Local news

University unveils new multicultural center; dedicates it to alumni

LOCK HAVEN -- Lock Haven University (Commonwealth University-Lock Haven) recently unveiled a new space for its students to learn more about each other.

The grand opening of the new Robert and Dolores Lynch Multicultural Resource Center was celebrated on Friday evening as an all inclusive space where students of all backgrounds can socialize, feel safe and learn about other cultures.

The Multicultural Resource Center is located at 103 Raub Hall and saw a crowd gather Friday evening.

The ceremony touched on the centers namesakes, Dr. Robert D. and Mrs. Dolores Lynch, and outlined the mission of the center, their vision and their values.

Robert and Dolores began their careers at Lock Haven University in 1969.

Robert's career started as the Associate Director of Music and Project Director of the Upward Bound Program. He later became the Assistant to the President for Administration, the Director of Social Equity and was the first faculty advisor to the Black Student Union on campus.

Dolores served as the Director of the Social Work Program from 1970 through 1999. She actively obtained and maintained accreditation for the social work program on campus and was an active person in the community through various community boards and offices.

Albert Jones -- Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer -- described Dolores as "the heartbeat and the driving force behind Dr. Lynch."

The Lynches were, according to Kenneth "Kenny" Hall -- the director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion -- "all about hospitality. They would open up their doors to anybody, and when you were in the presence of the Lynches you knew who they were. They were authentic people."

Before the opening ceremony even began, there were numerous students who came to visit the new center and help set up for the grand opening.

The students were actively getting involved with the process of making the space a more hospitable and welcoming area by helping to hang newly printed pictures, blow up balloons and socialize before the event. The goal of the center was already coming to fruition.

The grand opening ceremony featured many alumni, faculty and students getting to share their love for both Dr. and Mrs. Lynch and the new center.

One student who chose to speak during the opening ceremony, Daje Brockington, read a few of her poems about Black empowerment, loving yourself and finding your voice.

There were Lock Haven alumni in attendance who spoke about the Lynches as well.

Warren Leach -- class of 2020, though he began his LHU career in 1989 -- was stopped by Dr. Lynch as a recruit in 1988. Dr. Lynch spoke to his parents and said, "You've done a good job getting him here. Now leave him here and let me help make him a man."

He praises Dr. Lynch as the fraternity advisor for Kappa Alpha Psi -- the first African American fraternity on campus.

"Dr. Lynch made that possible," he said.

Chris Harris -- another LHU alum -- told his own personal story about his experience with the Lynches.

"If it wasn't for Dr. Lynch I'm positively sure I would not be here," he said, noting that Dr. Lynch encouraged him to apply to Lock Haven and insisted that he send his application straight to his desk.

"He walked me through all of the trials and tribulations of navigating the university by myself," Harris said.

Harris urged current students to "be that resource for that student who's coming in who doesn't quite know."

Daniel Elby -- who began his time at Lock Haven as a student in 1967 -- recalled being one of five African American students in his class. He was one of the first creators of the Black Student Union on campus.

"I asked Bob to be our advisor," he said.

He, along with the Lynches, pushed to bring more students of color on campus.

Mia Swales -- the first Director of the Robert and Dolores Lynch Multicultural Center and LHU alumni -- gave a speech on her time at Lock Haven University and her goals for the center.

"My goal is to give what has been given unto me. LHU has shaped and molded me into who I am today, and helped me to find my voice," Swales said. "We want to build relationships, community, brother and sisterhood and give everyone a place and feeling of belonging. We're stronger together and you have to lead with love."

The sense of community that the center hopes to inspire is something that the Haven as a whole aims to achieve.

"We do not live and thrive unless we build relationships, and we feel a sense of belonging," Dr. Ron Darbeau, provost and vice president of academic affairs, said

The mission of the center is to "facilitate the inclusive shared learning experiences of students where all can engage in dialogue, challenge barriers and build collaborative relationships; work to create a welcoming and inclusive experience for all Lock Haven University students regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, ability status, or beliefs; and provide resources and opportunities to empower and inspire individuals to build the inclusive and equitable community they want to see at LHU."

Their values can be simply equated to: Community, collaboration, innovation, social justice, empowerment, transformative education and tradition. The center hopes to actively engage students during their college career and make them feel welcomed on campus.

Kenny said that the center "starts with the concept of 'we're stronger together.' When (the Lynches) came together is when they really started to change the community in ways that we can reflect on today."

Dr. and Mrs. Lynch were two individuals that stayed in the hearts of many across campus and beyond.

Their legacies and the practices they preached will live on in the new Robert and Delores Lynch Multicultural Center here on campus.