Lynn Neu, Pastoral Associate

lneu@ucsd.edu

Lynn has office hours at the Center of Ethics and Spirituality on campus (across from the Cashier's Office) on most Tuesdays, 10 a.m – 4 p.m. and on Thursday mornings. On Wednesdays (10-4) and Thursday afternoons (2-5) you can find her at Good Samaritan.

Biography

Welcome to the Catholic Community at UCSD! I’m known as the “group hugger” so consider yourself hugged as you read this. If you’re not comfortable with that, consider a big smile! =)

I was born in Kenosha, WI on Dec. 24, 1947…on a snowy Christmas Eve. I have one older brother who lives in Banning. Both my parents are deceased. If you knew them, you’d love them! I grew up in a small town, small house, surrounded largely with love! Catholic grade school is where I first met up with the Dominicans…the nuns. I loved them so much that I decided to become one of them. That led me to the convent for 6 years, freshman year in high school through sophomore year in college. The schools were co-ed so my upbringing was pretty “normal!” I loved those years for all the ways I grew spiritually and intellectually. And, I had a front row seat to watch Vatican II unfold from “inside” the institution. The role of the laity increased with Vatican II and I realized that’s how my vocation would play out. I’ve absolutely loved my 36 years of ministry as a lay married woman in the church.

I graduated from the University of WI -Whitewater in 1971 with a BSEd and a teaching credential in English and Religion. My career began as a teacher in the religion department at my alma mater (1971-81). Somewhere in the middle of that, I commuted to Loyola University in Chicago and finished my Masters in Religious Ed. (1977).

I married Jerry just as I finished my last summer session at Loyola. Best decision I ever made! We’ve been married for 30 years. I have two stepchildren… well… adults now. Julie’s 45 and David is 50! We have two granddaughters, one in HS, one in college. Then, there’s our sweet cat, Miss Tilly…loved by all who know her, tolerated by those with allergies!

Before coming to UCSD, I served as the Director of Youth Ministry for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee (1981-91). Great job! Great opportunity for growth! Did that for 10 years, then moved to CA to be closer to family and to live in paradise. I started working for the Catholic Community at UCSD in 1991… 16 years ago… breaking my “10 year” work history at my other jobs. It must be love!

I love to cook and entertain, travel, and connect! I’m a three-year ovarian cancer survivor and am willing to share that experience with you. Last year I took a sabbatical break to rest, play and write. I’m working on a book entitled In TheGodbox.Com: Spiritual Connections When Times Are Tough. It’s about the power of prayer, the power of community and the power of the internet when times are tough. Let me know if you want to be connected to my weekly God Box. It’s an awesome virtual community of loving kindness that emerged as I went into remission.

My challenge to you? Be the change you want to see in the world. [Mohandas Gandhi] and my wish for you? Grace and Peace!