Since 1981, the James W. O’Brien Foundation has awarded over $3,000,000 in scholarship money to graduating Lynn English seniors. Hundreds of thousands of additional dollars have been donated for school supplies, equipment, technology, school uniforms and educational ventures. Mr. O’Brien was not a graduate of Lynn English, but he was so impressed with the school that he decided to become a generous benefactor.

The Foundation is the legacy of James W. O’Brien, who was orphaned at age 13, but achieved financial success in the leather industry.  Mr. O’Brien died in 1979.  He received an Honorary Degree, posthumously, from Merrimack in 2011.  A Merrimack College residence hall, O’Brien Hall, is named in his honor.

Lynn businessman James W. O’Brien is Merrimack College’s largest benefactor, having contributed more than $10 million in student scholarships and financial aid to more than 1,000 Merrimack students over a period of 25 years.  Among the Foundation’s contributions are the O’Brien Revolving Loan Fund, the O’Brien Foundation Presidential and Presidential Gold Scholarships, and the Merrimack College-O’Brien Lynn Scholarships.

To visit the website for the O’Brien Center at Merrimack College, please click O’Brien.

The O’Brien Foundation fully funded the redevelopment of the Lynn English Alumni Association website.