Most remarkable of all was the extensive
restoration of International Hall, which took a direct hit from the June tornado. The tallest building on the campus sustained consider- able roof damage, and lost nearly all of its windows, metal panel façade, interior doors, most of its furniture, and its rear deck. Incredibly, the restoration—originally estimated to take nine to 11 months—was completed in 10 weeks thanks to the great relationships the College has with its vendors. The building opened to students on time and looking better than ever.
The Farewell
The plan to remain one year turned into two of the busiest years of Flynn’s tenure. People on campus have been overheard to say that Flynn staying for those two additional years greatly benefited the campus. In addition to tornado and nor’easter recovery efforts, Flynn devoted himself to work on a new campus master plan that would help the board with future planning, including for the expansion along the western border of campus, as well as preliminary planning for the next fund- raising campaign. now, as he goes forward into retirement,
Flynn is likely to be remembered as the presi- dent who led the College out of the rough patches of the late 1980s and 1990s, trans- formed the campus, restored the College’s
The Flynns greet former Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies Mary Healey at the employee farewell reception.
image and reputation in the eyes of the general public, engaged the campus community in an heroic act of crisis manage- ment, and left the College stronger and more well-prepared for the future than it has ever been. In the process, academic programs were enhanced, enrollment increased, and the College’s financial position improved significantly. In 2005, when introducing Flynn at a
Springfield College alumni event, norm Kosiusko ’74 said, “Dr. Flynn is leading the greatest change in Springfield College history
been witness to his remarkable impact as an educational leader; facilities planner; student, faculty and staff advocate; and mentor to many,” says current board chair Doug Coupe. And, says trustee Harold Smith, “Flynn is one of the best college presidents in the nation.” Students, faculty, staff, alumni, neighbors,
and others are profoundly grateful for his relentless efforts on behalf of the College we all love, and have for him and Jani, and their entire family, all best wishes for health and happiness. To borrow words from the famous McKenzie sculpture titled “Joy of effort”
“As long as there is a desire for a caring and just society, as long as there are people who strive to be the best they can be, and to bring out the best in others, and as long as there is a respect for the multifaceted essence of life, there will be a need for Springfield College and a demand for what it has to offer.”
... When he took the reins, we were in a period of darkness; we’ve entered an age of enlightenment. That’s the very definition of a renaissance.” “Those of us fortunate enough to have worked with him for the past 14 years have
Dick Flynn is joined by daughter Tracy, granddaughter Tenley, and grandson Flynn during the campus celebration of the successful completion of the Campaign in 2008.
which hangs in Marsh Memorial: His effort— in every sense of that overused word—was and will always be our continuing joy.1
Contributors: Carla Ryan, Jane Johnson Vottero, and Ron Ziemba
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