News from Hope College is published during April, August and December for alumni, friends and parents of Hope College by the Division of Public Affairs and Marketing.
Thomas VanDahm ’48 had his original composition chosen for publication in the spring issue of The American Recorder. The title is “Gugue” and it is for four-part recorder ensembles.
Art Van Eck ’48 and Bea VanHeest ’53 Van Eck were honored at the meeting of board members of the Fife Lake Historical Society for years of dedicated service. In October, they went on a Canadian cruise with three of their children and spouses, one of whom is Barbara Van Eck ’72.
Norma Hoffman ’52 Richardson of Mount Pleasant, Michigan, was recognized in November for 50 years as a faculty member at Central Michigan University, where she teaches Spanish. After graduation from Hope, she received her M.A. degree from the University of Iowa, where she was a teaching assistant. She earned an ABD from the University of … Continue reading "Norma Hoffman ’52 Richardson"
Lawrence Schut ’58 worked as a neurologist at CentraCare Clinic, a multispecialty clinic in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for 17 years. He retired in August 2014 but in April 2016 he was asked to join the University of Minnesota Physicians to see specific patients with the diagnosis of ataxia. His primary interest is the hereditary degenerative … Continue reading "Lawrence Schut ’58"
Dwayne “Tiger” Teusink ’58 was honored in September with the naming of the 12-court tennis facility at Holland High School “The Tiger Teusink Tennis Courts.” He was also honored in October as one of “Seven over Seventy” individuals recognized by Resthaven and The Holland Sentinel for extraordinary achievements. It was noted that Tiger coached for … Continue reading "Dwayne “Tiger” Teusink ’58"
Carl Ver Beek ’59 was selected for the Indiana University Law School’s Academy of Law Alumni Fellows. Induction into the Academy is the highest honor the Maurer School of Law can bestow upon one of its graduates, and recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves in their careers through personal achievements and dedication to the highest … Continue reading "Carl Ver Beek ’59"
Jerry Hill ’61 reports that he is turning 77 in April, having retired in 1999. Since then he has provided technical consulting for aerospace companies including Boeing, Raytheon, ITT and IITRI (Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute). He had provided project management for telemetry acquisitions for Topex-Poseidon, an oceanographic data-gathering satellite. Completing that project with … Continue reading "Jerry Hill ’61"
P. John Paarlberg Jr. ’61 and Dale Church ’62 Paarlberg→
P. John Paarlberg Jr. ’61 and Dale Church ’62 Paarlberg are living in a retirement community in Jacksonville, Florida. He reports that their youngest son, Jonathan, lives nearby with his family. When they moved there in May 2016, they met a lady who described herself as “sister-in-law” of D. Ivan Dykstra ’35. They are currently attending … Continue reading "P. John Paarlberg Jr. ’61 and Dale Church ’62 Paarlberg"
Betty Whitaker ’62 Jackson of Palm Bay, Florida, reports that since her retirement from classroom teaching after 40 years and in five states she is now an author. Her first book, It’s a God Thing!, has a setting similar to Hope College. Her 13th book was published in December, and her books include a fiction … Continue reading "Betty Whitaker ’62 Jackson"
Barbara Freggens ’64 O’Brien and Daniel O’Brien celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on board Holland America’s MS Koningsdam cruising the Greek Isles with a renewal of wedding vows performed by Captain Emiel de Vries.
Peter Paulsen ’64 and Lydia Thornburg ’13 both serve on the board of the Atlanta branch of a ministry that helps people “…see the face of God in the city.” The ministry is Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflections (DOOR). Pete reports that in quiet moments at board meetings and while working on projects they … Continue reading "Peter Paulsen ’64"
Dick McFall ’65 is currently working as a substitute teacher in Beaverton, Oregon. It’s his 51st year in public education. He lives with his wife, Patti, in Portland.
Richard Hallock ’66 and Anne Knox ’66 Hallock celebrated 51 years of marriage and continue to spend their time in Los Angeles, California; New York; and Sarasota, Florida.
