I met TYCA (Two-Year College English Association) and Lynn Troyka at the same time, attending the 2001 TYCA-PNW Conference at Centralia Community College. Lynn was the keynote speaker for the event, a perfect choice, given her scholarly work and two-year college leadership, though, at the time, I had no idea how significant Lynn was in the formation of National TYCA, nor what a place National TYCA would come to hold in my own professional journey. I recall talking to Lynn after her keynote presentation, a bit awestruck about meeting someone whose scholarship I knew so well from my graduate work. 

From the first time I met her, Lynn was gracious and encouraging, and to my surprise and appreciation, she kept in touch with me, a newbie to the profession and the organization. She encouraged my engagement with the organization and celebrated my involvement with TYCA and, later, CCCC leadership. She was always so pleased and proud of two-year college faculty being recognized within the larger profession! 

She also invited me into professional activities, including co-presenting Basic Writing or TYCA-related panels, connecting me with other BW and two-year college colleagues, and, later, assisting with revisions of chapters in her Quick Access textbook. Even though I was a very junior scholar, Lynn respected my perspectives, offered candid feedback and advice, and always recognized my and other two-year college faculty’s accomplishments. I remember her for being professionally active throughout her long and illustrious career and especially for being a fixture at TYCA events, delighting in and cheering on the next generation of two-year college leaders and scholars.

Dear, dear Lynn.  How saddened I am to have learned of your passing a year after the fact.  That is simply not right.  You were such an important mentor for many of us who entered the teaching profession, especially those of us who chose to build our careers at community colleges.  I watched with deep admiration as you forged a path as the first chair of the Two-Year College English Association, having already received recognition as Chair of the Conference on College Composition and Communication (the first two-year college faculty member to serve in that role) and as recipient of the Exemplar Award, the highest honor that our profession accords to one of its own (and the first two-year college colleague to be so honored).  You promoted the work of this young two-year college professor at every opportunity, for which he will always be grateful.  May your memory be a blessing.

I feel utterly terrible only now, a year later, to have learned that Lynn passed away. My belated condolences to her family and close friends. About 20 years ago, Lynn asked me to join her as co-author on the with and later editions of The Simon and Schuster Handbook for Writers, one of her towering achievements. I had such great respect and admiration for her over our long working relationship. Of course, Lynn had contributed great leadership to the teaching of writing, especially in two-year colleges but at all levels. In 1980, for example, she was Chair of the Conference on College Composition and Communication, the nation's oldest, largest, and most important professional organization for college writing teachers. We lost track of each other during the pandemic, so it's with even greater sadness that I recognize her loss now. --Doug Hesse, Denver

I love you forever and ever and even after that ♥️.

You’ll be missed terribly during this time of the year 😥

You taught me to celebrate every moment and I thank you for that ♥️

Holidays are not the same without you. I love you so much 😥.

I miss you every single day my dear Lynnie 💔

My grandma.. I miss you so much 😞😞💕 i love you SO much. I know you're watching over me.. I wish you were still here. It's the holidays, your favorite time.. 😢 Lynnie, i miss you so much.. 

-Kyla

To Melenie and all other beloveds in Lynne’s life, we send our deepest, heartfelt condolences. Lynn and I were best of friends and colleagues in the mid 1960s to early 1970s. We saw each other through many ups and downs of life, including rejoicing in our long and happy marriages. . We remained in contact until about a decade ago when suddenly we couldn’t seem to get through to her. We have missed our loving connection. Lynne will always hold a special place in our hearts.  Edie and Alan

You were there on the day that I arrived and have  impacted my l life in many great ways.  I will miss you very much.  I love you. 

Love, 
Kailer

My dearest friend Lynnie, 

You have always been there for me throughout  21 years of our friendship.   All the good, the bad and the ugly.  We laughed together and cried together.  I will truly miss 
you.  💜

Love, 
Melanie

OBITUARY

Lynn Troyka

21 February, 1938 – 11 September, 2024

Parkside Memorial Chapels

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services