Distinguished military leader Lieutenant General Rick Lynch ’77, U.S. Army (Retired), will receive an Honorary degree and speak to the graduating class at Clarkson University’s Commencement on May 13 in Potsdam, New York.
General Lynch is a 1977 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He also holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering (with a focus on robotics) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1985).
During his 35-year U.S. Army career, he distinguished himself as an exceptional leader and strategist, commanding at all levels — from company (100 soldiers) to corps (65,000 soldiers). He was promoted to Brigadier General in 2001. From 2006-2008, he commanded the 3rd Infantry Division. During that time, he deployed the division to Iraq as part of the Surge, and commanded Task Force Marne in Iraq for 15 months. After redeployment, he was selected to command III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas.
