Edwin Lynch's Contributions to George Mason University
Edwin Lynch donated a lot of time, money, and effort to George Mason University. In 1991, he helped found the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, then known as the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Along with his wife, Helen, he financed the school’s first chair. They also funded a lecture series held annually, beginning in 1987. The lecture series features professionals who promote influential approaches to conflict and peacemaking. They also funded a scholarship named for one of the school’s first directors, John W. Burton. In 1995, George Mason University awarded Mr. Lynch with the highest honor given by the university, the Mason Medal. Edwin Lynch also donated his papers and collections from the Vietnam War protest movements to George Mason University’s Special Collections Research Center.
In 2000, though, Edwin and Helen Lynch gave the largest donation yet. They donated their home and 120 acres of land to George Mason University. The land and home were donated for the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution to build a retreat and conference center dedicated to peacemaking and peace studies, something that Mr. Lynch and his family were very passionate about. The tranquil and scenic area is hoped to be a great place for research, as well as conflict resolution on both small and large scales.
References
“Changing Lives: the Lynch Family - Giving to GMU: George Mason University Advancement.” Giving to GMU | George Mason University Advancement, August 24, 2016. https://giving.gmu.edu/giving/changing-lives-the-lynch-family/.
“A History of George Mason University: 1978-1996: Emergence: The School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution.” Omeka RSS, n.d. http://ahistoryofmason.gmu.edu/exhibits/show/prominence/contents/scar.
“Edwin Lynch, Fairfax Developer and Legislator, Dies.” The Washington Post. WP Company, March 23, 2004. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2004/03/23/edwin-lynch-fairfax-developer-and-legislator-dies/11f258d7-8011-452a-8c9f-719bc05eb77d/.
Edwin W. Lynch Vietnam War protest collection, Collection #C0080, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.
Gowen, Annie. “Thinking Globally, Fighting Locally; Neighbors Fear GMU's Center for Peace.” The Washington Post, November 15, 2007. https://advance-lexis-com.mutex.gmu.edu/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:4R4K-P0G0-TW87-N070-00000-00&context=1516831.
“Point of View Programs and Services.” George Mason University. https://scar.gmu.edu/retreat-facility/point-view-programs-and-services.