On Saturday, Jan. 28, students with the Washington Honors Semester joined Thelma (Tommye) Leenhouts ’66, a licensed D.C. tour guide, on a walking tour of D.C. monuments and memorials. The tour included: the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt … Continue reading "Thelma (Tommye) Leenhouts ’66"
James Pohl ’67 has retired from 42 years of parish ministry in the United Church of Christ. He and his wife, Mary, live at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.
Harold Lay ’68 retired after 38 years of ministry in the Reformed Church in America. He served five churches in New Jersey and New York, and traveled to RCA mission locations in Honduras, The Sudan, and Ethiopia. He and his wife, Marilyn, moved to Brick, New Jersey, where they are looking forward to new adventures.
Mary Richards ’69 Watson performed with Andrea Bocelli at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on December 15 and 18, singing backup with members of her chorus, the New York Choral Society. The NYCS has been singing annually with Bocelli on the U.S tour since 2000
John Debreceni ’70 reports the 40th anniversary of Camp Sunrise, a summer residential camp for special needs children, founded by John and the youth of the Wyckoff Reformed Church. He is the director of human resources at a digital marketing communications company in New York City.
Wendell Wierenga ’70 will be honored during the annual Alumni Banquet on Saturday, April 29 with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Alumni Weekend Information
Rosezina Bard ’71 is in her second year of teaching overseas in Micronesia. Last year she was a volunteer teacher with World Teach in Micronesia, teaching both ninth grade English and kindergarten. She reports that she was blessed to be able to use both of her teaching certificates. This year she is teaching with a … Continue reading "Rosezina Bard ’71"
Don Poest ’71 reports that he retired in September after 38 years as pastor of the Brunswick Reformed Church, although he is still involved to some degree at all levels of denominational work. “God has been and is being incredibly good to me,” he writes.
Arlan TenClay ’71 reports that his wife Sondra was completely healed from her third bout with cancer on Aug. 8, 2016, on the day of her death, which occurred four days following their 44th wedding anniversary.
The book Elephant Baseball by Paul Heusinkveld ’72 of Holland, Michigan, offers an insider’s view of a unique world: the boarding-school experience of the missionary kid. Now retired after a career with the U.S. Department of State, Paul was a student at Kodaikanal School in the mountains of south India from fifth grade through high … Continue reading "Paul Heusinkveld ’72"
Fonda Van Sloten ’72 Kirchmeyer retired after more than 40 years in education. She reports that she continues her church, activism, volunteer and leisure activities, but at a saner and more enjoyable pace. Travel is also in the future when her husband, Rod, retires. They love living in the Southwest.
Kathy Smith ’72 Matthews reports that she is busily retired in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, where she writes for the local newspaper and is a member of the art co-op as a photographer.
Gerry Swieringa ’72 and Peg Francis ’73 Swieringa→
Gerry Swieringa ’72 came out of a short-lived retirement to serve as rector of St. Brendan’s Anglican Church in Bellingham, Washington. He and his wife, Peg Francis ’73 Swieringa, live on a small rural farm where they raise chickens, quail and four grandchildren. He retired from BP American in 2010 after 27 years in the … Continue reading "Gerry Swieringa ’72 and Peg Francis ’73 Swieringa"
Suzanne Rutledge ’72 Viel retired in November 2015, after 41 years in healthcare. Within 10 days she and her husband, Don Viel ’71, had moved to DeWitt, Iowa, to be closer to their son and family. Don is on the golf course and she is enjoying grandson, gardening, quilting and volunteering.
