[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

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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.

                          ____________________