In many ways, Flynn’s entire life has been a journey toward Springfield College.


all sources. Plans were crafted for retirement festivities, and a search committee began for a successor. Then, on March 4, 2011, Flynn famously


President Flynn with new students at a Pride football game


student of both leadership and integrity, Flynn knew that leading with integrity had to be based on a foundation of values that were commonly respected and viewed as positive and respectful of others, as well as living by principles that emphasized caring, growth, and a greater sense of purpose. In many ways, Flynn’s entire life has


been a journey toward Springfield College. early in his presidency, and even before it began, Flynn spent hours learning as much as he could about the values inherent in Humanics and the College’s mission. He was pleased, and not particularly surprised, to find that he held the vast majority of those values in common with the Springfield College community. Given Flynn’s Midwestern values—honed


by a sound upbringing, successful college experience, early job history in higher educa- tion, and 29 years in leadership positions in the university of nebraska system—his election to the presidency of Springfield College proved to be a serendipitous match. And, in the light of the tough years the College endured during the late 1980s and 1990s, it was just what the College required. Students appreciated his unwavering


commitment to their best interests. Faculty and staff were won over by his amazing


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propensity for long days and nights (sleeping just four hours a night), his personal honesty, and his determination to deliver on his promises. His solid relationships with alumni were instrumental in fundraising, and also in growing alumni loyalty and willingness to connect (and in some cases reconnect) with the College to help with recruitment of students and enhancement of the College’s public image and reputation. He carried on continual efforts to maintain and enhance collaborative relationships with such key organizations as the YMCA and the naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. And, his up-front dealings with the neighbors and the city of Springfield won new friends and brought old friends back into the fold.


The Unretirement and Mother Nature's Fury


on oct. 8, 2010, the campus and alumni all around the world heard the news of President Flynn’s impending retirement, to be effective Aug. 30, 2011. The prevailing emotions among students, faculty, staff, and alumni were recognition that a significant chapter in Springfield College history was ending, and sincere gratitude toward the man who had made it all happen. Tributes rolled in from


unretired to “follow through on a number of issues within our long-range strategic plan, as well as a number of other projects related to our campus master planning that are impor- tant to our future,” according to the official announcement. That had to do, in part, with some unfinished business related to a number of properties adjacent to the campus. eight weeks later, on June 1, 2011, the


campus and the city were struck by a tornado, the first of four violent acts of nature that would wreak havoc throughout a five- month period. The devastating tornado was followed by a microburst in July, tropical


Flynn with Frank Torre, left, and Joe Berger, past Faculty Senate vice president and president, respectively


storm in August, and disastrous nor’easter snowstorm in october. During this critical period of time, the recently unretired Flynn rose to the occasion, quietly and consistently providing the strong presidential leadership necessary to accomplish the clean-up, the restoration of the campus, and the reset of planning for the future. Throughout the Springfield College community, there was thankfulness and considerable relief that Flynn was still here to help the College deal with the multiple crises.


TRIANGLE 1 Vol . 84, No. 2


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