Michael Ebbers ’73 of Green Cove Springs, Florida, retired in 2014 from IBM after more than 40 years of service. In 2015 he married Kathleen and in 2016 they bought a boat and began a trip known as the “Great Loop,” circumnavigating the eastern third of the country on the water. This will include six … Continue reading "Michael Ebbers ’73"
Daniel McAuliffe ’73 reports that he has turned 65 but rather than retire full-time will undertake a new career in teaching. He notes that as a political science major he intended to become a lawyer and save the world. However he had a minor in business which led to him being awarded a George F. … Continue reading "Daniel McAuliffe ’73"
Chadwick Busk ’74 is the co-author of “Curiouser and Curiouser Excuses for Legal Jargon,” an article that was published in the October issue of the Michigan Bar Journal. He continues his solo practice of corporate law after retiring from the Meijer Legal Department in 2014.
Scott Lenheiser ’74 is practicing law in Farmington Hills, Michigan, primarily in real estate, taxation and business law concerns, and in the Greater Detroit and Tri-County areas of Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties. He also reports that he recently acquired an Enfield 2A1 military surplus rifle manufactured in 1958 for the Indian government to introduce … Continue reading "Scott Lenheiser ’74"
Judith Van De Hoef ’75 Bloor of Louisville, Kentucky, has retired from being the executive vice president of the Child Kind Center at Home of the Innocents after 23 years and reports that she is enjoying the transition into this new season of life.
Dave Cluley ’75 is the chair of the national media relations committee for the National Association of Health Underwriters, NAHU.org, a professional association of health insurance agents and insurance carriers. In August, he celebrated five years with Spectrum Health, in the communications and marketing department.
David DeKok ’75 has begun work on a new book with the working title “American Tragedy.” It is about Han Tak Lee, a Korean-American from New York City who was imprisoned in Pennsylvania for 24 years for a crime he did not commit. David’s previous four books include “Murder in the Stacks,” about the murder … Continue reading "David DeKok ’75"
Joan Donaldson ’75 was selected to receive a 2017 honor prize as part of the Jane Yolen Mid-List Honor Award, sponsored by Yolen and given at the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ Winter Conference.
John Bush ’76 retired after 43 years with Sodexo. As COO, he was responsible for business in Canada, Mexico, and the United States as well as supply management for the company’s food and faculty systems. He reports that he is relearning how to live at home and travel for pleasure.
David James ’76 has had his fifth chapbook of poems, Split-Level, published by Finishing Line Press, under the name D.R. James. He is also completing his 30th year of academic coaching in Hope’s Academic Success Center and his 32nd year of teaching in Hope’s Department of English. He and his wife, Suzy Doyle, live in the … Continue reading "David James ’76"
N. Jean Lambert ’76 of Greenville, North Carolina, is working with disabled children as a physical therapist, running a rehab agency with PT, OT and ST. She also plays tennis and sails in eastern North Carolina.
Rebecca Waller ’77 Gillan of Hammond, Louisiana, has released a new FreeSolo piano album called Clouds. The quiet album (#3) is created “in-the-moment” by using jazz and modal harmonies and classical-type melodies. After leaving Hope College, she moved to Los Angeles, California, where she performed regularly with big bands and musical theater, and had a … Continue reading "Rebecca Waller ’77 Gillan"
George Ranville ’78 and Gail Noerenberg ’78 Ranville→
George Ranville ’78 and Gail Noerenberg ’78 Ranville along with their son, Danny, opened Bière De Mac Brew Works, LLC in Mackinaw City, Michigan. George’s family has lived on Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City and in the straits area for many generations.
Laurie Griffen ’78 Vanderbeck of Jenison, Michigan, retired in June 2016 after 38 years teaching special needs students.
Sheryl Radike ’79 Page, Cindy McOwen ’79 Poole, Mimi Miller ’79 Brado and Sandy Busman ’79 Cott→
Sheryl Radike ’79 Page, Cindy McOwen ’79 Poole, Mimi Miller ’79 Brado and Sandy Busman ’79 Cott linked up in Littleton, Colorado, in October 2016. They met as freshmen living in first floor Kollen Hall and have been close friends ever since, and get together every two years for a weekend of fun and reminiscing.
