Skip directly to page content Disable autoplay of videos Enable autoplay of videos Search Menu Home About Lynn Lynn history Lynn history Play video Explore about The history of Lynn University Lynn has grown from a two-year women’s finishing school amid the bean fields of early Boca Raton to an internationally renowned university ranked as one of the most innovative schools in the nation. Deep dive into the remarkable past of Lynn University with our first-ever history book featuring video and audio interviews. Download e-book 1962–1969 A school is born … on an isolated track off North Military Trail in Boca Raton, accessible by only a dirt road. 1962 Breaking ground The religious order of the Sacred Heart of Mary breaks ground on Marymount College, a two-year women’s liberal arts college. We had nuns on each floor and had to sign in and out every time we went off campus … Kathleen Campbell Mullen, 1968 student 1963 Trinity Residence Hall Enrollment is 90 on a campus consisting of Trinity Residence Hall, the Student Center and Carroll Hall academic building (now Assaf). 1965 Enrollment at 500 Enrollment is 500; first commencement convocation is held. 1970–1979 And so it begins … with a new leader, a new name and the infrastructure set in place for a bright future. 1971 New leader arrives Donald E. Ross visits Marymount to purchase its library books and discovers students holding cups imprinted with “Save Our College!” He does and soon becomes president. Just to hear Dr. Ross’ enthusiasm for this place was so encouraging. You felt there was hope. Kathleen Clunan, former archivist and one of the original nuns 1974 College of Boca Raton Marymount’s name is changed to the College of Boca Raton and receives generous funding from insurance magnate Eugene M. Lynn. 1978 Pine Tree Camps founded Pine Tree Camps is founded by Helen L. Ross, the president’s wife, to service 25 children of faculty and staff. (Today the camp enrolls more than 1,500 children over the nine-week summer). 1980–1989 A matter of degrees … The school moves ahead in academics and athletics. 1983 Bush first distinguished speaker Vice President George H.W. Bush is the first in a long line of distinguished speakers. 1986 Four-year degrees offered Four-year degrees in health and human services, history, politics, computer science and engineering, business, aviation and hotel management are offered. 1987 Men's soccer wins first national championship Men’s soccer team wins the first of the college’s many national championships. Lynn won the men’s soccer national championship five times with wins in 2014, 2012, 2003, 1991 and 1987. 1990–1999 Growth spurt … The school matures from a college with one school and three academic divisions to a bona fide university. 1991 The College of Boca Raton renamed The College of Boca Raton is renamed Lynn University which now consists of six colleges, one school, two centers and a conservatory. See what Lynn’s campus looks like today. Take a virtual tour 1998 The Conservatory of Music is established Lynn acquires the Harid Conservatory to become the Conservatory of Music which provides a high-quality professional performance education to talented students. 2000–2010 Taking over the reins … Lynn heralds the 21st century with big changes in leadership and curriculum. 2006 Fifth president named Kevin M. Ross takes over as Lynn’s fifth president succeeding his father Donald Ross who retires after 35 years. Shortly after taking office. Kevin Ross shared his thoughts with Lynn Magazine. Learn more Founders Day The first Founders Day, with canoe races and a family-friendly festival and picnic, is held on campus to celebrate Lynn’s beginnings. 2007 Perper Plaza dedicated 2008 The Dialogues The Dialogues, Lynn’s new core curriculum, is launched. Lynn’s new core curriculum is lauded in Insider Higher Ed. 2010 Perper Tennis Complex dedicated Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center Opening act. 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. 2011–2015 Coming of age … Lynn’s 50th anniversary ushers in some of the school’s most momentous years filled with important conversations and new innovations in teaching and learning. 2011 Knights Unite Day The first annual “Knights Unite” day of caring honors four students and two faculty members who perished in the 2010 Haiti earthquake while on the Journey of Hope service trip. The following year, Lynn dedicates Remembrance Plaza. 2012 Remembrance Plaza A place of reflection and inspiration. 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. You can’t plan for tragedy, but we knew as a community that we had to do something that would honor their legacy long beyond our own lives. Greg Malfitano 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. Presidential Debate Lynn hosts the final presidential debate between U.S. President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Lynn University had a front row seat to history as it hosted the final presidential debate. Watch video 2013 Apple Distinguished School Lynn is named an Apple Distinguished School for its iPad “mini revolution.” iPad-powered learning is such a success that Lynn expands and enhances its use of the technology through subsequent years. Lynn goes Pro. Lynn’s undergraduate day students are the first in the nation to receive the iPad Pro in spring 2016. Watch video 2014 Central Energy Plant and Bobby Campbell Stadium The Central Energy Plant and Bobby Campbell Stadium are dedicated. Mohammed Indimi International Business Center The Mohamed Indimi International Business Center is dedicated—its openness and technology make collaboration simple and seamless. See how this impressive new addition to Lynn's campus came together. Watch video 2015 Snyder Sanctuary and Perper Intramural Field Snyder Sanctuary and Perper Intramural Field are dedicated. 2016–present Growing for the future … Lynn’s campus begins to take on a new look. 2016 Perper Residence Hall Ground is broken on Perper Residence Hall. 2017 From five colleges to six The School of Aeronautics becomes the Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics in March. A new heart of campus Ground is broken in April and Christine E. Lynn University Center construction begins. The always-open invitation at Lynn is what makes the university home to me. I’m an alumna of a very unique and special family—and I can’t wait to see what the new university center has in store. Caryn A. Morris '17, Jamaica, B.S. in early childhood education South Florida Showdown makes history Lynn takes on nine Division I teams in its newest challenge: the South Florida Showdown (#SoFloShow). The series ran from August 2017–March 2018, and the Fighting Knights ended the showdown 4-4-1. New dorm transforms south side of campus The Mary and Harold Perper Residence Hall is completed, and upperclassmen and graduate students move into the “suite” new space in August. We get it done! One of Lynn’s biggest accomplishments: the Lynn 2020 15-year strategic plan—is completed two years ahead of schedule. The Lynn campus celebrates in October. College of Communication and Design is born Lynn acquires Digital Media Arts College (DMAC) and integrates it into College of International Communication, renaming it the College of Communication and Design. 2018 Fair Trade University distinction Lynn becomes the 48th Fair Trade University. Designed for the future President Kevin M. Ross unveils a new, seven-year strategic plan, Lynn 2025: Design for the Future. Take the next step Get started on your future today. Apply Complete your application and secure your spot. Visit Pictures tell only part of the story. Come see for yourself. Request info Find out more about what Lynn can offer you. Give Empower academic innovation and support world-class teaching. We are Lynn Share your photos of campus explorations, cool class sessions or fun weekend activities with #WeAreLynn on Instagram or Twitter. Or, submit directly to lynn.edu. All photos subject to approval. Social media account must be public to be included. Submit a photo Skip social media gallery About Academics Admission & aid Student life Giving Accreditation Employment Accessibility University policies and bylaws Lynn University 3601 N. Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33431 +1 561-237-7000 1-800-994-LYNN Contact us Map & directions Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Copyright © 2021 Lynn University. 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