I was thinking recently about those important moments in your life that send you down a certain path, changing your life forever. For me, one of the most profound moments in my life was during my sophomore year at Michigan State University. I was doing well in my classes but struggling to see myself as a chemical engineer in the future. I went to see Mrs. Cynthia Sarver for guidance. I'm so glad I did. What she told me, set me off on a totally different course, taking me down the path that led me to where I am today. 

During our conversation, I told Cynthia about my love of science but my struggle picturing a career in engineering. I was developing into a social butterfly and couldn't picture myself in a cubicle or plant, plugging away at numbers and equations.  I worried that I wouldn't be using my newly developing people skills and that I couldn't be fulfilled as an engineer. Cynthia asked me if I'd ever considered a career in medicine. She was the first person to tell me I'd make a great doctor. A seed was planted that day. The idea of medical school seemed daunting at first. But it took root as Cynthia walked me through scheduling the right pre-requisite courses and encouraged me. 

That gentle nudge in a different direction changed my life. I wish I had thought about it and contacted her before she passed. I owe my fulfilling career in the medical profession to Mrs. Sarver and hope I have made her proud.

Dr. Katrina (Adams) Green
MSU School of Engineering Class of 2003
Wayne State University School of Medicine Class of 2008


Dear John and family:

I'm sorry for your loss.  In my opinion, the hardest part is the silence when someone you love is physically gone.

Cynthia was my advisor at MSU.  She was a consummate professional.  Most importantly, she was kind and cared about all of us.  She spent a considerable amount of time with me to ensure I got everything I needed.   If she impacted my life as one student, just imagine all of the students she has affected.   She's certainly one of God's blessings to MSU.

As ever,

Carol Barry

When I joined the College of Engineering, Cynthia spent days training me.  She was always a mentor, role model and colleague extraordinaire to me and to all around her.  Cynthia's professionalism and dedication was beyond reproach, yet her warm, gracious style permeated every one of her interactions.  

Cynthia's legacy is the positive difference she made in students and professionals lives.  

We love you, Ma Sarver. Thank you for showing me the true meaning of kindness and welcoming me into your family. I will miss your laugh, even when my jokes were horrible. 

Lindsay, Cavan, Jonathan and I are lucky to have you in our lives and we will never forget you. If you run into my mom, I’m sure you both will chat up a storm :)

Rest In Peace , Ma Sarver. 

- Brian

Cynthia was an elegant and thoughtful woman, and the world is a better place for her having been here. She will be missed.

I met Cynthia in 1997.  Our daughter couldn't decide where to go to Engineering school, so I called MSU.  They referred me to Cynthia and she said come on up and we will show you around.  I remember when I met her she was so welcoming, friendly , and a great advocate for the university.  She arranged to give us a tour and even arranged to meet with the "best professor."  I was impressed.  She was so helpful.  Our daughter ended up going to MSU and graduated in Chemical Engineering and became friends with Cynthia all because of our first introduction.  What a wonderful lady!

Dear Sarver Family, 
You have not met me but I happened to see the news about Cynthia in the MSU Daily E-news. I met Cynthia  when I joined the College of Engineering Academic Advising team as a new Adviser in 1995. I left in 1999 and have not seen or talked with her since then. But I wanted to share with you that  I appreciated her so much: for her wisdom in "all things related to academic advising"  her generous and helpful coaching to a new adviser, and most of all for her kind spirit and encouragement. I just wanted you to know that she made a difference in my life and in the life of so many students and colleagues.   

My sincerest condolences  
Authella Collins Hawks
Past MSU Colleague 

Dear John and family,
We are so very sorry to learn of Cynthia's passing.  When last we spoke I did not realize how ill she was.  Cynthia and you were the first people in the newly developing subdivision that Helen and I met.   It does seem like such a short time ago.  I am at home most days so if there is something I might do for you, please do contact me:517.285.5190.  We're just around the corner.  We do wish you and your family peace in this most grievous time.
Godspeed,
Ron and Helen Priest

I remember Cynthia well from her days as the Chem Engineering advisor. She was a wonderful woman who always has the needs of the students she advised at heart. As the obituary says, she "felt she had the best job in the world and loved working with her students" and it showed! 

