The mission of the William P Lynch Memorial Foundation (a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization) is to assist students in their post-secondary education goals who have exemplified the perseverance, kindness, positivity and hard work for which Bill was known.

About the Fund

After Bill Lynch passed away in 2023, the family requested donations to the University of St. Thomas and Johnson Senior High in lieu of other gestures. The St. Thomas donations went to support the Class of 1965 Endowment. Other gifts went to the William P Lynch Memorial Scholarship at Johnson High School. 

For the graduating classes since his passing, we've provided five $1,000 scholarships to students who exemplified the perseverance, kindness, positivity and hard work for which Bill was known. Now the organization is focused on the future and creating something everlasting. 

As the fund grows, we hope to increase the amount given, the number of students awarded, and extending scholarships to graduates from his church, Gustavus Adolphus, or from other Saint Paul Public Schools.

About Bill

A whole book could be written about Bill, his six siblings and their escapades along South Shore Drive, Rainbow Beach, and at St Bride Catholic Church and School in Chicago, Illinois.

Bill followed in his father’s footsteps to Mount Carmel High School where he was a decent student and an excellent swimmer. He could have followed those same footsteps to Notre Dame, but didn’t feel he was a strong enough swimmer (despite earning a swimming scholarship). He chose the College of St Thomas (now University), where he majored in Business, got an MA in Education and dominated the MIAC as a swimmer and continued there as a swim coach after he graduated.

From 1966-1992, Bill Lynch served students of Saint Paul Johnson High School in many roles: teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, class advisor, Close Up advisor, and coach. He was the kind of person who got stopped by former students, athletes or their parents who just want to let him know what a difference he has made in their lives. 

In 1992-1998, he served the students of Highland Park Senior High as assistant principal and from 1998 until his retirement in 2003, he laid the foundation for the district's School-to-Future programming that continues today through its Office of College and Career Readiness.

In his early years of retirement Bill stayed active as a consultant in the Saint Paul Public Schools, and volunteering at his church, Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, later turning back to education by mentoring and supervising student teachers for many years at St. Thomas. He and his Class of '65 friends lead the creation K.I.T (Keeping in Touch) and of an endowment fund to serve the needs of current students.

Through his life of service, Bill had many significant achievements. However, he is remembered most importantly as a man who exemplified perseverance, kindness, positivity, and hard work.