Daniel Hafley ’80 continues to work for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality in Portland, Oregon, as a hydrogeologist and technical lead. He is actively engaged in a variety of urban redevelopment projects and Superfund cleanup work. He reports that his free time revolves around family and the outdoors (hiking, climbing) as well as taking … Continue reading "Daniel Hafley ’80"
Lois Lema ’80 and her basset hound, Dexter, have completed therapy dog training and are just waiting to head into the community in northern New Hampshire.
Barbara Mulder ’80 Wagenmaker is a program manager/supervisor for Children’s Protective Services of Ottawa County with a staff of specialists who investigate child abuse and neglect. She is also serving on the multi-disciplinary team for Ottawa County’s Children’s Advocacy Center with law enforcement, Ottawa County prosecutors, court staff, and service providers in providing services to … Continue reading "Barbara Mulder ’80 Wagenmaker"
David Braak ’82 of Ankeny, Iowa, is a chaplain at Spurgeon Manor extended care facility as well as PRN chaplain with Kindred Hospice. He substitute teaches occasionally.
Pam Spring ’83 is the president of Pam Spring Advertising and celebrated five years in business this past January.
David Ravi Bhaskar ’84 and Karen Wuertz ’86 Bhaskar→
David Ravi Bhaskar ’84 and Karen Wuertz ’86 Bhaskar have recently relocated to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Karen is an ophthalmologist with The Polyclinic in Seattle, Washington, and Ravi is an obstetrician/gynecologist with The Franciscan Medical Group.
Tom Wagner ’84 had photography featured in the De Pree Art Center and Gallery at Hope this spring. His exhibition “No Motherland Without You: Images of North Korea” ran from Friday, Feb. 17 through Thursday, March 15, and showed photographs that Wagner took in North Korea during fur visits between the mid-1990s and early 2000s. … Continue reading "Tom Wagner ’84"
Margaret Oklatner ’85 McCarty serves as the pastor of the Gibson and South Gibson United Methodist Churches. January 2016 marked the start of her 10th year as a substitute teacher in the Mount View School District. She continues to direct the high school’s drama program, producing two shows with students in grades seven through 12 … Continue reading "Margaret Oklatner ’85 McCarty"
Steven Cooper ’87 is in his 15th year running Excella Consulting in Arlington, Virginia, a 220-person information technology firm serving large commercial and federal organizations in and around Washington, D.C.
Larry Wagenaar ’87 was recently reappointed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to a four-year term on the Michigan Historical Commission. The commission serves as an advisory body to the Michigan Historical Center, which is a part a Michigan Department of Natural Resources. He also serves as executive director of the Historical Society of Michigan (since … Continue reading "Larry Wagenaar ’87"
Chris Habben ’88 of Shawnee, Kansas, received this year’s Faculty of Distinction Award from the Kansas Independent College Association (KICA). He is the professor of marriage and family therapy, Kansas City site program director, and Kansas City site specialized accreditation and assessment administrator at Friends University. He was honored, along with faculty members from the … Continue reading "Chris Habben ’88"
Tim Kleyla ’88 has been selected by the director of the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) to serve on the Mortgage Industry Advisory Board for the State of Michigan. The board meets directly with the DIFS regarding mortgage and lending issues concerning consumers and industry within Michigan.
