Author from the class of 1987, known by pen name T. C. Flynn, was drawn to WPI by its academic excellence and welcoming community. “The technical skills I learned at WPI were valuable of course, but the people skills I gained on the Hill were even more valuable - teamwork, creativity, and being a part of something bigger than yourself,” says Flynn.
The mathematical sciences major spent 25 years as an actuary and business executive with a Fortune 100 firm before retiring twelve years ago to focus on philanthropic endeavors. “Philanthropy is so important; it's one of my highest priorities. To me, there’s no greater return on investment than that.” Flynn includes WPI in her philanthropic giving of time, talent, and treasure to help ensure the next generation of WPI students are afforded the same opportunities she experienced.
Flynn’s most recent support of the university was a Meet the Author event hosted by WPI’s Women in STEM Book Club. The well attended event was made possible by a Women of WPI (WIN) grant and included a review of Flynn’s Amazing Rays: A Down East Island Novel, which the book club read. A heart-warming coming-of-age cozy mystery filled with love and loss, friendship and family, and adversity and hope, the book is dedicated to helping children in need.
When we give back, what we’re really doing is investing in the future of others. Helping a student attend WPI, for example, helps set that student up for a lifetime of success, and hopefully he or she will pay it forward when they can too.
Pen Name T. C. Flynn ‘87
When offered gratitude for her continued support of the university, Flynn said, “I truly enjoyed my time at WPI and am always happy to pay it forward by helping anyone who is currently there pursuing studies or research.”