The program began in fall 2020 and saw its first cohort of recipients graduate in May 2024.

Jim Lynch, HON ’10, ‘71, and Kathleen Gordon Lynch, ‘77, have always been passionate about supporting education.

That—and their passion for La Salle—is what inspired them to begin the Lynch Gordon Family Scholars program in fall 2020. A $5,000 per academic year scholarship award is available to full-time undergraduate students or prospective full-time undergraduate students who have demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Special consideration is given to students who work during the academic year, who are the first in their family to attend college, or who have volunteer experience. Students may be awarded this scholarship for more than one year provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

Since its inception, scholarships have been awarded to 16 students to help cover their tuition expenses.

“I cannot express the depth of my appreciation for the support of the Lynch Gordon Family Scholars program. I am truly honored to be a recipient of this scholarship. The Lynchs’ generosity will have a lasting impact on my life, and I am committed to making them proud,” Justin Barton, ’26, said.

The Lynchs continue to be involved with their alma mater. Jim previously served on the Board of Trustees for 15 years including as Chairman of the Board from 2002–07 and received an honorary degree in 2010. The couple continue to stay in touch with members of the University’s administration and Christian Brothers. They’ve also met with scholarship recipients on campus.

“We like what the students have done in the classroom and with extracurricular activities, and as long as it benefits the University, we intend to continue the scholarship program,” Jim said.

The couple are incredibly active in the Lasallian community, also supporting La Salle Academy, a private, inner-city, Catholic, third through eighth grade school in Philadelphia. Both Jim and Kathleen serve on the Academy’s board.

Jim completed a degree in marketing while Kathleen completed a degree in accounting. They both feel their time at the University helped prepare them for their business careers. 

While working full time Kathleen attended seven years in the night division to complete her degree. She worked for Richardson Vick in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood and later became the organization’s plant accountant at its state-of-the-art plant in Hatboro, Pa.

Jim’s career began while he was a student at La Salle. He’d jump onto the Broad Street Subway after classes for a part-job at Philadelphia’s First Pennsylvania Bank. This led to a 40-year career in banking. He is currently a founding partner at Patriot Financial Partners in Radnor, Pa.

Jim and Kathleen understand that financial assistance can make all the difference for today’s students trying to cover college expenses. Jim said he was happy to see the first cohort of scholarship recipients graduate this past May and hopes the cycle continues.

-Meg Ryan, M.A. ʼ24