3431 And the Brothers continue ...
austraLasia #3431

 

And the Brothers continue ...
50 years on
MELBOURNE: 13 May 2014 -- The article that follows comes from one of Australia's leading Universities - Monash University in Melbourne. And the occasion? Salesian Br Michael Lynch, certainly well-known in the EAO Region but far beyond as well, was invited on 12 May 2014, to give the Graduation Address for some 200 graduates of the Faculty of Business and Economics.
The article gives a brief Bio of Michael's Salesian and academic life.
Given the prominence we have been giving in recent times to the first and final professions of Salesian Brothers in the region, it seems appropriate to look at one 50 years on. As the 'first graduate' of Monash, that also means this university is celebrating its Golden Jubilee!



Br Michael Lynch, SDB is a member of the Catholic Religious Order, the Salesians, and Director of their Overseas Mission Office. The Salesians are an international Congregation founded by Don Bosco working with poor and marginalized youth.

Br Lynch was a foundation student at Monash University in 1961 and was selected (by ballot) to be the University's first graduate in 1964 in his degree of Bachelor of Economics, which is the same year he joined the Salesians. He also completed a Bachelor of Education at Monash University in 1973 and was a teacher and principal at Saelsian Schools for many years before completing a Master of Education at Harvard University in 1982-1983. He continued as a teacher and principal in Australia, including five years as principal of a tertiary residential college, John Fisher College at the University of Tasmania.

In 1997 Br Lynch was appointed Director of the Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund, which supports development programs in Salesian schools and centres, mainly in the Asia-Pacific region. He has travelled extensively to countries including Timor Leste, Solomon Islands, Cambodia, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, South Sudan, Sudan and Ethiopia.

Br Lynch acknowledges many of the problems and challenges facing these nations. A key concern is the appointment of personnel to positions for which they have had adequate preparation and training. During overseas visits he has assisted with leadership training programs, and improving systems of accountability and transparency.

Br Lynch was awarded the City of Moreland Senior Citizen of the Year in 2008 and in 2012 was inducted into the Hall of Fame at St Bede's College Mentone where he received part of his secondary education.