297 IN MEMORY OF Harding’s global community lost a friend, mentor, leader and champion on Dec. 31, 2022, when Lindy Lunceford Ingram died unexpectedly. Often in response to our grief and shock we turn to the words of the prophet Isaiah, who observes the righteous perish and the devout taken from us; and we cannot wrap our hearts and minds around why they are taken away. I was reminded recently the word “perish” historically meant to pass too soon, such as in one’s youth or in one’s prime. Though Lindy was 60 years old when she died, the term fits. Lindy’s list of good deeds and accomplishments is long enough for two lifetimes, but she was only getting started. She was months shy of completing a law degree (at an age when most people are preparing for retirement) for the sole purpose of helping individuals and families through various acute struggles. She was fairly new to Harding’s Board of Trustees, but was already finding ways to utilize her experience, expertise, resources and passion to make an impact. Lindy and her, husband, Nathan, have been among the most generous financial supporters of Harding’s mission, but their generosity extended well beyond supplying much-needed funds to a variety of projects. A long list of individuals quietly received gifts at just the right time in the midst of a personal crisis. Students saw Lindy selflessly give her time and effort as a mentor, leader and teacher, especially within the College of Business Administration, which awarded her alumna of the year in 2018. On the board, Lindy contributed her high-level, experience as a hospital owner and executive to the group’s oversight and strategic planning. Lindy was beyond passionate about everything important in her life: family, church, Harding and much more. She was at her core a fierce competitor, and that trait revealed itself well beyond the softball field, where she once played for the Bisons. She loved to sing and cherished her years as part of the Harding Chorale. She used her energy and resources to powerfully support and advocate for the women in her world. She displayed hospitality at a level few ever will achieve. She translated her love for animals into the creation of an equine therapy program. She even excelled in her hobbies, being known as a talented cook, painter, writer and crafter. Even if God were to provide us a full explanation for why Lindy was taken from us so soon, perhaps we couldn’t even comprehend the answer. Isaiah indicates that those who perish are spared anymore negative experiences in this fallen world and enjoy muchdeserved peace and rest. While so many of us involved with Harding looked forward to working alongside Lindy for many years to come for the good of the University and its students, faculty and staff, we take some comfort in Isaiah’s words. Written by: Craig Cheatham IN MEMORY OF Harding Board of Trustees Lindy Ingram
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