YSU graduate Hunter Lynch earns national recognition from Theta Chi

Student Spotlight

Recent Youngstown State University graduate Hunter Lynch has been named first runner-up for the Theta Chi Fraternity 2025-26 Reginald E.F. Colley Memorial Trophy, the organization’s highest national undergraduate honor.

The award was presented at the Theta Chi Convention in San Antonio, Texas, recognizing Lynch’s outstanding service to his university, fraternity and community.

“To me, it means the world,” Lynch said. “I put a lot of effort in — and not just myself, but the brothers of my chapter — to really develop our group and grow our chapter.”

Lynch, who graduated in May, was heavily involved in fraternity and student leadership during his time at YSU. A member of the Theta Chi Epsilon Delta Chapter, he served in multiple leadership roles, including vice president, secretary and treasurer. In those roles, he helped improve organization, strengthen chapter operations and ensure compliance with national financial guidelines.

As vice president, Lynch implemented a centralized system to organize chapter documents and improve communication among members. As treasurer, he led the transition to a billing platform aligned with national standards. He also emphasized engagement, creating calendars and systems to increase participation in campus and Greek life events.

Beyond his chapter, Lynch played a key role in the broader fraternity and sorority community. He served as vice president of health and safety for the Interfraternity Council, where he helped revive formal recruitment efforts and increase participation. He also contributed to Greek Campus Life as a fundraising chair and co-chair, helping organize major events such as Greek Week and Greek Sing while expanding marketing efforts to reach more students.

“I think real knowledge comes from the community and the people you meet,” Lynch said. “I think I ended up becoming the best version of myself because of the people I met within the YSU community.”

Through his involvement, Lynch said he developed valuable skills that will carry into his professional career, particularly communication and leadership.

“I never imagined standing in front of 700 people and speaking,” he said. “I don’t think any class could teach me to communicate and lead the way I learned through the Greek community at YSU.”

Originally from New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, Lynch now works as operations manager for his family’s business, Central Heating and Plumbing in New Castle.

Reflecting on his time at YSU, Lynch credits the university and its community for shaping his personal and professional growth and inspiring a continued commitment to service.

“It’s definitely made me want to be involved with my local community more,” he said. Lynch encourages current and prospective students to take advantage of opportunities for involvement on campus. When asked what advice he had for those students, his response was simple.

“Do it. Don’t let something hold you back,” he said. “Push yourself to be the best version of yourself because these experiences only last four years.”