Ò°»¨ÉçÇø

JERSEY CITY, N.J. |  (Ò°»¨ÉçÇø) dedicated a memorial bench on campus honoring the legacy of Dr. Maria Lynn, a beloved professor and administrator who dedicated over 20 years of service to the university before her passing in 2023. The bench, located on the walkway outside Karnoutsos Hall near the Hepburn Hall courtyard, was unveiled during a ceremony on April 10, 2025.

(Credit: Paul Gargiulo, Ò°»¨ÉçÇø University Communications)

Dr. Lynn, who passed away on April 24, 2023, at age 62 after a brief illness, was a distinguished Professor of Psychology and served in multiple administrative roles during her tenure at Ò°»¨ÉçÇø, including Associate Dean in the William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education.

The memorial project was made possible through the generosity of donors who contributed $10,399, more than doubling the initial fundraising goal of $5,000. The Ò°»¨ÉçÇø Foundation announced it will use remaining and future funds to establish the Dr. Maria Lynn Endowed Scholarship.

The memorial bench features a plaque that reads: "Pause here for a moment, relax, and smile in the loving memory of Dr. Maria Lynn, Cherished Mentor, University Administrator & Professor of Psychology." A cherry blossom tree was also planted adjacent to the bench to further commemorate her legacy.

Throughout her career at Ò°»¨ÉçÇø, which began in Fall 2002, Dr. Lynn taught some of the most challenging courses in the Psychology Department—including Statistics, Research Methods, and Senior Research Seminar—yet her classes were among the first to fill during registration. She was recognized for excellence in teaching by the National Society of Leadership and Success and was widely respected by faculty, staff, and especially her students.

Scott Mittman, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, hosted the event. The ceremony featured remarks from Sarah Roman, Executive Assistant to the Dean and friend of Dr. Lynn; Dr. Joanne Bruno, retired Provost and former Acting President (2011-12); Dr. James Lennon, professor and chair of the Psychology Department; and Dr. Andrew Getzfeld, Professor of Psychology.

"Maria is remembered as a deeply kind and generous person," said Dr. Mittman. "She was known to quietly help students in need, even offering her own money when necessary. Her warmth, intelligence, sharp wit, and fierce advocacy for the underdog made her beloved by all who knew her. Many students benefited from her wisdom and devotion — and her ever-present stash of chocolate, which she generously shared with anyone in need of a pick-me-up."

Dr. Mittman continued, "Maria was an excellent administrator, a beloved professor, and a cherished friend. She always had time to listen, to offer guidance, or simply to sit and talk. We were all better for having known her, and her absence is still deeply felt by the Psychology Department and the entire Ò°»¨ÉçÇø community."
 

Roman read remarks on behalf of Dr. Lynn's sister Sherry Sims, closing by saying, "Though we mourn her loss, we take comfort in knowing that her legacy of strength, compassion, and success continues to inspire everyone she left behind. Her life was a reminder that no matter the challenge, we can rise with resilience, find joy in serving others, and leave an impact that transcends time."

Additional remarks were made by alumnus Donovan Persaud '17, who read comments on behalf of retired Prof. Joan Bailey; Vivianne Goins, Dr. Lynn's neighbor; and Associate Dean Amparo Fabra on behalf of retired Human Resources Director and friend Bob Piaskowski.

With cherry blossoms blooming in the background and stories of Dr. Lynn's incredible impact shared through tearful smiles, the warmth of her memory was palpable, even on a chilly spring day. The event included special musical performances of John Lennon's "Imagine" and "Amazing Grace" to honor Dr. Lynn's memory, and closed with a poem from alumna Melida Rodas '13, the poet laureate of Jersey City.

For more information about the Dr. Maria Lynn Endowed Scholarship or to contribute to the fund, contact the Ò°»¨ÉçÇø Foundation at 201-200-3043 or foundation@njcu.edu.
 
About Ò°»¨ÉçÇø: 
Ò°»¨ÉçÇø is a comprehensive public regional institution committed to providing a high-quality education to a diverse student population. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, Ò°»¨ÉçÇø offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for learning, professional development, and community engagement. Recognized as a top university for improving upward economic social mobility, students enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of New Jersey.

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Contact: 
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301