Alumni, parents and friends who make leadership gift commitments to Niagara receive special recognition for their generosity by being named members of the John Lynch Society, the university’s leadership gift club. Established in honor of Father John J. Lynch, the Vincentian priest who founded Niagara University, the Society represents distinguished donors who share the university’s vision and commitment to the education of young men and women.

About Father Lynch

Father John J. Lynch was an Irish Vincentian priest who came to the United States in 1840 to do missionary work. In 1856 he was called upon to help select an appropriate site for a seminary to train priests in Western New York. Father Lynch’s efforts resulted in the founding of Our Lady of Angels, later to become Niagara University.

As the first fund raiser for the university, Father Lynch was able to secure the necessary monies to purchase the property at Monteagle Ridge. Later, when the mortgage came due, he found the additional dollars to assure the continuation of the school and the Vincentian tradition he held so dear.

In naming the University’s most prestigious benefactor’s society after Father Lynch, Niagara seeks to recognize the contributions of those who follow in his footsteps.

There are four categories of membership in the Society:
Founder’s Circle $10,000 and above
President’s Circle $5,000 - $9,999
Founder’s Club $2,500 - $4,999
President’s Club $1,000 - $2,499

Members of the John Lynch Society enjoy special benefits that are exclusive to Society members. They include invitations to the elegant John Lynch Society dinner and major university events, in addition to special recognition in The President's Report.