MEDIA CONTACT: Linda Holtz
561-297-0159, lholtz@fau.edu

FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing Opens New Home

Dedication Ceremony, Luncheon and Gala Held

            BOCA RATON, FL (February 22, 2006) – Florida Atlantic University celebrated the opening of a new “home” for the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing  with an outdoor tented dedication ceremony for close to 500 people on  FAU’s Boca Raton  campus.  The state-of-the-art, 75,000-square-foot, three-story structure was made possible by a $10 million gift from local philanthropist, business owner and nurse, Christine E. Lynn.

            “Today marks a great day in nursing education at Florida Atlantic University,” said FAU President Frank T. Brogan ’81.  “The unique environment housed within these walls will educate and inspire the next generation of nurses that will care for all of us.”

            The new facility reflects a distinctive design philosophy, guided by principles of Feng Shui and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).  It houses an auditorium, classroom and seminar space, offices for staff and faculty, in addition to specifically designed spaces for students and the community, including a holistic practice area, sacred space for contemplation and self-renewal, and a healing labyrinth garden. 

            “As we gather to officially open our beautiful new home, we feel so proud that our college bears the name of Christine E. Lynn,” said Dr. Anne Boykin, dean of FAU’s College of Nursing.  “We recognize Mrs. Lynn as a remarkable person and nurse and honor her generosity.  Her gift has opened up a world of possibilities for our faculty, researchers and students.  Thanks to Mrs. Lynn, FAU will continue to play an important role in training skilled and caring nurses who will make a difference in the community.  We dedicate our new home to Mrs. Lynn’s vision of humanistic health care and enduring passion for healing, teaching, research, practice and service.”

            “I am extremely excited about the opening of the new College of Nursing,” said Christine Lynn.  “This college will benefit humanity for decades to come and I am humbled and honored to have been able to make this project a reality.”

            In addition to Lynn’s gift, contributions from the following individuals and groups were also made in support of the College’s missions and goals and will thus name various areas of the new building: Libby and Harry Dodson, the Quantum Foundation, Ron and Beth Blake, Robert Adamson, William T. Kemper and Mary Anna Fowler.

            Speakers at the event included Patricia Welch Dittman ’95, chair of the State of Florida Board of Nursing and alumna of the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing; Betty Zinman, chair of the FAU Foundation; and Nancy Blosser, FAU trustee.

            Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the community was invited to tour the facility.  A luncheon was held for Lynn, her family and special guests at the Eleanor R. Baldwin House immediately after the opening.

            The following evening, a gala in honor of Lynn was held at the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center.  More than 300 invited guests were in attendance for dinner and dancing.  Two auctions were held during the evening to raise money for the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. 

- FAU -