Kevin Kremer ’88 has retired from his position as a middle school science teacher, track and cross-country coach and chief negotiator for Zeeland Public Schools to pursue his dream of serving the community of Hope College via the transportation department. He reports that a highlight of the past year was attending the commencement of his … Continue reading "Kevin Kremer ’88"
Michael Magan ’88 will be honored during the annual Alumni Banquet on Saturday, April 29 with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Alumni Weekend Information
Robin Kasten ’88 Wilson and her husband, Dan, recently retired onto a 36-foot Carver on the East Coast. She reports that the adventure of cruising is in full swing as they have already done a 200-mile trip from Florida’s St. John’s River to the Space Coast on the Intercoastal Waterway. They are currently docked at … Continue reading "Robin Kasten ’88 Wilson"
William Charles Crowley ’92 had the distinct honor of being one of the first Americans ever to teach dance in Cuba since 1959, as part of the U.S.-Cuba People to People cultural exchange program, at the Danza Contemporanea de Cuba in Havana in December 2016. He returned to Hope College for a third year as … Continue reading "William Charles Crowley ’92"
Kimberly Manns ’92 reports that she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in January 2016. After three surgeries, five months of chemotherapy and 25 radiation sessions, she is finished with treatment and saying a grateful good-bye to 2016. She has been promoted to an assistant prosecuting attorney III for Kent County and entered 2017 with … Continue reading "Kimberly Manns ’92"
Jennifer Cameron ’93 reports that she has gained two daughters, Olivia and Callie, through the beautiful gift of adoption. The girls were both born in China. She met Olivia while serving in China in June 2012, and on July 1, 2013 they were declared together forever. Olivia traveled with her to pick up Callie and … Continue reading "Jennifer Cameron ’93"
Shalom Sonneveldt ’93 Jaconette of DeWitt, Michigan, added pastoral care assistant to her responsibilities at River Terrace Christian Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan, where she was already serving as children’s ministry director.
Michael VanHuis ’93 is the vice president of strategic initiatives for Missio Nexus. Missio Nexus has a 100-year history of advancing the effectiveness of the Great Commission community in North America in global mission.
Russ Johnson ’94 will be celebrating his 65th birthday by riding his bike in Sea to Sea 2017. He plans to leave Vancouver, Washington, bound for Halifax, Maine, on June 26.
Tammy DeRoo ’94 Russell earned her Ph.D. in evaluation, measurement and research from Western Michigan University. She remains living in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with her husband, Mark, and daughter, Amelia.
Dawn Campbell ’94 Wedemeyer of Almont, Michigan, was the Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education award winner in November. She is a special education teacher at Lapeer-Almont High School in Lapeer County. She was recognized with a $500 check from the Michigan Lottery and her class will receive a $500 grant.
Jennie Katterheinrich ’96 Dimmick and Nick Dimmick ’96→
Jennie Katterheinrich ’96 Dimmick and Nick Dimmick ’96 report that 2016 was quite the year: they moved back to Jennie’s hometown and to her old house. Nick became the pastor at Versailles Christian Church, where Jennie’s dad had been pastor from 1977 to 1996. They doubled their kid count from three to six by adopting … Continue reading "Jennie Katterheinrich ’96 Dimmick and Nick Dimmick ’96"
Craig Phillips ’97 and Kristin Schneider ’02 Phillips→
Craig Phillips ’97 and Kristin Schneider ’02 Phillips announce the birth of Benjamin Craig on June 18, 2015. He joined his big sisters, Elizabeth and Charlotte.
Stephan Currie ’98 has been promoted to executive director of the Michigan Association of Counties. He had been serving as deputy director, where he has been leading MAC’s daily operations for five years, plus has spurred new initiatives such as CoPro+, a collaborative purchasing program for public entities. Founded on Feb. 1, 1898, MAC is … Continue reading "Stephan Currie ’98 and Karen Pirich ’98 Currie"
Becky Hollenbeck ’98 Dykhuis and Brian Dykhuis ’98→
Becky Hollenbeck ’98 Dykhuis is the coordinator of connection and engagement at Trinity Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She and her husband, Brian Dykhuis ’98, live in Grandville, Michigan, with their four children.
Kari Vandrese ’98 Zamora had her middle school orchestra, the Faubion Honors Orchestra, chosen as one of the three middle school orchestras in the world selected to perform at the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic on Friday, Dec. 16, in Chicago, Illinois.
Brent Bash ’99 is the director of North American Grains. He and his wife, Trish, live in Lakeville, Minnesota, with two future Flying Dutchmen, Anna and Otto.
Jon Brown ’99 and Kristyn Fox ’01 Brown announce the birth of their fourth daughter, Ava Grace, on Aug. 28, 2016. Jon serves as a pastor at Pillar Church in downtown Holland, Michigan.
