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That familiar fedora, for years the trademark of a Columbia man in pursuit of truth who became known as counselor, mentor and friend to all, will no longer be present on campus. After 12 years with the Columbia University Security Department, Assistant Director for investigations Jim Lynch, has retired from service. (For the answer to the perplexing question "How many hats does Jim Lynch actually have?" see below.)
On Friday, Jan. 28, more than 100 people, including family, friends and the "Blues" of both Columbia and the NYPD, gathered together at Faculty House to wish Jim Lynch well as he ventures into a new phase of life. As George Smartt, assistant vice president for Columbia Security noted in his speech, "Enjoy your retirement. The rest is yet to come."
"It is rare to have so much of an impact at an institution in such a short time. Jim Lynch will be missed," said Mark Burstein, vice president for Facilities Management.
In addition to well wishes from high school and college friends, Columbia administrators and representatives of CU Security and the NYPD, Lynch was showered with gifts, plaques, Columbia mementos and praise.
"This is a day to rejoice because a great man has reached a milestone in his life," said Elorine Scott, a representative of Local 241 and an officer with CU Security. "Jim will be remembered as one of those great individuals."
According to George Smartt, it was Lynch's spirit that defined his role as CU Investigator. More than an investigator of crime on campus, Lynch gradually became a mentor to troubled students, a resource for faculty and a confidant for colleagues. From exposing a counterfeiting ring in the mid 90s to providing council to rape victims over the years as they went through the painful process of filing criminal charges at the NYPD, Lynch was there to see things through. Commencement ceremonies were among his most memorable experiences at Columbia. A sort of guardian angel in a fedora, he would watch the students he had counseled through some of the most difficult experiences of their young lives as they received their diplomas and moved on to a concrete opportunity for success.
Following four years at Morgan State University where he earned a degree in History, Lynch joined the NYPD in 1964 motivated by the desire to be involved and be on the move. After 24 years of service, he came to Columbia as a captain in the Security Department. For Lynch, his time at Columbia has been a great learning experience. "When I came from the NYPD, I was a little callous," he said. "but Columbia smoothed me out. In my time here, I grew as an individual. I am more tolerant, have learned to look at both sides of an issue and now know that you can respect everyone without having to agree with them."
Lynch leaves Columbia with a legacy. According to colleagues turned friends, Lynch will be remembered for his laughter, kindness and his keen sense of truth. As colleague Flo Grant said, "Jim goes out of his way to help students, officers, even strangers. You just know that he would do anything for you."
His son Derrick Lynch summed up Lynch's spirit at his retirement party. "Jim Lynch is a rock in my family. People have been drawn to him because of his strength, like a large lion or bear. All have been motivated by his love and strong spiritual nature."
"Jim takes his job very seriously," said his wife, Marion. "This evening is a testament to the kind of person he is." According to Marion, Lynch is considering studying in the seminary, following the footsteps of his mother, who was a Unity minister in Brooklyn. Although he does not see himself as a minister, he is interested in starting a center where people can come to discuss solutions rather than shout out about problems and injustice, a center in a place in the city where such counsel is needed.
"When I look back on it all, everything in my life has happened for a reason: I needed to be with the NYPD because I was very active and couldn't sit behind a desk, and I needed to be here at Columbia to be smoothed out a bit. Now I need to move on," said Lynch.
Lynch will be succeeded by Ken Finnegan, former assistant director of security operations, now University investigations.
Q: And how many hats does Jim Lynch have?
A: More than 70. Hat collecting is a habit he brought with him to Columbia some 13 years ago.
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