Lessons from My Friend, Astrid Tuminez

Today I’m feeling extra grateful for Dr. Astrid Tuminez as she steps down as President of Utah Valley University. I love Astrid- her excitement for life, her contagious energy, and the way she brings joy into leadership (and yes… her love of dancing!). Serving on the UVU Board of Trustees has given me a front-row seat to her heart for students and her steady, courageous presence- especially through an incredibly difficult year with the loss of her husband and the heaviness our campus carried after the shooting. She has shown up with grace, strength, and humanity, again and again.

Astrid has taught me so much, but three lessons stand out that I want to pass on:

1) You are not obligated to stay inside the mold you were handed. Your beginning can be real and hard and still not be your ending. You can bloom beyond your circumstances and become someone new.

2) Energy is contagious- the way you walk into a room matters, and choosing hope, warmth, and positivity can change a whole team, a whole campus, a whole day.

3) Dancing and good music can change everything- they don’t erase grief or stress, but they remind your body and your spirit that you’re still alive, still moving, still capable of joy. 🤍

What’s especially meaningful to me is that my connection to Astrid started long before UVU, back to her teenage years in the Philippines, where she formed a tender friendship with Jeremy’s grandparents while they served in Manila. That connection has stayed with the Andrus family all these years. Astrid, thank you for your service, your leadership, and your light. I’m cheering for you—always. 💚💚💚