Greenwich Couple Launch New Foundation

hynes-foundation-launch-fi
Anne Marie and James P. Hynes.

Anne Marie and James (Jim) P. Hynes, long-time residents of Greenwich, announced the establishment of The Hynes Foundation, founded to support a diverse mission including continuation of their sponsorship of Catholic education. While not their first gifts to educational institutions, their contributions going forward will be made through their new Foundation. In the past the couple’s philanthropy has been in the form of student scholarships, annual giving, classroom upgrades and technology hardware and software donations. Prior to launching The Foundation, the family’s first major gift was the construction of The Hynes Athletic Center on the Iona College campus and its ongoing updating and improvements.  The Hynes family increases its commitment to giving with the unveiling of its new Foundation’s first initiative – to launch The Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

The Foundation’s first official gift, supporting the development of a faculty, curriculum and classroom space, will be endowed by a $15 million grant from The Hynes Foundation announced on March 22. The Institute will encompass coursework that will evolve into both a Minor and Major course of studies, with all students being exposed to the concept within the Core Studies curriculum. There are plans to offer a Certificate Program and there will be opportunities for students to participate in startup development and a work/study program that is anticipated to include an incubator/accelerator environment. These are planned to facilitate the development within the students of an “entrepreneurial mindset”, a way of thinking with confidence and creativity.

Jim Hynes, a graduate of Iona College and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, and his wife, Anne Marie Hynes, a member of the program’s Design Team, will contribute their $15 million to nurture the startup of what the College refers to as a transformational gift. Mr. Hynes, himself an entrepreneur, sees the new Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation as a way to encourage students to acquire thinking skills missing in current education. “We wanted to do something for Iona College that would have lasting and far-reaching benefits for all students, present and future,” said Mr. Hynes. “We are underwriting academic innovation and entrepreneurship skills which are directly applicable in business but are also valuable in any career or vocation.”

Based on her experience as a Board member in educational institutions, Anne Marie Hynes has championed the necessity for innovation and enhanced technology in both secondary and collegiate curricula. “The opportunity to be involved designing a program of experiential learning to amplify an entrepreneurial mindset is truly an exciting privilege. The Foundation is making an investment in America’s future by engaging today’s Iona students in a comprehensive environment to supply an experience that supports creative thinking.”

Mrs. Hynes, currently an attorney working in the non-profit sector, will function in the role of President of The Hynes Foundation, with responsibility for day-to-day administration. Mr. Hynes has a history of leadership roles in both domestic and international business, primarily in the systems and telecommunication industry, and will serve as an officer in the Foundation together with their adult daughters. The family looks forward to identifying ways to realize its mission – empowering individuals through funding educational and technological opportunities.

Related Posts
Loading...