Linda Lindsay Memorial Scholarship

Linda Lindsay was the beloved daughter of the Reverend H.C. and June Lindsay of Paradise Valley, Arizona. As a child Linda had great difficulty with her eyesight which, in turn, affected her ability to learn. When she was put back a grade in elementary school, it affected her self-esteem her entire life. Despite her visual handicap, Linda was smart and independent and held several responsible business positions. She also loved to fish. She was interested in any activity that assisted those who were less fortunate—physically, mentally or in other ways. That’s why her mother designed this scholarship at Cal Lutheran for those preparing for teaching positions in the field of special education.

The story of this scholarship began in 1977 when Linda’s parents presented CLU with a $2,500 check to establish a memorial fund in her honor. Rev. H. C. Lindsay was pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley for many years. He was known as a pioneer Lutheran and was a graduate of Hamma School of Theology, which later merged into Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.

Starting with that first gift, the college paid close attention to developing a relationship with the Lindsays, especially since they were so well connected to Lutheran academic institutions throughout the United States. Over the years, at least five CLU administrators made personal visits to the Lindsay home in Arizona. Following Pastor Lindsay’s death in 1982, his widow named the learning assistance classroom in CLU’s Pearson Library in memory of her husband.

H.C. and June Lindsay were also the parents of a son and two other daughters. But it was the scholarship established in Linda’s memory that drew faithful and generous support from June Lindsay until her death in 2001. The gifts were, without fail, sent “in memory of our dear, dear Linda,” proof that a mother’s love never dies.

The Linda Lindsay Memorial Scholarship was designed for CLU students who plan to become special education teachers.