Kathryn Mulder ’00 and Daniel DeJonge were married on Nov. 5, 2016, and reside in Holland, Michigan, where Kate is a practicing optometrist and owns West Coast Eyecare in Holland.
Jeffrey Howard ’01 moved to London, United Kingdom, to earn a Master of Science degree in transport planning and management from the University of Westminster.
Christina Stavros ’01 and Anthony Kidonakis were married on Sept. 4, 2016, at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Joliet, Illinois. Their wedding was attended by Christine’s dear classmates and friends, Ghadeer Yaser ’01 Hijazeen, Erin Tuttle ’02 Lockridge, Rebecca Jackson ’01 Williams and Mery Kendall ’01, as well as dear Hope professors and friends … Continue reading "Christina Stavros ’01"
Kara Benson ’02 Haug of Sacramento, California, received a certificate from the University of Michigan in sexual health education and counseling in 2014. With her theology degree, her plan is to bring healthy conversation around sexuality into churches and other non-profits.
Patrick Kinne ’02 has received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Roman Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Syracuse, New York, for his work in the diocese especially at Bishop Grimes Jr./Sr. High School, where he has been teaching since 2004 and serving in an administrative capacity since 2014. He received the award at the Diocese’s … Continue reading "Patrick Kinne ’02"
Misha Neil ’02 accepted the position of director of university events at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, and thus said goodbye to her near decade as the director of performing arts programing and student affairs at Elmira College, where she received her master’s in management.
Greg Town ’02 of Tarrytown, New York, now serves as minister of revitalization and renewal for the Regional Synod of New York (RCA), based in Tarrytown, where he helps to support and equip congregations and church leaders for new vision and mission in their contexts. Rebecca LaRoy ’01 Town continues to pastor the Reformed Church … Continue reading "Greg Town ’02 and Rebecca LaRoy ’01 Town"
Lora Van Uffelen ’02 is an assistant professor in the Department of Ocean Engineering and in the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island.
Kyle Delhagen ’04 and Elena Delhagen announce the birth of Atticus James on July 27, 2016. Kyle is the pastor of Western Presbyterian Church in Palmyra, New York.
Paul Simon ’04 has been appointed president of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers and will serve from January to December 2017. DAYL has more than 3,000 members.
Elizabeth Foster ’04 Steenwyk and David Steenwyk announce the birth of Hannah Kathryn and William Henry on Nov. 11, 2016. They join big brother Patrick (3). Pictured Above: These three sets of twins were born less than three months apart, and there’s no pressure, but the bibs reflect the hope that maybe, just maybe, college choice … Continue reading "Elizabeth Foster ’04 Steenwyk"
Tyler Thompson ’04 of Reed City, Michigan, was appointed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder as probate judge of Mecosta and Osceola counties. Governor Snyder wrote, “through his work as the Osceola prosecuting attorney and in private practice, Thompson has gained extensive knowledge and experience in every kind of matter that comes before the Probate Court. … Continue reading "Tyler Thompson ’04"
Steven Van Beek ’04 was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Up & Coming Lawyers Class of 2016.” His concentration is in the area of financial regulations for Howard & Howard.
Jeffrey Martindale ’05 has been elected a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and was recently named director of the Heart Failure Program at MidMichigan Health in Midland, Michigan.
Eric Post ’05 of Holland, Michigan, was voted into the partnership of Varnum Attorneys at Law. He is a corporate attorney advising startups, private and family-owned businesses, and multinational companies.
Meredith Carlson ’06 Bailey and Scott Bailey announce the birth of Luke August on Aug. 29, 2016. He joins big sister Nora, born in February 2015. Meredith graduated with a master’s degree in special education, focusing on behavior management, from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in December 2016.
Jamie Thompson ’06 Ward acquired her Montessori AMI elementary diploma and her master’s in education. She now lives in Dallas, Texas, and leads a lower elementary (grades one-three) Montessori classroom.
