HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF LARS J. LUND

On 2026-08-06, Representative Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF LARS J. LUND" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF LARS J. LUND

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 129 (Thursday, August 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 129 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E775-E776] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF LARS J. LUND _____ HON. KEVIN MULLIN of california in the house of representatives Thursday, August 6, 2026 Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, leadership, and enduring contributions of Lars J. Lund, an educator whose steadfast commitment to service strengthened countless students, families, and communities across the San Francisco Bay Area. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Lund exemplified integrity, faith, and a profound dedication to Catholic education. Mr. Lund's work spanned more than three decades, most notably at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California, where he served as a Theology Teacher, Associate Principal, and ultimately President. His leadership at Serra shaped generations of young people, guided faculty and staff with compassion, and strengthened the school's mission. As a graduate of Serra's Class of 1988, I had the privilege of knowing Mr. Lund as my teacher. His thoughtful guidance left a lasting impression on me, as it did on so many of my classmates and students who followed. It is often said within our community, ``once a Padre, always a Padre,'' and Mr. Lund embodied that spirit fully and faithfully. His exceptional leadership earned recognition at the national and state levels. He was honored in 2002 by the Institute for Catholic Educational Leadership at the University of San Francisco for distinguished service to the Catholic school community, and he received a California State Assembly Certificate of Recognition for outstanding service as Principal. In 2003, Mr. Lund received the National Catholic Educational Association's Secondary Schools Award for his significant contributions to American Catholic secondary education. In 2008, Congresswoman Jackie Speier issued a proclamation acknowledging his exemplary service to Serra as both a teacher and administrator. Mr. Lund's dedication extended beyond Serra. He contributed scholarly work to national publications on Catholic education, served on editorial teams for major assessment initiatives, and authored chapters that helped shape national conversations on religious education. His leadership continued at other mission-driven institutions, including his service as Interim President at Justin-Siena High School and later as Head of School at Mission Dolores Academy in San Francisco. At Mission Dolores Academy, he successfuljy implemented the school's inaugural strategic plan, strengthened operations across key areas, established new governance structures, modernized facilities, and created innovative spaces, such as the Golden State Warriors/Ross Stores Reading Room to support student learning and leadership development. Across all roles, Mr. Lund led with humility, purpose, and an abiding belief in the dignity of every student. His work was characterized by [[Page E776]] thoughtful stewardship, collaborative leadership, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening school communities. He was admired for his quiet strength, his compassion, and a deep faith that animated every aspect of his service. Mr. Lund's impact cannot be measured solely by titles or accolades, but by the countless lives he touched through kindness, mentorship, and example. His legacy is carried forward in the strong communities he helped build, the institutions he shaped, and the many individuals he inspired, As a former student, I remain personally grateful for the formative role he played in my own education and development. Mr. Lund passed peacefully on July 13, 2026, at the age of 67. He is survived by his wife Mary, his children, Theresa Crockett, Kathleen Lund, Kevin Lund, and his grandchildren, Harrison and Avery Crockett. May his life of service and faith continue to inspire us, and may his memory be a blessing to the community he served with such devotion. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in celebrating and commemorating the life and accomplishments of Lars J. Lund. ____________________