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1960s

Wesley Granberg-Michaelson ’67
Wesley Granberg-Michaelson ’67 published his 10th book, Without Oars: Casting Off into a Life of Pilgrimage. Drawing from experiences on the Camino de Santiago in Spain; Lourdes, France; Mt. Tabieorar, Nigeria; and elsewhere, he shares how faith is best experienced through embodied practices as a pilgrimage. Stories and resources are shared that encourage anyone’s inward … Continue reading "Wesley Granberg-Michaelson ’67"
Bob Terwilliger ’68
Bob Terwilliger ’68 recently published a book of lighthearted essays titled Cleverly Yours: Humorous Glimpses of Life as a Christian. The book consists of a selection of Bob’s writings for the church newsletter during his 15 years as pastor of Bethany Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Each essay looks at an everyday event or circumstance … Continue reading "Bob Terwilliger ’68"
Tim Tam ’69
Tim Tam ’69 and his son, Isaac Tam ’01 were given the Recognition of Community Service Award on Monday, Nov. 30, by the British Columbia Dental Association for their extraordinary efforts to provide emergency dental care during British Columbia’s Stage 1 COVID-19 pandemic response.
Sue Holmes ’69 Tell
Sue Holmes ’69 Tell is penning a weekly faith-based blog, Echoes of Grace.

1970s

Michael Ebbers ’73
Michael Ebbers ’73 retired in 2014 after nearly 41 years with IBM, where he worked with large mainframe computers. That career was sparked by taking a FORTRAN statistics course from Dr. Herbert Dershem while at Hope. He resides in the Catskill mountains of New York with his wife, Kathy. He reports that they ski in … Continue reading "Michael Ebbers ’73"
Mary Jo Coughenour ’78 Baker
Mary Jo Coughenour ’78 Baker has edited and published two volumes (available through Amazon/Kindle) in collaboration with her dad, The Rev. Dr. Robert A. Coughenour, a Hope College professor 1969 to 1975, and 1974 H.O.P.E. award recipient. The first two books, from a series of four, are: In Pursuit of Wisdom: A Memoir, Vol. 1. … Continue reading "Mary Jo Coughenour ’78 Baker"
Scott Dwyer ’78
Scott Dwyer ’78 was elected to the management committee at Mika Meyers PLC, a law firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Robert Niedt ’78
Robert Niedt ’78 and his wife, Linda, have moved to Staunton, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, where he continues to write and edit for Kiplinger Washington Editors in Washington, D.C. (remotely that is, he reports, also noting that the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains is stunning).
Marcia Vanden Berg ’78
Marcia Vanden Berg ’78 retired on Jan. 30, 2020, after 27 years at HealthWest in Muskegon, Michigan. She held positions as a case manager, community placement coordinator, clinical supervisor I and II, contract specialist and finally provider network manager. During her time at HealthWest, she also served on the crisis response team for the county … Continue reading "Marcia Vanden Berg ’78"

1980s

Craig Morford ’81
The Hope College Alumni Association is honoring four alumni with Distinguished Alumni Awards this year. The association plans to celebrate both the 2020 and 2021 honorees virtually at a date to be determined. The awards are normally presented at the annual Alumni Banquet during Alumni Weekend each April, but this year’s and last year’s events … Continue reading "Craig Morford ’81"
Todd Wolffis ’82
Todd Wolffis ’82 is a mortgage loan officer for Lake Michigan Credit Union serving both Florida and West Michigan.
Ellen Brandle ’86
Ellen Brandle ’86 reports that after 11 years in the same position at the same school (teaching English and German to five- and six-year-olds in an English language immersion program at an international school in Berlin), she requested in September to take over a new class of six year olds who are at high risk … Continue reading "Ellen Brandle ’86"
Deborah Heydenburg ’87 Fuller
The Hope College Alumni Association is honoring four alumni with Distinguished Alumni Awards this year. The association plans to celebrate both the 2020 and 2021 honorees virtually at a date to be determined. The awards are normally presented at the annual Alumni Banquet during Alumni Weekend each April, but this year’s and last year’s events … Continue reading "Deborah Heydenburg ’87 Fuller"

