Building on a Strong Legacy

After 35 years, the Carmody family and Gonzaga recently announced that beginning in the Fall of 2020, the Carmody Open would be renamed the Carmody Lynn Open, in honor of both Kevin Carmody ’62 and Michael Lynn ’94.

As many Gonzaga alumni and benefactors know, the Carmody Open has been one of Gonzaga’s signature events for over three decades. Spearheaded by John Carmody ’54 and Michael Murray ’62, the tournament was first played in 1984 in loving memory of Kevin Carmody ’62.

Michael with his son, Noah, on Buchanan Field

Kevin Carmody passed away suddenly at age 40 while jogging in his neighborhood, leaving behind a wife and two young children. John and Michael, along with many of Kevin’s friends and classmates, created the golf tournament to raise money for the Kevin W. Carmody ’62 Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition assistance for deserving Gonzaga students without a father present in their lives.

“We are so proud of and humbled by the generosity of the Gonzaga community over the years,” says John Carmody ’54. “Many young men have been able to attend Gonzaga because of this scholarship fund. It’s a wonderful tribute to Kevin and a way to honor his legacy.”

This past year, John and Michael, along with the extended Carmody family, began thinking about opportunities to grow the scholarship fund in Kevin’s name. “This year marked our 35th Carmody Open—an impressive milestone,” says Michael Murray ’62. “We want to ensure that it thrives for another 35 years, and that it continues to bring together Gonzaga alumni and supporters of all generations.”

This year’s Carmody Lynn Open will be played on October 16 at P.B. Dye and Worthington Manor golf courses.

It was with that in mind that the Carmody family recently announced that they would like to honor another Gonzaga graduate who—like Kevin— passed away at a young age, leaving behind a wife and two small children.

A member of the Class of 1994, Mike Lynn’s love of Gonzaga began, as it has for so many, through brotherhood. From the moment he first set foot on campus with his older brothers, Dan ’87 and Kevin ’92, he dreamed of being a Man for Others.

During his four years on Eye Street, Mike was a captain of the football team, a stand-out student, and an exuberant participant in Kairos and other service projects. He treated everyone—teachers, coaches, friends, and shy underclassmen— with the same kindness, respect, and selflessness.

After graduating from Gonzaga, Mike went on to Georgetown University, where he majored in International Relations and was a leader on the football team. In 2008, he married his wife, Erica, and later they had two children, Noah and Emerson. Sadly, Mike passed away in September 2019 after battling multiple myeloma.

Michael Murray ’62 and John Carmody ’54 at a recent Carmody Open.

“Mike loved and took great pride in all things Gonzaga and looked forward to seeing his son Noah become a Man for Others,” says Mike’s brother, Dan. “Erica, Noah, Emerson, and the rest of Lynn family greatly appreciate the generosity of both Gonzaga and the Carmody family in making the memory of Mike a part of this great cause.”

Beginning this fall, Gonzaga is thrilled to continue the tradition of this event as the Carmody Lynn Open. “Much like Kevin, Mike carried his friendships and memories from Gonzaga with him for the rest of his life,” says John Carmody ’54. “We are honored to be able to pay tribute with this tournament to another son of Gonzaga, and continue the important work of giving deserving young men a chance to receive an Eye Street education.”

Jimmy Miller ’94, a close friend of Mike’s, adds: “Always a leader, Mike inspired everyone who met him with his contagious smile, dedication to his faith, and tireless work ethic. As an alumnus, Mike loved attending football games with his family and the annual Smoker and five-year reunions with his former classmates. Even though we will always miss Mike, we are so thankful to have his name associated with this prestigious event to remind everyone of Mike's generosity and selflessness."

This year, the Carmody Lynn Open will take place on Friday, October 16 at PB Dye and Worthington Manor golf courses. For those who cannot join us in person, we plan to offer—for the first time this year—the chance to register to play in the Open at a course of your choice as a virtual golfer. For more details about this year’s tournament, including information on how to register to golf or become a sponsor, visit www. Gonzaga.org/CarmodyLynnOpen.

“As Gonzaga approaches its 200th anniversary, we are more aware than ever of the crucial role endowed scholarships play in our future,” says Rev. Stephen W. Planning, S.J. “Over the years, this scholarship has enabled dozens of young men to attend Gonzaga. The golf tournament has also helped to maintain friendships and create new ones among our alumni and supporters. Gonzaga is enormously grateful to the Carmody family for their dedication and support, and we look forward to honoring Michael Lynn and his family in the years to come.”

The Lynn Family: Noah, Erica, Emerson, and Mike.