Stacy Nienhuis ’07 Duimstra and Justin Duimstra announce the birth of Maverick James Wilder on July 26, 2016. He joins big sisters Brielle (seven) and Genevieve (four).
Carrie Thomason ’07 Johnson and Eric Johnson ’07 announce the birth of Connor born on July 20, 2016.
Adam Ringnalda ’07 and Megan Werley ’07 Ringnalda→
Adam Ringnalda ’07 and Megan Werley ’07 Ringnalda announce the birth of Louie Scott on June 29, 2016. Adam is the part owner of Ringnalda & TenHaken Insurance Group.
Kristi Szczepanek ’07 has joined Brown Paper Box Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois, as an artistic associate. She serves as company administrator and as company liaison for the league of Chicago Theatres.
Jordan Hoyer ’08 joined the Grand Rapids, Michigan, office of Kotz Sangster. She is focusing her practice on commercial litigation and financial services litigation.
Ashley DeVecht ’09 graduated from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management with a Master of Business Administration degree in June 2016. Her focuses were on marketing, social enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation, and management and organization. She received the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award for her “significant and lasting contribution” to the campus community life and earned … Continue reading "Ashley DeVecht ’09"
The three sets of twins were born less than three months apart, and there’s no pressure, but the bibs reflect the hope that maybe, just maybe, college choice will follow chronology. Pictured from left to right as potential members of the Class of 2039 are Hannah Kathryn Steenwyk and William Henry Steenwyk, born on Nov. … Continue reading "Kristi Dannenberg ’09 DeVries"
Jonathan Hatfield ’09 is the vice president at J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank in Chicago, Illinois. He works with high-net worth families and non-profit organizations to deliver investment and wealth planning advice. His wife LJ teaches fourth-grade girls at Sacred Heart Academy and they live in Chicago’s Buena Park neighborhood.
Samuel Ogles ’09 was promoted to associate editor and special project manager at Christianity Today. He will be leading a two-year, grant-funded project to create an online compensation tool available to church staff nationwide for determining fair, objective pay and benefits.
These three sets of twins were born less than three months apart, and there’s no pressure, but the bibs reflect the hope that maybe, just maybe, college choice will follow chronology. Pictured from left to right as potential members of the Class of 2039 are Hannah Kathryn Steenwyk and William Henry Steenwyk, born on Nov. … Continue reading "Kate Bultema ’09 Ralston and James Ralston ’09"
Garrett Russ ’09 and Tiffany Day ’09 Russ announce the birth of Ava Joy on Sept. 20, 2016. She joins big brother Gabriel. Garrett and his brother Bryant Russ ’11 have published a book, The Dangeruss Parables.
Brandon Smith ’09 and Stephanie Smith announce the birth of Lillian Clare on Oct. 24, 2016. Brandon and Stephanie are the co-pastors of Heartland Community Church in Lafayette, Indiana.
Allison Hawkins ’09 VanDenend became the director of Black C Art Gallery in Gainesville, Florida, in September. She has also been working as an independent arts consultant for other artists and organizations in the Southeast.
Peter Paulsen ’64 and Lydia Thornburg ’13 both serve on the board of the Atlanta branch of a ministry that helps people “…see the face of God in the city.” The ministry is Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflections (DOOR). Pete reports that in quiet moments at board meetings and while working on projects they … Continue reading "Lydia Thornburg ’13"
Yulia Ganenko Rae ’09 was named the 2016 Fashion Photographer of the Year during the Northwest Fashion Awards in Seattle, Washington on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. She is the owner of Zipperture Photography.
Amy Clinton ’10 graduated with a Master of Science degree in business analytics from the University of Notre Dame in December 2016. She and Chandler Collins were married on Feb. 4, 2017.
Joel McVeigh ’10 and William Wood were married on Oct. 1, 2016 at Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The are now living outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
Andreas VanDenend ’10 is the director of two programs at the University of Florida’s office of distance and continuing education: UF flexible learning and UF online dual enrollment.
