Blond in the Hood

Local Student Wins Award at Lynn University Commencement
(BOCA RATON, Fla., June 26, 2006)

Joanne Donnelly Archer received the Distinguished Alumna Award at Lynn University Joanne Donnelly Archer of Ridgewood, NJ received the Distinguished Alumna Award at Lynn University commencement exercises on May 10 in Boca Raton, Fla.

Presented by outgoing Lynn University president and first lady Donald E. and Helen Ross, this award is given to a graduate of the university who has exhibited outstanding dedication and support to his or her alma mater, as well as enjoying tremendous success in his or her field or endeavor.

Archer graduated from Lynn University, formerly Marymount College, in 1966 with an Associate of Arts degree. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history and philosophy from St. Louis University and has worked as a middle school teacher, in business as one of the first women sales representatives for 3M Company and in health care as director of volunteers for a hospice program. The latter experience, she says, changed her life and inspired her to pursue a lifelong dream of doing stand-up comedy.

Archer is currently president of Everyday Heroes, Inc. and is the host and executive producer of a weekly cable television show, “The Blond in the Hood.” Each week the show features ordinary people from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut doing extraordinary things that make a difference in the lives of others. She and her husband, John, have a daughter, Shannon Louie, and a grand-daughter, Ashleigh Louie.

Lynn University in Boca Raton is a private, coeducational university awarding bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Founded in 1962 and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Lynn stresses individualized learning based on the discovery and development of individual potential and learning styles. The university currently enrolls more than 2,600 students representing 45 states and 93 nations. Its specialty programs include a Conservatory of Music, a School of Aeronautics, and the Institute for Achievement and Learning, which is an international pioneer in developing successful teaching strategies for students with learning differences.