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2022: Kevin M. Lynch
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: Kevin M. Lynch, B.S., business administration, class of 2011, earned the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award for his vision for The Quell Foundation and his determination to improve the lives of those suffering from mental health conditions.
Lynch is the founder, president and CEO of Quell, and his drive to create a paradigm shift in the care and treatment of people who have a mental illness stems from the knowledge he gained and relationships he built while researching his graduate thesis, “Mental Health in Massachusetts: A de Facto Criminal Offense.” This research acknowledged that the rates of suicide, opioid addiction, overdose and incarceration directly correlate to the shortage and lack of access to mental health professionals.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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 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 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.
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2007: Christian G. Arakelian & Robert J. Guarini
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: Christian G. Arakelian & Robert J. Guarini
Two members of the class of 1995, Robert Guarini and Christian Arakelian, were presented the 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award by President Kevin M. Ross on March 31, as part of Lynn’s 2007 Alumni Weekend festivities.
Guarini is the co-owner of Boynton Beach-based Green Park Management, the construction and management company for Hampton Inn hotels in South Florida. He sponsored the Lynn Parents and Families Weekend 2006 and has supported the College of Hospitality Management, the Alumni Association, alumni and parents weekends, and the annual Frank A. Robino Golf Classic.
Arakelian is a member of the management team at Troy, N.Y.- based Standard Manufacturing Company, the parent company of Sportsmaster Apparel, American Image and Zurich-based Great for Image. He is a loyal supporter of annual giving. https://spiral.lynn.edu/lynnmag/5/
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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1992: Joseph W. and Mary B. Veccia
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: Joseph W. and Mary B. Veccia
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1991: Gregory J. Malfitano
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: Gregory J. Malfitano, '73, '75
Malfitano received the Outstanding Alumni Award from Lynn University in 1991 and the Lynn University Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.
Malfitano earned his first degree in 1973 from what was then Marymount College. Since then, he has held pivotal roles in student affairs, athletics, administration and development, helping to shape Lynn University into a highly innovative, international organization.
Malfitano was co-chair of the committee that brought the U.S. presidential debate on foreign policy to Lynn’s internationally diverse campus in 2012.
Under his leadership, the national champion Fighting Knights won more than 20 national championships and advanced from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. He has also overseen the development of the campus master plan and numerous major construction projects, including several of the university’s athletic facilities, the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center, the Mohammed Indimi International Business Center, the Snyder Sanctuary, the Mary and Harold Perper Residence Hall and the Christine E. Lynn University Center.
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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.
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1989: John P. Langan
Lynn University
Distinguished Alumni: John P. Langan '81, was the recipient of the first Distinguished Alumni Award during the Commencement exercises held May 6, 1989.
Langan was recognized for outstanding achievement and loyalty and support of his alma mater. Langan earned the Associate of Arts in Business Admlnlstration. He Is a CPA and heads his own accounting firm Langan and Associates. As part of the recognition, a scholarship has been established In Langan's name to benefit worthy inner-city students. https://spiral.lynn.edu/cbrprogress/18/
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.
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