“It is an honor and privilege to work as part of a university community that truly cares about supporting students,” said Lynch. “As chair of the CARE team, I have the privilege to witness the kindness and empathy that the members of the university community consistently demonstrate to support each other.”

It is that kind of culture that drew Lynch to join Quinnipiac in the midst of the pandemic, when she became a member of the Office of Student Affairs in 2020 and was named director of CARE in July 2023.

For her exceptional work ethic, positive influence and tireless commitment to student support and safety, Lynch is being honored with Quinnipiac’s Excellence in Service to Students Award.

Stephen Sweet, director of student conduct and community standards, wrote in his nomination that Kristina is a “once-in-a-career colleague whose intelligence, compassion, creativity and sense of humor have made an indelible impact on Quinnipiac University.” 

Sweet added that Lynch oversees “the successful outreach and support for students with great empathy, professionalism and poise.”

Known for her positive energy and commitment to championing a safe and inclusive environment in every decision, program and initiative she facilitates, her dedicated service often extends beyond her responsibilities as CARE director.

Throughout the 2021-2022 academic year, Lynch was one of three staff members who volunteered to deliver meals and provide personal outreach to students in quarantine with COVID-19. These services took place outside of normal work hours, including weekends, and with her leadership, the coordination was both efficient and effective.

“I worked closely with Stephen Sweet and Dr. Lynn Hendricks during the pandemic as part of the ‘quarantine and isolation’ support team,” said Lynch.

“It was a truly inspiring experience to work with these professionals during a dynamic time in the history of higher education to meet the needs of students. They modeled what it truly means to demonstrate empathy and support for students.”

She was instrumental in revising and marketing the Promoting Responsible Action policy on campus while also providing training on Bystander Intervention to student leaders. This program encourages students to take positive action as bystanders with a responsibility to one another.

In addition to promoting community responsibility, Lynch has also focused her efforts on highlighting the positive contributions of others on campus. She was a co-creator of the “Kindness and Generosity of Spirit” Award, presented annually at the Student Undergraduate Award Ceremony and created to recognize students who embody the university’s mission statement and demonstrate its values to the Quinnipiac community.

“I’m inspired by the kindness and care that our faculty and staff demonstrate every day toward our students. I’m also frequently inspired by the care that students in this community demonstrate for each other,” said Lynch. “I regularly receive outreach from students who are looking to help their peers who may be struggling in some way. It inspires me to see when Quinnipiac students work to ensure the success and well-being of each other.”

She actively participates in maintaining a positive campus atmosphere with programs like the “Random Acts of Kindness” campaign where she helped to deliver gifts, smiley-face balloons and other surprises to colleagues on campus.

“In my role, I facilitate a lot of interactions that improve the lives of our students, build connections and truly help,” said Lynch. “I feel so grateful to be able to come to work every day and know that this team is helping our students and fostering a culture of care on campus.”