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.
Sue Utzinger ’67 Buchan of Muskegon, Michigan, reports that she is a retired educator, grandmother and clinical social worker with a private practice in North Muskegon, Michigan. She does some volunteer work at summer camp and stays active watching her grandchildren’s sporting events. She is enjoying West Michigan and planning some landscape painting and fishing.
Wesley Granberg-Michaelson ’67 of Santa Fe, New Mexico, had From Times Square to Timbuktu: The Post Christian West Meets the Non-Western Church published. He is also a member of the Global Christian Forum Steering Committee which met in Havana, Cuba, in March 2017.
John Killmaster ’67 of Boise, Idaho, and Shelley Sinquefield were married and he gained two step-children. He is publishing a book on his career as an artist and university professor. He was honored with an Albert Nelon Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award.
Judy Tanis ’67 Parr of Holland, Michigan, has been elected to a one-year term as president of the Hope Academy of Senior Professionals (HASP). The organization, which promotes lifelong learning, was founded at Hope in 1988 by Dr. John Hollenbach, professor emeritus of English. Since then, it has grown from 38 to 750 members.
Laurie Taylor ’67 Rossi of Fairview, New Mexico, will be conducting the Performance Santa Fe Symphony in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on December 24 and 31 at the Lensic Theatre. On Tuesday, July 4, she conducted the Santa Fe Concert Band on the Plaza.
Lois Dykema ’67 Sharpe of Saint Mary’s, Ohio, reports that she and her husband, George, have four children, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren and feel very blessed.
Beppy Albers ’69 Michel of San Pedro, California, reports that she is humbled by the realization of grace in her life and those of her clients, which supersedes all difficulties and so inspires us. She is a “trauma therapist” (PTSD in private practice in Palos Verdes, California. Her newly published book Art Psychotherapy Experiential Workbook … Continue reading "Beppy Albers ’69 Michel"
Peter Walther ’69 of Rome, New York, was the director of music and organist at the First Baptist Church until 2016. He rewarded himself by spending all last summer in Vienna, where he reconnected with Hope professors Stephen Hemenway and Janis Gibbs. He reports that the memories of Dr. Paul Fried ’46 and Professor Molzer … Continue reading "Peter Walther ’69"
Dawn Van Ark ’71 has retired after 46 years at Hope College, where she was library acquisitions specialist She was honored with a reception at the Van Wylen Library on Thursday, July 20.
Dorothy Breen ’72 of Carrabassett Valley, Maine, is an associate professor emerita from the University of Maine and is a licensed psychologist in private practice.
Nancy Cooper ’72 of Clifton, New Jersey, reports that she continues to be very active in the Reformed Church presently serving as elder delegate to classis as well as serving on two classis committees. In June, she attended the General Synod. She continues to serve as treasurer of her church, which she has done for … Continue reading "Nancy Cooper ’72"
Rick Hine ’72 and his wife, Linda, report that they are blissfully retired in Coronado, California. They are just as busy in retirement as they were during their work and family years. Their motto is simple: “Every day is a great day, some days are better.”
Laurel Dekker ’72 VanHaitsma Kempkers reports that after her husband’s passing, she married Gord Kempkers and moved from Ludington, to Hamilton, Michigan. Combined they have 14 grandchildren, with number 15 due in August.
William Strader ’74 presented at the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Thursday-Saturday, April 20-22.
Mike Carpenter ’76 retired in April 2017 after 35 years with American Blue Ribbon Holdings (Village Inn and Bakers Square restaurants) and reports that he looks forward to traveling and relaxing in their new home in Marysville, Washington.
Barbara Wrigley ’76 reports that after retiring in 2012 and the death of her wife in 2014, she moved from Berkeley, California to Durham, North Carolina. On Monday, April 24, she completed the competency development program for coach certification at the Gestalt International Study Center in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, and has launched a business, Heart’s Harvest. … Continue reading "Barbara Wrigley ’76"
Philip Bosch ’77 of Fallbrook, California, is the attending physician at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center. He is in the Department of Urology, where he runs the interstitial cystitis clinic. He has also published articles and has done research on interstitial cystitis.
Philip De Jong ’77 of Charlottesville, Virginia, has been appointed president of Uppermost Press LLC with offices in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Uppermost Press publishes inflight magazines including Selamata, the inflight magazine of Ethiopian Airlines. He was the former president and co-founder of Journey Group Inc. in Charlottesville.
