Life University Staff Council Newsletter Volume 6 Issue 3, Summer 2015 | Page 7

Remembering Cynthia Lund
Cynthia Lund hailed from Washington State.
She began her chiropractic adventure in the
1990s at Palmer University before migrating
to Life University in 2004. Her “can do”
attitude, creative influence and thinking were
instrumental in establishing the beginning
of our successful clinics and Gateway
programs. As the Director of Auxiliary
Services, her position touched nearly every
area on campus, and she was the “go to”
person for all things shuttle-, food- or eventrelated.
Cynthia loved Life University and rarely
missed a campus event of any kind; you could count on seeing her at
whatever was going on. Be it a committee meeting, First Thursday (now
the LIFE Involvement Fair Experience), a concert series, holiday bash,
fundraiser or an athletics event, there she’d be wearing her nametag,
with a smile on her face, cell phone in hand. We all know Fall CE will
never be the same without her. Many may not realize that without fail,
she attended every Clinic Gateway and quarterly graduation ceremony
from the time of her arrival at Life U until just prior to her passing. When

asked why she always attended the ceremonies, she said, “It reminds me
of why we’re all here.” What a statement to her dedication for what we do
every day.
She loved to laugh and gave herself over easily to joy in the everyday
that might be overlooked by someone less observant and purposeful in
creating his or her own happiness. She had a huge heart and enormous
smile; those are two things everyone she touched will always remember
about her. In the words of Dr. Riekeman, “… she was loved and
appreciated as a warrior with a kind and gentle soul.” While she declined
politely the opportunity for anyone to ‘fuss’ over her, Cynthia opened her
life and her home often to abandoned senior dogs that she would adopt
and love, making their remaining days comfortable, happy ones. She
held fast to that philosophy and unselfish nature to the end.

HERE ARE SOME OF CYNTHIA’S FAVORITE QUOTES:
“Actually, I just woke up one day and decided I didn’t want to feel like that
anymore, or ever again, so I changed. Just like that.” -Unknown
“There are going to be times when we can’t wait for somebody. Now,
you’re either on the bus or off the bus.” -Ken Kesey

SEVERAL STAFF AND FACULTY MEMBERS SHARED WITH US THEIR
FONDEST MEMORIES OF CYNTHIA:
“My all-time favorite was when a group of directors
were given an early tour of Lyceum Park after the
major improvements were completed but prior
to opening. When the group got to the fountain
area where the Eight Core Proficiencies were each
engraved in a boulder, someone noticed that
‘Integrity’ had been misspelled. Cynthia chimed in that
she did not think that it was such a big deal and said
‘It’s not like it is carved in stone.’” ~ Bill Jarr
“This lady walks into Clinic Administration with a
big smile on her face in faded jeans carrying a bunch
of boxes. She starts unpacking and keeps bringing
in more boxes. I think she must be from out west
because there seems to be a hint of Berkley in her.
She is very excited, and I say hello, and she replies,
‘I am Dr. Gross’s Administration Assistant, and I love
clinics,’ and boy, did she. She was the taskmaster and,
man, did we get things done!” ~ Dr. Steve Mirtschink
“Though I connected with Cynthia on a number of
occasions at LIFE, and she was always helpful and
serving, my fondest memory is having her attend a
couple parties at our home in 2014. At first, she was
somewhat shy and maybe even a bit distant. My wife
Melissa and Cynthia entered a conversation about
their mutual love of rocks and crystals. Melissa offered
her a large pink quartz, and at first she refused to
accept it, not wanting to take it from Melissa. Melissa
insisted and let her know that she would be so
pleased if Cynthia accepted her gift. She respectfully
accepted the gift, and a friendship was born. Cynthia
went about her life in quiet: she served, she did, she
loved and she gave, with no expectation of return.
She was a living example of Lasting Purpose. I miss
her already. R.I.P. Cynthia Lund.” ~ Dr. Gilles LaMarche

“Here’s a great pic of Cyn from our trip to Seattle/
Bainbridge Island in 2008.” ~ Nita Looney
“My favorite memories are of times spent with
Cynthia laughing … usually about absolutely nothing.
I can still hear her saying, ‘Oh, my God!’ with that
contagious smile on her face. Hard to believe she’s
gone, but my life, and LIFE, is certainly better for her
presence. My friend, mentor, confidant, inspiration,
at times my biggest cheerleader, but always my
‘compass North’ to navigate Life U. She was truly
loved and will be missed. Rest peacefully now, dear
friend.” ~ Shelia Wood
“I’ve known Cynthia for the better part of my life…
she was always there… providing support, advice
(sometimes unsolicited as only real friends do), and
even a shoulder to cry on when needed, but always
there. Cynthia was one of the most committed
people on the planet to chiropractic and a Vitalistic
approach to life and living; even more so than many
chiropractors in the world. She was a relentless
chiropractic warrior, had a never ending faith in
the human spirit, and was my hero for too many
reasons to name here. She loved Brian Andreas so

I leave you with these two quotes that capture her
essence so very well. To my best friend….”
“Anyone can slay a dragon ...but try waking up every
morning and loving the world all over again. That’s
what takes a real hero.” - Brian Andreas
“In my dream, the angel shrugged and said, if we fail
this time, it will be a failure of imagination, and then
she placed the world gently in the palm of my hand.”
-Brian Andreas ~ Dr. Tim Gross 

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