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.