Evan Dekker ’11 and Karen Patterson ’11 were married on Oct. 30, 2016 in Littleton, Colorado. They report that every person (officiant, scripture reader, wedding party, etc) involved in the wedding is a graduate of Hope. They note that they didn’t necessarily do that on purpose, but believe that it speaks to the power of … Continue reading "Evan Dekker ’11 and Karen Patterson ’11"
Sara DeWeerdt ’11 and Jake Mulder were married on June 24, 2016. Sara is a physical education teacher in Zeeland Public Schools and is the head varsity volleyball coach at Zeeland East.
Casey Sullens ’11 is currently the employer relations manager of Graduate Career Services at the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan.
Trevan Thompson ’11 and Stefani Pentiuk ’13 Thompson→
Trevan Thompson ’11 and Stefani Pentiuk ’13 Thompson were married on Sept. 10, 2016 in Leland, Michigan.
Brittany Tuinier ’11 VanDyke and Corey VanDyke ’08→
Brittany Tuinier ’11 VanDyke and Corey VanDyke ’08 announce the birth of Chandler Lee on May 12, 2015.
Heather Stiff ’12 graduated summa cum laude from Ohio State University Medical School in 2016 and is now pursuing an ophthalmology residency at the University of Iowa.
Rebecca Hobson ’13 moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, for a year of full-time mission work with TEAM missions. She reports that her hope this year is to learn how God wants to use her in the mission field long-term and to use her gifts to spread the Gospel, build up the body of Christ and encourage … Continue reading "Rebecca Hobson ’13"
Daniel Owens ’13 and Jacqueline Canonaco ’12 were married on July 9, 2016 in St. Joseph, Michigan. Daniel is pursuing a master’s in philosophy in internal peace studies at Trinity College Dublin.
Elisabeth Brewington ’14 and Keenan Erickson ’14 taught English at Bunyawhat Witthayalai School in Lampang, Thailand, after graduation. They returned to Maine and were married in May 2016. They now live in Portland, Maine.
Lauren Ezzo ’14 works for Brillance Audio in Grand Haven, Michigan. Her audio book recording of The Light Fantastic won the Young Adult category for the one of the best recordings of 2016.
Larissa Fall ’14 graduated with a master’s degree in arts administration from the University of Kentucky. She is working as the production assistant at the Grand Rapids Symphony, teaching private and group violin lessons in Holland/Grand Rapids, performing with The Holland Symphony, managing and performing at weddings with the Charmante String Quartet, and doing other … Continue reading "Larissa Fall ’14"
Matthew Ringel ’14 received a Master of Public Health degree in epidemiology from Emory University in 2016 and is now working as the vital records epidemiologist for the State of Montana.
Elyse Thompson ’14 received a Master of Public Health degree from Boston University School of Public Health in January 2017. She has moved to Christchurch, New Zeeland, with her fiancé, Mark Hayes.
Eric Vachon ’14 is in his second year of his Ph.D. program in nursing and was selected for Sigma Theta Tau. He will be attending the organization’s international conference in Dublin, Ireland, in July in conjunction with the honor.
Victoria Henry ’15 and Nathan Longfield ’16 were married on July 16, 2016, in Holland, Michigan. Victoria is the digital liberal arts librarian and an assistant professor at Van Wylen Library at Hope College.
Christopher Waechter ’15 moved to South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and is pursuing a position as a civil engineer in watershed restoration for the Nevada Tahoe Conversation District.
Alexis-Simone Rivers ’16 moved from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Chicago, Illinois, to work for the Chicago Semester Program as the operations coordinator and registrar. She shares an office with fellow Hope alum Skyler Adams ’13.
Briana Armand ’17 is a campus recruiter for Northwestern Mutual – Chicago, a leading financial planning firm. She works on Chicago-area campuses to build relationships with the college community.
Gustavo Moura ’17 is an on-site engineer for Worksighted, one of the fastest growing IT services companies in West Michigan. He will work with clients to help solve problems and assist in long-term technology strategy at their facility.
