Campus mourns passing of Lindsay Kagy

Update May 12: Celebration of Life service planned for Lindsay Kagy

Earlier today, President Rob Huntington announced the passing of Lindsay Kagy, administrative assistant in Student Affairs, with the following letter to the campus community:

To the Heidelberg Family,
 
Our hearts are heavy with the sad news that our colleague and friend, Lindsay Kagy, passed away early this morning, surrounded by her mother, Mary, her brother, Mark, and several close friends.  She was 55 years old.
 
Lindsay had worked for a number of local businesses after graduating from Heidelberg in 1985.  She joined the Heidelberg family in May 2002 as an administrative assistant, dividing her time between the Honors Program and supporting the faculty in Pfleiderer Center.  In 2007, her responsibilities shifted to the Honors Program and the Owen Center for Academic & Career Support.  About five years ago, she became a full-time administrative assistant in Student Affairs, working closely with Student Engagement and with Religious Life and Civic Engagement.  It was the perfect fit for Lindsay, who had such a strong love and compassion for working with students and helping them succeed both academically and personally.
 
Her positive impact on campus extended far beyond her administrative duties, as her colleagues and current and former students will attest.  Lindsay always had a smile on her face.  Her kindness, warmth, caring and selflessness will be remembered and appreciated by all of us.
 
Lindsay excelled at being part of a team and valued these experiences on campus.  Often, she was called to take on a leadership role, and she accepted graciously and performed admirably.  She accompanied students on every Alternative Break trip to Biloxi, Mississippi, as an advisor, guiding students to embrace the value of service to others.  For the past six years, she served as a member of the Lichtman-Behm Genocide Lecture Series Committee.  Among her multiple roles with the committee, Lindsay masterfully organized and managed hundreds of local schoolchildren who arrived on campus annually to participate in that program.  She had a passion for commuter students, often organizing meals and special activities for them to ensure they remained engaged with the University.  She was an integral part of the New Student Orientation team, again handling logistics and day-to-day tasks, as well as a beloved advisor to the women of the Euglossian Society.  

Many of us will also remember Lindsay as the instructor of lunchtime yoga classes.  She embraced this lifestyle whole-heartedly, living in the moment and giving to others while she kept private her own personal needs.

 
Chaplain Paul Sittason Stark and retired UCC Pastor Cathy Wirth are co-planning a memorial service for Lindsay that will take place on campus in the next week or two.  We will share details as soon as they are finalized.
 
We have lost a very special human being.  At times like these – when our support for each other is extraordinary – I am reminded how blessed we are to be part of our wonderful and caring Heidelberg family.  Lindsay Kagy is one of many who helped make it this way.
 
May Lindsay’s beautiful spirit remain with us forever.