Dotty was my professor, my mentor and my friend. I spoke to her earlier this summer, around the time of her retirement lunch at AU. She was as warm and funny as ever. I am so blessed to have known her, learned from her and befriended her. Thank you for sharing her with the AU family.

Dotty's love of politics was fueled by her honorable values and constant good humor.
Through years with the Democratic Party, the Edward Kennedy Presidential campaign, the Commission on Presidential Debates and the U.S. Senate, Dotty's candor, good judgment and loyalty were priceless assets. I was blessed by her friendship and pray for her peace and for Morgan's strength at this time of loss.

I first met Professor Dotty Lynch in the Fall of 2008 as a student in her class, "Election 2008: Polls, Politics, Youth." From the first day of that class I knew Professor Lynch (as I always called her) was not your average college-professor.

She bled Democratic blue but never showed it in her lessons bringing in pollsters from the left and the right. She didn't care to teach lessons out of a textbook, she preferred sharing personal experiences as a means of motivating and educating her students.

Her house (for which she shared with her wonderful husband Morgan) was not just a place for them to relax after a long day, but a place for us, her students, to unwind as well. We were always welcome. I still fondly remember the time she invited all of us into her home following our class winning an American University School of Communication Award. I thought it would be a small celebration but it was far from it. Plates of cheese and crackers lined the dining room, wine and beer overflowed in buckets. It was her way of saying good job!

I went on to take "Political Communication" with her as an undergrad, as well as "Research Methods in Communication" as a graduate student. I still remember her telling me, "Robbie, I think it would be best for you to take this class from another professor. You already heard what I've had to say." I kindly disregarded her comments knowing no one would teach the course as good as she could!

We stayed in touch for a few years after my graduation from graduate school- I telling her about my first few jobs out of school, she telling me about how classes were going and how she was spending her summer time off traveling the Pacific NW. During this time, I realized that she was more than just a Professor she was a mentor and a friend!

Professor Lynch, I have you to thank for where I am today. You will never be forgotten!

More than beautiful, she was a true and lasting friend.
Morgan, our thoughts and prayers are very much with you.
Most sincerely,
Randy & Hank McManus

Over the summer I had the pleasure of taking a class with Dotty. What an amazing lady! I am blessed to have been in her presence and was eager to connect with her again. In fact, at the end of the semester, she extended her expertise to me alongside her colleague, Maria Ivancin. A style that is so rarely extended.

At the beginning of the fall semester as I hear the bagpipes play, my prayers will be lifted in her name and pray for the family.

Morgan - Skip and I are so sorry to learn of Dotty's passing.  I am so glad that I had the honor of having dinner in your home with you and Dotty. She was so gracious and kind as well as a wealth of information and good humor. She did not have a long life, but I know you will treasure forever the wonderful years you spent with her. Peace to you.  Becky

OBITUARY

Dorothea Jean Lynch

July 24, 1945 – August 10, 2014

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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