A memorial service was held at the Russell Sage Albany campus to celebrate the life of Bill Lynch, a beloved internship coordinator and adjunct professor for Living Resources’ College Experience Program. Bill passed away in January 2025. The day was marked by the dedication of one of our dormitory rooms to Bill’s memory. A plaque inscribed with his likeness and words of remembrance was unveiled.
A Second Calling
After retiring from teaching in the Guilderland Central School District, Bill found his second calling at the College Experience Program. His friend, Peggy, shared how Bill discovered his passion for working with the special needs population during college. She recalled him volunteering at the Special Olympics as a “greeter.” “When the first kid came across the finish line and gave me a hug,” Bill had told her, “I thought, ‘I can do this!'” Peggy smiled, adding, “He never looked back.”
Employment Mentorship
For twelve years, Bill was a mentor to College Experience students, teaching elective courses and working as the internship coordinator, supporting over 200 students during his tenure. Bill’s didn’t just connect students with jobs for income, he helped fulfill their passions. His coworker Jesse shared, “If someone liked airplanes, he found them a job working in the airport. If someone loved animals, he found them a job at a pet shelter.” Georgia Sullivan, Assistant Grocery Manager at the Honest Weight Food Co-op, highlighted Bill’s unwavering support, noting how he would accompany students initially, gradually reducing his presence as they gained confidence. Some of his interns found lasting careers at the Co-op, enriching the store with their positive attitudes and diligent work ethic.
A Lasting Legacy
Karen Bronson, Bill’s partner of 30 years thanked the attendees for sharing their stories, expressing how the College Experience Program brought Bill immense joy. She then bequeathed Bill’s treasured College Experience Yearbook collection, spanning from 2013 to the present, to Maggie Erlich, Living Resources’ Employer Network Coordinator.
Kevin Baker, Assistant Director of the College Experience Program, stated, “Bill had a remarkable gift for seeing strength where others saw challenges. He opened doors, lifted spirits, helped countless people discover confidence, independence, and purpose. His legacy lives on in everyone he touched. He always made people feel seen and heard.” Luke, a program graduate, aptly summarized Bill’s influence on his life: “Bill Lynch empowered me to reach for the stars, to keep moving no matter what.”
The profound impact of the day was evident. Pat, who traveled from Hempstead, Long Island, said, “When I heard about this, it was the first time I smiled since he died. It’s so right. He just loved giving everyone the love that they deserved. I can’t think of a better way to express what was important to him in his life.”