerful keynote address from President Kevin M. Ross, who spoke about the university’s vision for the future and the critical role students play in achieving that vision. President Ross emphasized how the values demonstrated during Founders Day – service, community engagement, and social responsibility – align with the university’s mission to prepare students to be global citizens and leaders.
“Today is a perfect example of the Lynn University spirit,” President Ross shared. “Our students are not just learning in the classroom – they’re learning to be citizens of the world. They’re understanding that their education comes with a responsibility to give back to the communities that have shaped them.”
The President also announced several new initiatives that will expand community engagement opportunities for students, including partnerships with local schools for tutoring programs and new international service-learning trips. These initiatives align with the university’s strategic plan to enhance experiential learning opportunities.
V. Conclusion: A Tradition of Pride and Purpose
This year’s Founders Day was a resounding success, bringing together the entire Lynn University community in celebration of service and school pride. The event showcased the very best of our institution – students who are committed to making a positive impact, faculty and staff who support them, and the strong relationships we’ve built with our surrounding communities.
As we look forward to next year’s Founders Day, we’re already planning ways to expand the event and involve even more community partners. The success of this year’s celebration demonstrates the power of collective action and the importance of connecting campus life with community needs.
Founders Day continues to be one of the most cherished traditions at Lynn University, and this year’s event proved that tradition can evolve while still honoring its founding principles. We’re proud of our Fighting Knights and the example they set for service and community engagement.