Leslie Pett ’77 Johnson is currently working for ACSI Europe as an educational consultant, coming alongside new and growing Christian schools in Europe, especially the Czech/ Slovakia/Poland region. In talking about what it means to be a teacher who is a Christian (how one’s faith makes a difference), she has traveled as far as China … Continue reading "Leslie Pett ’77 Johnson"
Thomas Johnson ’77 of Prague, Czech Republic, represented the World Evangelical Alliance and the 600 million members of its churches in relation to the Vatican. This includes interacting with multiple departments of the Vatican. In February he began representing evangelicals in a multi-year series of Vatican-led consultations with about 40 scholars, diplomats and religious leaders … Continue reading "Thomas Johnson ’77"
Lynn Raffety ’77 Kennedy is an employee of the City of Virginia Beach Public Libraries. She is on the management team of the Tidewater Community College Joint-Use Library, a partnership serving both students and the community. She reports that she and her husband, Kevin Kennedy ’80, spend time with their children in California, Virginia, and … Continue reading "Lynn Raffety ’77 Kennedy"
Brenda Heath ’77 Vander Meulen of Holland, Michigan, is part of the Center for Leadership at Hope, teaching The Trusted Advisor and coaching CFL student consultants. She is a member of the board of directors for Good Samaritan Ministries in Holland, working to end poverty and homelessness in the community, all while still having her … Continue reading "Brenda Heath ’77 Vander Meulen"
Sylvia Haug ’77 Verdonk of South Haven, Michigan, retired from teaching high school mathematics for Coloma Schools in Coloma, Michigan, in 2010 after 32 years. She has since taught mathematic classes for Lake Michigan College and has taken on duties as director of religious education at St. Basil Catholic Church in South Haven, Michigan.
Bob Niedt ’78 of Fairfax, Virginia, is an online editor at Kiplinger Washington Editors, the renowed Washington, D.C., based publisher of print and online business forecasts and personal finance advice, including the monthly magazine Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, on newsstands nationwide. Bob lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Linda. He reports that they explore the … Continue reading "Bob Niedt ’78"
Kathryn Lawrence ’82 of San Jose, California, reports enjoying the scenery and weather of Northern California while tackling the challenges of a continuously growing business.
Karen Heikema ’82 Terpstra of El Cajon, California, works for the Public Library Foundation that supports 36 public libraries raising funds for many outstanding programs. This foundation raised funds to build the ninestory Central Library in downtown San Diego, California, as well as 11 new branch libraries since its inception 13 years ago. She reports … Continue reading "Karen Heikema ’82 Terpstra"
John Fanthorpe ’83 of Zeeland, Michigan, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the John Fanthorpe Farm Bureau Insurance Agency located in Hudsonville, Michigan. He also serves as an ambassador for the Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce. John recently relocated his personal residence to Zeeland, Michigan, where he is taking on the challenges of his 113- … Continue reading "John Fanthorpe ’83"
Mike Spitters ’84 reports that he is experiencing the joys and challenges of planting a new Disciples of Christ church in the fastest growing city in America, Frisco, Texas. The church is called “Expedition Church,” and embodies a community-centered approach to doing ministry. His article, “Do What You Love to Grow A Church,” was featured … Continue reading "Mike Spitters ’84"
Betsy Buurma ’87 Berkey of Fenton, Michigan, reports that she is still singing after all these years. She has been directing her church choir for four years. Her highlight last fall was singing with the alumni Hope Chapel Choir in the new music hall.
Robin Beckett ’87 VanderHart of Caledonia, Michigan, received her CMA (certified management accountant) certification in December 2016. She is currently working as director of accounting for Emergency Care Specialists (a medical practice of physicians and physician assistants that staff emergency rooms throughout western and northern Michigan) and Medical Management Specialists (a medical billing company).
Christopher Habben ’88 of Shawnee, Kansas, began a two-year term on Jan. 1, 2017, as president of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. AAMFT is the professional association for the field of marriage and family therapy, and represents the professional interests of more than 50,000 marriage and family therapists throughout the United States, … Continue reading "Christopher Habben ’88"
David Kuiper ’88 of Zeeland, Michigan, who is the vice president with Northpointe Bank, has earned the certified military home specialist designation. Earning this designation indicates a commitment and significant knowledge base that active duty service members and veterans can rely on for prompt and accurate service and advice.
1990s
M. Lynn Massey ’90 Breyfogle and Jim Breyfogle ’90→
M. Lynn Massey ’90 Breyfogle and Jim Breyfogle ’90 report that they are excited for their identical twin daughters, Jamie and Kimberly, to join Hope’s Class of 2021 this fall.
Todd Adams ’91 of Tallahassee, Florida, was elected president of the faculty senate at Florida State University. He also serves as a member of the FSU Board of Trustees and the FSU Foundation Board.