To John:
So sorry for your loss.
I remember Cynthia from the years I worked for you at the Energy Office.  The two of you hosted the best office parties at your home and Cynthia was always so gracious to everyone.

My condolences to you and your family.

John and family:  So sorry for your loss.  You are all included in our prayers.    Ron and Mo.   (Worked with John at OPLA/Energy Office.)

Dear John and family,

I am so very sorry for your loss.  Cynthia was a professional and personal role model to me.  Working across the hall from each for many years, I learned so much about counseling, higher education, women leaders, and being a mom from our one-on-one and group conversations.  Cynthia always listened intensely and cared deeply.  Prayers for you all as you grieve and remember.

Regina Zmich

Dear John, Alison, and Lindsay - 
I am so incredibly saddened by the news of Cynthia's passing. She was such an incredible woman. I worked with Cynthia at MSU for 7 years. She was truly a colleague that inspired you to be your best. I cannot even begin to share how much impact Cynthia had on me as a young professional. Her approach to her role was always centered around students first. 

We also had so many good times, namely during the basketball season and March madness. She would study teams and be quite informed about her picks, all while the rest of us thought about the team colors we liked and mascots. When we found out some of the basketball players would walk through engineering to get to another building, we would hang out in the hall and wait to see if we could catch a glimpse of a player. 

Please know the tremendous impact your partner, mom, and grandmother had on all those she came in contact with. She leaves a lasting legacy of her poise and grace as she navigated the world. 

Love to you all-
Anne Hornak 

Our heartfelt wishes go out to John and family. I knew Cynthia prior to 1998, but really got to know her after that, when I became her boss for about 15 years as Associate Dean, supervising our academic advisers. I learned much from her, as I was supervising advisors with no advising experience myself. Her background in counseling was an added plus, and she was always helpful when we had students in a stressful situation. She knew much more about basketball than me, and she kept me up to date on the team. We will all miss her.
Tom Wolff

My thoughts and prayers are with the Sarver family.  I first met Cynthia when I was selected for a student services practicum academic advising experience in the College of Engineering in 1981.  Cynthia and her colleagues impressed me so much as mentors that I decided on Academic Advising as my career choice at that time.  Cynthia always made me feel like a member of the team, even though I was only a temporary practicum student.  When I graduated with my Masters degree, I was then hired by the College of Engineering to work as an Academic Adviser with Cynthia and her colleagues.  Cynthia was one of the friendliest, most caring, respectful and professional colleagues I have ever had the opportunity to work with for about 20 years.  She was adored by all faculty, staff and students who came across her path, and not only made a huge positive contribution to my professional development experiences, but also made a great beneficial impact while she was at MSU.  Cynthia will indeed be missed by all who knew her.  My heartfelt sympathies and condolences are with Cynthia's family during this difficult time.


We've enjoyed hearing from you every Christmas and had no idea Cynthia was not doing well. We remember her smiling face and sunny disposition as she exuded cheer and positivity. She loved her family and job and was a blessing to those she knew. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Sincerely,
Betty and Dick Venator

Cynthia and I met in the late 70s while working at MOIS and later were academic advising colleagues at MSU. I remember so vividly the day I visited Cynthia shortly after the birth of her daughter: there she was enjoying nursing her newborn, and there I was telling her about an advising job opening at MSU's College of Engineering where I worked as a departmental advisor.  Cynthia was finishing her MA at UM and had the perfect credentials. Lo and behold, she applied for the job and got it! Funny how she remained there till retirement, and I left after only a few years when my first child was born! We didn't stay in close touch after I left, but would occasionally run into each other at coffee shops or the mall and, without missing a beat, would spend time catching up. Cynthia was caring, understanding and dedicated to her students and her family. She had the best laugh, and I loved the way her face lit up when laughing at a good joke or story. My deepest condolences to John and the family.

To John, your wonderful daughters and the extended family, I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.  I have so many wonderful memories of my time with Cynthia at MSU.  She was my mentor and my friend.  We laughed, cried, shared experiences and wonderful memories.  My life is so much richer for having know her; my colleague and my friend.  I will always think of her with fondness and love.  She will be missed by so many, but we will always have wonderful memories.  May you find peace in this time.

OBITUARY

Cynthia Jean Sarver

June 2, 1946 – June 5, 2020

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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