Gustavus Adolphus College will officially dedicate the Christ Chapel Memorial Garden, a newly constructed space that includes a columbarium just to the east of Christ Chapel, during a ceremony at 11:30 a.m. following the Homecoming Worship Service on Sunday, Sept. 29.
The construction of the Christ Chapel Memorial Garden and columbarium were made possible through gifts from the Lindau family. Nancy Lindau, her late husband, Phil Sr. ’58, and their children Philip Jr. ’84 and his wife, Sharon ’84, and Karen ’86 and her husband, Johann ’86 Peikert, are respected and long-standing members of the Gustavus community.
“For many people, their alma mater remains a place where they stay connected and consider home throughout their entire life,” President Jack Ohle said. “The Christ Chapel Memorial Garden provides a way to connect generations of Gusties. It serves as a visual reminder of those who came before us who loved this College and we are all woven together into the fabric of the College history forever. Gustavus is grateful to the Lindau Family for making the Memorial Garden possible.”
Throughout the years, the Lindau Family has strengthened the College in countless ways and deepened its roots as a church-related academic institution. Phil Sr. served on the College’s Alumni Board, Board of Trustees, and chair both the Three Crowns Campaign (1994-97) and Building a Greater Gustavus Campaign (1999-2004). Phil and Nancy were charter members of the College’s Founders Society and received the Greater Gustavus Award in 2003. Phil, Sharon, and Karen have also served in various volunteer roles at the College. The family created the annual Lindau Symposium in 2006, designed to bring speakers to campus that ensure students have access to a wide range of viewpoints that will cultivate an appreciation for civil discourse.
The Christ Chapel Memorial Garden and columbarium has 285 niches with the capacity to hold both single and double inurnments. The College expects to be ready for inurnments starting in November. Those interested in learning more may contact the Chaplains’ Office for more information, or visit gustavus.edu/president/memorialgarden.php.
Read the Mankato Free Press story about the Christ Chapel Memorial Garden.
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