Dr. Richard B. Flynn at Naismith Exhibit (September 2011)

This is a photograph of Richard B. Flynn, Springfield College’s twelfth president, visiting an exhibit about James Naismith with his wife in September 2011. The exhibit, titled “James Naismith’s Life and Legacy: Celebrating 150 Years,” was organized by the University of Kansas Libraries and ran from September 15 to December 16. The historic materials from McGill University, Springfield College (where Naismith invented basketball), and the University of Kansas Archives were displayed in the Library Gallery in Watson Library.While serving at the college from 1999 to 2013, Flynn expanded enrollment, developed new doctoral programs, led the most successful fundraising campaign in the college’s history, and grew student activities. He also improved the school’s financial standing, enhanced community relations, and revitalized the school’s relationship with its long-standing partner, the YMCA. Under his leadership, the college opened six new facilities and renovated thirteen existing facilities. Many of the new facilities and renovations have won national awards for design excellence