1990s

Victoria Derr ’90
Victoria Derr ’90 has recently published her second academic book, Latin American Transnational Children and Youth: Experiences of Nature and Place, Culture and Care Across the Americas with colleague Yolanda Corona. She is an associate professor at California State University Monterey Bay.
Michelle Hoppe ’90 Long
Michelle Hoppe ’90 Long is currently in her 10th season as director of education at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and celebrating her latest play adaptation of The Velveteen Rabbit and its premiere on Broadway On Demand available through March 2021.
Michelle Dziurgot ’92
Michelle Dziurgot ’92 was named a Fellow of the American College of Dentists in 2020.
Tim Johnston ’93
Tim Johnston ’93 has published the latest novel in his Civil War historical fiction series, Locett’s Betrayal, which is available under the pen name of T.J. Johnston.
Jeff Baxter ’94
Jeff Baxter ’94 published Exploring Israel: Helpful Insights for Studying the Land of the Bible. The nearly 300-page book explores 30 places in Israel with maps and pictures to help people understand the Bible better and grow their faith.
Evan Llewellyn ’97
Evan Llewellyn ’97 has been named a principal with Edward Jones holding company. He was one of 161 individuals chosen this year from more than 50,000 associates.
Tracy Bednarick ’98
Tracy Bednarick ’98 and Chris Humes were married on Dec. 19, 2020, in St. Louis, Missouri. She received a master’s in gifted education from Lindenwood University and is the executive vice president of the Gifted Association of Missouri.
Matthew Kuiper ’98 and Laurie Byington ’96 Kuiper
Matthew Kuiper ’98 who is an assistant professor of religious studies at Missouri State University, has published his second book, Da’wa: A Global History of Islamic Missionary Thought and Practice, which was published by Edinburgh University Press in late January 2021. He is married to Laurie Byington ’96 Kuiper, and he spent nearly three years … Continue reading "Matthew Kuiper ’98 and Laurie Byington ’96 Kuiper"
Lara Plewka ’98 MacGregor
The Hope College Alumni Association is honoring four alumni with Distinguished Alumni Awards this year. The association plans to celebrate both the 2020 and 2021 honorees virtually at a date to be determined. The awards are normally presented at the annual Alumni Banquet during Alumni Weekend each April, but this year’s and last year’s events … Continue reading "Lara Plewka ’98 MacGregor"
Rebecca de Velder ’99 Fein
Rebecca de Velder ’99 Fein and colleague Dr. Leila Kalankesh won the Coronovation 2020 Golden Award granted by the World Business Institute at the United States. Their winning project is called “COVID-19 Voices,” and is an app that allows patients with COVID-19 to track their experiences and provide the real-time data to researchers.
Megan Masta ’99 Stiverson
Megan Masta ’99 Stiverson was elected judge of the 2B District Court in Hillsdale County, Michigan, and took office on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.

