Giving back and staying grounded

For Lyndell Patrick ’75, education isn’t just a personal success story — it’s a promise to help others succeed.

As this year’s Alumni Commitment Award recipient, Patrick was recognized for a lifetime of entrepreneurship, generosity and heartfelt investment in student opportunity. After graduating from Central Michigan University, he built a thriving career in the office furniture industry, eventually co-founding Florida Business Interiors, a Haworth Preferred dealership in Orlando.

“What I admire about Lynn is not that he started and ran a successful business, but the way he ran his business,” said longtime colleague Roger Cook. “He was honest, caring and supportive of his employees — always taking a long-term view.”

Patrick’s former business partner Denny Bowman agreed — even if their early rules didn’t last long.

“When Lynn and I first started the company, we got together and set up a few rules, one of which was that we were going to try to stay out of our employees’ personal lives... not become their bank or any of those other things,” Bowman said. “Well, I’m here to tell you that it took all of the very first ask for somebody to come to Lynn and be in need of a paycheck advance... I know for a fact that he actually gave money out of his own pocket on several occasions to help our employees.”

“It just goes to speak to the type of character he was. What a great partner and a great friend. Still.”

Patrick’s deep sense of care extends beyond business. After a scholarship helped him finish his own college education, he made it his mission to pay it forward.

“When I was able to get involved with the university again... it encouraged me to give back,” Patrick said during the ceremony. “Once you give back and see the recognition you get from what the students are achieving... it’s hard not to stay involved.”

In 2020, Patrick established the Lyndell Patrick Scholarship at CMU. He also sponsors awards for the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship Make-A-Pitch Competition and supports scholarships at other Michigan institutions, including Hillsdale College and Western Michigan University. He even created a $100,000 fund in his hometown to support college-bound students from Pittsford Area Schools.

“His involvement has come at a pivotal time,” said Julie Messing, director of CMU’s Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship. “His presence, encouragement and comfortable approach really helped students open up and get engaged.”

Whether he’s in Mount Pleasant or Traverse City, Patrick is a regular at CMU entrepreneurship events — and not just to observe. He listens, encourages and offers advice.

“It’s time, talent and treasure,” Patrick said. “I’m retired, so I’ve got a little more time. The treasure — thankfully, thanks to my business partner and banker — I’ve got a little to give. The talent? Two out of three isn’t bad.”

His family couldn’t be prouder.

“From working at a small-town bank to taking that big risk and starting your own business in Orlando — I’ve always been amazed by your accomplishments,” said his son, Aaron Patrick. “I can’t think of a better person to receive this award.”

Patrick is especially proud of what’s still to come.

“I have four students receiving scholarships I’m involved with as incoming freshmen in the 2025 class,” he said. “That, I’m excited about.”

View Lyndell Patrick's award presentation and tribute video.