-
2021: Kuda Biza
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: Kuda Biza '09, '10, Entrepreneur, author, speaker and philanthropist.
Biza is co-founder and CMO of Nunbelievable, a direct-to-consumer baked goods company that donates a meal for every cookie sold. Also, as co-founder of #ThisIsMyEra, he empowers individuals to achieve their life goals; and as founder of the Amani Hope Foundation, he works to provide scholarships, school supplies and educational programs to African children. Additionally, Biza is the author of the book "The S.P.E.A.R. Method—5 Simple Steps to Balanced Success & Fulfillment."
-
2020: David Berger
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: David Berger '98, is the chief operating officer of Hospitality America, a hotel management and consulting services company that oversees more than $500 million in assets from Miami, Florida to Greenville, South Carolina.
Berger earned the Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his successful career, charitable endeavors and mentorship of the next generation of business leaders.
-
2019: Michael Kitts
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: Michael (Mike) Kitts ’03 received the Distinguished Alumni Award at Lynn University’s commencement ceremony May 11.
Kitts earned the Distinguished Alumni Award for his work with the National Basketball Association’s Golden State Warriors and his dedication to the next generation of Lynn students.
-
2018: Lauren Cecchi
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: Lauren Cecchi ’11, ’12, chief executive officer and creative director of Lauren Cecchi New York (LCNY), mentors Lynn interns and gives back as an active alumna.
-
2017: Wayne Jarvis
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: Wayne Jarvis ’95, is an operations manager for the country’s largest funeral provider. This is the second time Jarvis won the Distinguished Alumni Award. The first was in 2003.
Jarvis also participated in on-campus activities as a student at Lynn, served on the alumni board for 12 years and was most recently invited to join the President’s Alumni Advisory Council, an exclusive group for Leadership Society members who are actively involved in the development and growth of Lynn.
-
2016: Lisa Gangel Kerney
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: Lisa Gangel Kerney '04, Sports Journalist
"Lisa demonstrates the spirit, service and strength that truly defines a Lynn graduate, and there is no better person to commend our students on their special day than a fellow Fighting Knight," says President Kevin M. Ross. "With her impressive career accomplishments and inspiring attitude, we are honored to have Lisa as our first alumna commencement speaker."
-
2015: José Duarte
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: José Duarte, ’95, ’98, Chef, Boston Restaurant Owner, Dedicated to Being "Green"
Duarte has hosted Lynn on the Road receptions for fellow alumni and parents at his award-winning Boston restaurant, Taranta. The North End eatery is certified as one of the few “green restaurants” in the world. Duarte has won numerous awards for his sustainability efforts including the 2008 City of Boston Green Business Award, the 2011 Massachusetts Recycling Award, Waterford Crystal Chef of Chefs Award, 2011 Massachusetts Chef of the Year and Top 100 Most Influential Latinos in Massachusetts.
His recent work includes the use of innovation and technology to promote traceability—knowing where a food item is or has been and what has been done to it. Duarte currently serves on Lynn’s PAAC (President’s Alumni Advisory Council) and was the keynote speaker for the university’s 2013 J-Term. Joined by human rights activist Gerardo Reyes, Duarte spoke on sustainable food and the fair treatment of farmworkers. Duarte has been a member of Lynn’s Leadership Society since 2009.
-
2005: Marcia Zambelli
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: Marcia (Marcy) Zambelli ’77 received the Distinguished Alumni Award at Lynn University’s commencement ceremony on May 14, 2005.
-
2004: Brooks D. Eden
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: Brooks D. Eden ’75, BSBA, founder of Eden & Associates, Inc., an executive search and consulting firm to the food, drug and retailing industries. During more than 20 years of operation before its sale in 2002, the firm gained international prominence. He serves as trustee of The Eden Charitable Foundation and as a volunteer in his community.
Eden was presented with the Distinguished Alumnus Award at the May 8, 2004 Commencement.
-
2003: Wayne Jarvis
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: Wayne Jarvis '96, was bestowed the prestigious honor of the 2003 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
According to the Spring/Summer 2004 Lynn University Alumni Magazine, "Jarvis graduated from Lynn with an associate degree in funeral service. He is now the manager of Kraeer Funeral Homes. Jarvis received the 2003 Distinguished Alumnus Award for his continued support to the university and contribution in the local community. Jarvis was president of the Lynn University Alumni Association for three years and will remain on the Lynn University Alumni Board of Directors as an advisory member."
-
2000: Ferda Kavak
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni Award: Ferda Kavak '88, receives the Distinguished Alumni Award at the Lynn University Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 6, 2000. He is pictured with his wife Seyran.
-
1990: Bernadette O'Grady
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: Bernadette O'Grady, '79, was named Distinguished Alumnus at Commencement on May 5, 1990.
O'Grady, a programming director at WPTV-TV, Channel 5, in West Palm Beach, FL, also presented the Three Cities In Schools Scholarships to the recipients during a reception on June 22.
The Lynn University Distinguished Alumni Award honors and recognizes Lynn graduates who have achieved great success in their field, stayed an active member of the Lynn community and have made a positive difference in society.
Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.