2000s

Susan Hinman ’00
CAPTAIN SUSAN E. HINMAN, DENTAL CORPS, U.S. NAVY  Captain Hinman graduated from Hope College, Holland, MI in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. In 2004 she graduated from The University of Michigan School of Dentistry receiving a Doctorate of Dental Surgery and was commissioned a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.  Upon graduation from … Continue reading "Susan Hinman ’00"
Renee Lick ’00 Nicholas
Renee Lick ’00 Nicholas and Trevor Nicholas announce the birth of Everett Maurice on Sept. 11, 2020.
Laura Donnelly ’01
Laura Donnelly ’01, an associate professor of English and creative writing at SUNY Oswego, returned to Hope electronically on Nov. 10, when she paid a virtual visit to the poetry class taught by Pablo Peschiera ’93. This fall also saw the publication of her new poetry book Midwest Gothic, which explores themes of place, religion, … Continue reading "Laura Donnelly ’01"
Isaac Tam ’01
Tim Tam ’69 and his son, Isaac Tam ’01 were given the Recognition of Community Service Award on Monday, Nov. 30, by the British Columbia Dental Association for their extraordinary efforts to provide emergency dental care during British Columbia’s Stage 1 COVID-19 pandemic response.
Rebecca LaRoy ’01 Town and Greg Town ’02
Rebecca LaRoy ’01 Town is serving as copastor, alongside her husband, Greg Town ’02, of the Knox and Thompson’s Lake Reformed Church in Knox, New York.
Katherine Bode-Lang ’02
Laura Donnelly ’01, an associate professor of English and creative writing at SUNY Oswego, returned to Hope electronically on Nov. 10, when she paid a virtual visit to the poetry class taught by Pablo Peschiera ’93. This fall also saw the publication of her new poetry book Midwest Gothic, which explores themes of place, religion, … Continue reading "Katherine Bode-Lang ’02"
Treasure Givan ’02 Samuel
Treasure Givan ’02 Samuel is a librarian and middle school electives teacher at The Franklin Academy, a STEM-based independent school in Bellingham, Washington
Vince Scheffler ’03
Vince Scheffler ’03 and the other Parker University Board of Trustees members were honored by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges with the 2019-20 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership. The university experienced severe damage following a tornado that hit Dallas, Texas, in October 2019. The board immediately deployed resources to … Continue reading "Vince Scheffler ’03"
Kimberly Lauver ’04 Fletcher
Kimberly Lauver ’04 Fletcher has become the data library manager for HR Consulting Group, Sapient Insights. She is also enjoying being a coach with CYO in volleyball and basketball for middle school girls.
Kristina Kyles-Smith ’04
The Black Excellence Dinner and awards ceremony hosted by the college’s Black Student Union has become a beloved tradition, and so even though the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic precluded gathering in person the celebration continued. Given the format, the fifth annual event didn’t include a banquet, but the online ceremony featured student performances and recitations, … Continue reading "Kristina Kyles-Smith ’04"
Susana Rodriguez-Snyder ’04
Susana Rodriguez-Snyder ’04 and Jesse Snyder announce the birth of Lucia Liliana on March 22, 2020.
Jason Burns ’06
Jason Burns ’06 and Nathan Brunner announce the birth of Elizabeth Addison Brunner-Burns on July 31, 2020. They expect the finalization of their adoption to take place in early 2021.
Stephanie Koenke ’06 Kostsuca
Stephanie Koenke ’06 Kostsuca has received the outstanding clinician award from the American Physical Therapy Association of Michigan. This award is presented to one physical therapist in the state of Michigan each year who has exemplified excellence in clinical care as well as influence and mentorship to students and fellow therapists.
Steve “Marc” Palma ’06
Steve “Marc” Palma ’06 released his first novel, Moon Dog, on Oct. 28, 2020
Kristin Olson ’07 Brace
Kristin Olson ’07 Brace and Neal Brace announce the birth of Lark Rozalia on Oct. 25, 2020
Lyndsey Yonker ’07 Huisman
Lyndsey Yonker ’07 Huisman and Ben Huisman announce the birth of Arthur David on Nov. 9, 2020.
Jessica Rankins Parker ’07
The Black Excellence Dinner and awards ceremony hosted by the college’s Black Student Union has become a beloved tradition, and so even though the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic precluded gathering in person the celebration continued. Given the format, the fifth annual event didn’t include a banquet, but the online ceremony featured student performances and recitations, … Continue reading "Jessica Rankins Parker ’07"
Leah Wicander ’07
Leah Wicander ’07 and Kurt Loewenkamp were married on Sept. 19, 2020.
Mercedes Cowper ’08
Mercedes Cowper ’08 has become the marketplace manager with the real estate development company CANA Development, managing a high-end food hall in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington, D.C. Previously, she was the wine director at Plume restaurant in downtown D.C. In the interim, after the closing of the restaurant in March 2020, she started … Continue reading "Mercedes Cowper ’08"
Erika English ’09 Mayer
Erika English ’09 Mayer and Nate Mayer announce the birth of Leonys (Leo) on April 12, 2019. They report that he was born with complications but under God’s grace has since flourished and excelled.
Justine Post ’09
Justine Post ’09 and her husband, Andrew Hammond, announce the birth of Edith Jane on April 20, 2020. She joins a big sister, Dorothy Ann. They live in North Carolina
Tiffany Day ’09 Russ and Garrett Russ ’09
Tiffany Day ’09 Russ and Garrett Russ ’09 announce the birth of Addilyn Mae on Dec. 1, 2020. She joins older siblings, Gabriel (6), Ava (4) and Mia (2).
Vera Dusenbery ’09 Sultz
Vera Dusenbery ’09 Sultz is working for the world renowned Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum in Sanibel, Florida.

