Class Year: 1990

Kiersten Krause ’97

The Hope College Alumni Association Board of Directors has appointed four new members. The board’s new members are: Craig DeSousa ’72 of Garden City, New York; Liam Naumann ’25 of Wyckoff, New Jersey; Marissa Solorzano ’19 of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Gaye van den Hombergh ’81 of Lincolnshire, Illinois. (Pictured clockwise starting from the top… Continue Reading →

Michele Sterk ’91 Schoon

Michele Sterk Schoon was presented the 2023 Hope for Humanity Award. Teammates from the 1990 National Championship team came back and surprised her for this honor. Michele R. (Sterk) Schoon, 53, of Ludington, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Michele was born on July 15, 1969, the daughter of Vern and Carla (VandeBunte) Sterk.… Continue Reading →

Kierun Givens ’93

Kierin Givens, beloved mother, daughter and sister, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 8, 2023, after a one-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Kierin was dearly loved by her three teenage children, Jack, Sam and Ally Caldwell. She enjoyed spending time with them on family vacations, going to family Christian camp… Continue Reading →

Christopher Carpenter ’90

Christopher Carpenter ’90 became vice chair of implementation and innovation at Mayo Clinic-Rochester in June. He continues to lead the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine’s Guidelines for Reasonable and Appropriate Care in the emergency department effort, the first clinical practice guidelines for emergency medicine. He is also on the leadership core for clinician-scientists transdisciplinary research,… Continue Reading →

Heidi Sunderhaft ’90

Heidi Sunderhaft ’90 has moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she is a certified Global Gallup’s Strengths coach and teaches Pilates after a career in the K-12 education world. Continue Reading →

Brett Geier ’94

Brett Geier ’94 is a professor in the department of educational leadership, research and technology at Western Michigan University. He is currently publishing two books: Palgrave’s Handbook of Educational Thinkers and The Roberts Court and K-12 Public Education. Continue Reading →

Heather Bair ’97 Brake

Heather Bair ’97 Brake received the HHS Secretary’s Commendation Award on Tuesday, Aug. 22. The award was given to several representatives across the federal government who served as leaders in the COVID-19 response. Heather is a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service and currently serves as the communications director for environmental health at… Continue Reading →

Amy DeVries ’90 Ritsema

Amy Ritsema, age 55 of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed into her eternal home on Thursday August 17, 2023. Amy was born on January 26, 1968, to Father, Edward J DeVries of Crossville Tennessee and Mother, Joan Lieffers DeVries of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Amy was preceded in death by Joan and Ray Lieffers, Maternal Grandparents, John,… Continue Reading →

Jeff Baxter ’94

Jeff Baxter ’94 has published two books, Jewish Insights: Modern and Ancient Beliefs To Grow Your Understanding of the Bible and Faith, and Exploring Israel: Helpful Insights For Studying The Land of The Bible. Continue Reading →

Richard Blair ’94

Richard Blair ’94 was inducted into The National Academy of Inventors as a Fellow. This is an honor for academics with a strong record of invention and innovation. The Academy consists of members whose backgrounds include science, engineering and medicine. Continue Reading →

Marc Montpetit ’97 and Charlene Tyke ’97

Marc Montpetit ’97 and Charlene Tyke ’97 purchased Olives Restaurant in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, in October 2022. They enlisted the design services of well-known designer Jean Stoffer to elevate the restaurant to match the quality of the scratch-made food. The renovation and remodeling process was filmed for an episode of The Established Home on… Continue Reading →

Nontsikelelo Sisulu-Singpai ’97

May 16-18 “Milestone Weekend” a Chance to Enjoy Hope without Exams or Papers Talks by alumni and faculty on topics ranging from mountain climbing around the world to brain-regeneration research at Hope, campus tours and updates about the college, and opportunities to connect with other members of the Hope family will all be among the… Continue Reading →

Kara Sporer ’98 Lardinois

Kara Sporer ’98 Lardinois recently completed 20 years of service as a physical therapist at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. She is an assistant manager for an outpatient pediatric team in the Department of Rehabilitation Services. Continue Reading →

Kari Vandrese ’98 Zamora

Kari Vandrese ’98 Zamora was invited to perform at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in December as the director of the Faubion Middle School honors orchestra. The group was one of the two middle school orchestras chosen nationally. This is the second time that her orchestra has been invited. Continue Reading →

Sherry Grupp ’90 Schuen

Sherry Schuen‘s struggle with ALS ended on November 22, 2023 at the age of 55.  She is survived by her husband, James, and her two adult children, Brendan and Abigail ’23, as well as, her furry family members, a golden retriever Finnigan, and two cats, Rue and Poppy. Also, she is survived by her mother and… Continue Reading →