Welcome to the Gerald W. Lynch Theater
John Jay College of Criminal Justice of The City University of New York, an international leader in educating for justice, offers a rich liberal arts and professional studies curriculum to upwards of 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 135 nations. In teaching, scholarship and research, the College approaches justice as an applied art and science in service to society and as an ongoing conversation about fundamental human desires for fairness, equality and the rule of law. For more information, visit www.jjay.cuny.edu.
Since opening its doors in 1988, the Gerald W. Lynch Theater has been an invaluable cultural resource. The Theater is a member of CUNY Stages, a consortium of 16 performing arts centers located on CUNY campuses across New York City and the CUNY Dance Initiative.
The Theater has been home to the Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival & White Light Festival, as well as the New Yorker Festival, Mannes Opera, the World Science Festival, and the revival of Mummunschanz. The Theater has hosted live and recorded events including David Letterman’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, Inside the Actor’s Studio, Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concerts, Comedy Central Presents one-hour specials, the American Justice Summit, the NYC Mayoral Democratic Debates, and the launch of Jay-Z’s REFORM initiative. The Theater welcomes premiere galas, conferences, international competitions, and graduations. For more information, and a schedule of events, please visit www.GeraldWLynchTheater.com.
Dr. Gerald W. Lynch served as the third president of John Jay College of Criminal Justice and remains one of the most influential figures in the institution’s history. After joining John Jay as a psychology professor in the mid-1960s, Dr. Lynch rose through the ranks, serving as Dean of Students, Acting Dean of Faculty, and Acting President before being officially inaugurated as President in March 1977. During his 28-year tenure, the longest presidency in the College’s history, John Jay’s enrollment doubled from approximately 7,000 to 14,000 students, and the College established the nation’s first doctoral program in criminal justice in 1980. A respected international scholar and educator, Dr. Lynch was adamant that the humanities and arts were neccesary for a well-rounded Criminal Justice education. One of Dr. Lynch’s defining achievements came during New York City’s fiscal crisis of 1976, when CUNY was required to make significant budget cuts and several campuses faced consolidation or closure. Determined to preserve the College’s independence, Dr. Lynch led a passionate campaign that united students, faculty, alumni, and influential leaders in government and law enforcement. For his unwavering dedication and decisive action during this critical period, Dr. Lynch is widely remembered as the “savior of John Jay,” and his legacy continues to shape the College’s commitment to justice, education, and public service.