2010s

Christine Buhrmaster-Reniff ’10
Christine Buhrmaster-Reniff ’10 and Ryan Reniff ’10 announce the birth of Maya Rae on Nov. 14, 2020.
Beth Olson ’10 Lauterbach
Beth Olson ’10 Lauterbach and Jon Lauterbach announce the birth of twin girls, Ayla and Emra, on Dec. 29, 2020.
Emily Cook ’10 Pierson
Emily Cook ’10 Pierson completed her master’s in English literature at Grand Valley State University in December 2020. She and Preston Pierson announce the birth of Olivia Kay on Oct. 13, 2019.
Kara Shetler ’10
Kara Shetler ’10 earned a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2016 from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 2020, she completed a neurology residency at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she is also completing a fellowship.
Katy Smith ’10
Katy Smith ’10 moved overseas to teach in the United Arab Emirates. She is teaching first grade at The WellSpring School in Ras Al Khaimah.
John Spruance ’10
John Spruance ’10 has been coaching college basketball for 10 years. He started after graduation and was on staff at the University of Hawaii. He has also been at Lewis University, University of Indianapolis and now University of Southern Indiana. He was recently named one of the top 50 impactful assistant coaches in NCAA Division … Continue reading "John Spruance ’10"
Teresa Borst ’10 VanDerSchaaf
Teresa Borst ’10 VanDerSchaaf and Andrew VanDerSchaaf announce the birth of Wes. He joins older sisters, Hattie and Hanna.
Sara Warner ’10
Sara Warner ’10 and Zach Weinberg announce the birth of Emily Antoinette on Oct. 5, 2020.
Amanda Goodyke ’11 Damon and Christian Damon ’11
Amanda Goodyke ’11 Damon and Christian Damon ’11 announce the birth of Philip Charles on Aug. 25, 2020.
Bryant Russ ’11 and Amanda Potts ’13 Russ
Bryant Russ ’11 and Amanda Potts ’13 Russ announce the birth of Miriam Hope on Oct. 15, 2020.
Kathren Cutshall ’12
Kathren Cutshall ’12 and Robert Ashford were married on July 27, 2020.
Grace Gonzalez ’12 D’Agostino
Grace Gonzalez ’12 D’Agostino and Joe D’Agostino announce the birth of Giada Rae on June 1, 2020.
Amanda French ’12 Jacobs
Amanda French ’12 Jacobs and Paul Jacobs announce the birth of Emerson Kent on Nov. 17, 2020. He joins big sister, Eloise.
Danielle Northuis ’12 Uzarski
Danielle Northuis ’12 Uzarski and Ben Uzarski announce the birth of Andrew Benjamin on June 12, 2020.
Parker Bussies ’14
Parker Bussies ’14 graduated from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine with a MDMS in genomic medicine and is completing his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Cleveland Clinic
William DeBoer ’14
William DeBoer ’14 is the assistant director of sports information at Salisbury University, an NCAA Division III institution in Salisbury, Maryland.
Samantha Rushton ’14 Sheehan
Samantha Rushton ’14 Sheehan and Matt Sheehan announce the birth of Rowan John on Oct. 21, 2020.
Hannah Schulz ’15
Hannah Schulz ’15 and Reid Dugan were married on Aug. 29, 2020.
Erin Rhodes ’16 Johnson and Lucas Johnson ’16
Erin Rhodes ’16 Johnson and Lucas Johnson ’16 announce the birth of their second child, Louisa Lynn, on Nov. 3, 2020.
Jordan Betten ’18 and Emily Byrd ’20
Jordan Betten ’18 and Emily Byrd ’20 were married on July 18, 2020.
Hannah Winegar ’18
Hannah Winegar ’18 received a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Wayne State University.
Damon Cove ’19 and Madison Lynema ’19
Damon Cove ’19 and Madison Lynema ’19 were married in June 2020 in Holland, Michigan. Their wedding was officiated by Professor John Yelding at Holland State Park.
Jason Gomory ’19
Jason Gomory ’19 is an admissions representative with an emphasis on communication strategy at Hope College

2020s

Abbie Buckhout ’20
Abbie Buckhout ’20 has moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and is in the nurse residency program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Kiley Corcoran ’20 Gomez and Paul Gomez ’20
Kiley Corcoran ’20 Gomez and Paul Gomez ’20 were married on Sept. 5, 2020.