The University’s Women’s Center announced a $3 million endowment Monday from Maxine Platzer Lynn, 1951 graduate of the Education School.
According to a press release from the newly renamed Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center, the endowment is the largest the center has ever received.
Women’s Center spokesperson Agnes Filipowski said Lynn’s donation came in honor of Roberta Hollingsworth, her mentor while at the University.
“[She] acted as the go-to for Maxine when she was at the University,” Filipowski said. “If she had some sort of problem, for instance, when she would get kind of inappropriate or off-color comments from men in class, Roberta Hollingsworth gave her advice.”
Since there was no women’s center at the University during Lynn’s time as a student, Hollingsworth served as her resource, especially on gender issues.
“She was a student at a time when not all females were able to get a degree at the University,” Filipowski said. “When you contextualize that, you can see the impact the Women’s Center would have had for her [had it been available].”
Lynn’s youngest child also attended the University.
“Having a child who attended the University strengthened Lynn’s relationship with the University, and inspired her to give back to the University community,” Filipowski said.
Lynn was involved with Hillel Jewish Center and the Interfaith Council at the University, Filipowski said. Professionally, Lynn taught English as a second language in Washington, D.C., receiving a grant from the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
Lynn, who is also friends with Alumni Association Vice President for Development Wayne Cozart and Chief Student Affairs Officer Patricia Lampkin, has contributed to a number of other University projects at well.
“[Lynn] and Wayne Cozart refurbished one of the pavilions on the Lawn,” Filipowski said. “She had also contributed to establishing a hearing assist system in the Culbreth Theater.”
Filipowski said Lynn hopes the endowment will allow the center more financial flexibility based on services which are already offered.
“She wants us really to continue mentoring and continue with outreach,” Filipowski said. “She was really emphasizing that [the center] isn’t just for women, it’s for both genders. … She sees the endowment helping all students at the University.”
A celebratory event will be held Oct. 23 at the Fralin Museum of Art in honor of Lynn and the Center’s 25th anniversary this year.
Correction: A previous version of this article appeared under a sub-headline indicating Hollingsworth was a professor. She was not, but in fact served as the Dean of Women from 1934-67.
Read More
Honor Committee plans Dorm Talks and finals week initiatives
By Lexie Stadler | 12 hours agoIn an effort to enhance student outreach and introduce incoming students to the Honor System, the Committee will reintroduce Dorm Talks in the Fall 2024 semester.
BREAKING: Two fraternities suspended, one terminated after hazing allegations
By Ford McCracken | YesterdayThe University’s chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha is the founding chapter of the fraternity, which was founded in West Range room 47 in 1868.
From the archives: April 22 – April 28
By Maisy Callahan and Grace Franklin | YesterdayThose opposed to the Mall feared closing Main St. would create inconvenience and traffic, which would in turn decrease the income made by merchants.