Kathleen Kelly ’91 Hayduck of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is co-founder and producer at her own production company, Turtlebox Productions, with her husband. Turtlebox is focused on creating meaningful media for children. Clients have included Sesame Workshop, CBC Kids and WGBH/PBS Kids. Her company’s first iOS app, “Run Salmon Run,” an educational storybook app about the … Continue reading "Kathleen Kelly ’91 Hayduck"
Amy Moeckel ’96 Peterson of St. Joseph, Michigan, is a school counselor at Upton Middle School and St. Joseph High School, both of which she and her husband attended, as do/will their two children.
Gail Messing ’96 Schramek of Lake Orion, Michigan, is an orthopedic nurse practitioner at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland. She and her husband have a son, Robert, who just finished first grade.
Ben Krombeen ’97 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, joined Baruch Senior Ministries as the vice president of finance in March. Baruch is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is a faith-based non-profit organization providing senior living services across Michigan.
Becky Hollenbeck ’98 Dykhuis of Grandville, Michigan, 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.
Matthew Kuiper ’98 of South Bend, Indiana, has been awarded the University of Notre Dame’s 2017 Shaheen Graduate Award, given annually to the university’s outstanding Ph.D. graduate in the humanities. He was recently appointed assistant professor of Islamic Studies at Missouri State University. His book, Da’wa and Other Religions: Indian Muslims and the Modern Resurgence … Continue reading "Matthew Kuiper ’98"
Erin Wysocki ’02 Kostun and Michael Kostun announce the birth of Andrew Michael on March 2, 2017. He joins big sister Claire, who they report is over-the-moon in love.
Bryant Loomis ’03 received the 2016 NASA Robert H. Goddard Exceptional Achievement for Science Award for innovative improvements, advancements and science applications of time-variable gravity mascon solutions from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data.
Jim Boerkoel ’05, assistant professor of computer science at Harvey Mudd College, was awarded a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) grant by The National Science Foundation (NSF) for his project “CAREER: Robust and Reliable Multiagent Scheduling Under Uncertainty.” The CAREER grant will fund five years of new research that builds on previous work. He specializes … Continue reading "Jim Boerkoel ’05"
Brett Schlender ’06 has joined Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC Attorneys litigation group in the Holland, Michigan office. He also serves on the board of directors for Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity and AT53, Inc.
Jordan Hoyer ’08 joined the Grand Rapids, Michigan, office of Kotz Sangster. She is focusing her practice on commercial litigation and financial services litigation.
Christopher Sikkema ’09 is the coordinator for digital evangelism for The Episcopal Church. His efforts mainly focus on sharing faith and stories digitally among young adults and providing theological resources for parishes and individuals.
Stephanie Dykema ’10 received her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Akron this month. Following graduation she is beginning a postdoctoral fellowship at the School of The Art Institute of Chicago, Counseling Services Center and moving to Chicago, Illinois, with her fiancé.
Jeff DeYoung ’11 graduated in the top fifth percentile of his class from Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in May 2017. He was presented with the 2017 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Student award for outstanding performance in undergraduate oral and mazillofacial surgery. He has accepted an oral surgery fellowship at the … Continue reading "Jeff DeYoung ’11"
Andrew Schofield ’11 of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is an oncology representative selling IV chemotherapy products indicated for metastatic breast cancer throughout the Midwest. He reports that a key aspect of his job is the ability to build relationships and understanding his customers, and much of the success that he has had is a direct result … Continue reading "Andrew Schofield ’11"
Michael Dirksen ’12 received a Master of Arts degree in international peace and conflict resolution from American University in Washington, D.C. He also received a Master of Arts degree in political science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Illinois at Chicago, studying political parties and … Continue reading "Michael Dirksen ’12"
Dean Hazle ’12 of Brookline, Massachusetts, is the permitting compliance officer for Keolis Commuter Services, the operator of the commuter railroad in Boston.
Sarah Nammack ’14 graduated from Duke University’s School of Nursing with a degree as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner with cardiology specialty in May 2017.
Amber Prins ’15 and John Dood ’17 were married on July 29, 2017 in Holland, Michigan. They are moving to Tampa, where Amber will be attending graduate school.
Rachel Lundstrom ’15 received her master’s degree in educational policy, organization and leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2017. Rachel continues to teach at Zeeland East High School in the special education department
Lisa McLellan ’15, Julia Slopsema ’15, Monica Ohnsorg ’16 and David Lunderberg ’17→
Hope graduates have once again fared well in the prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF), with four receiving awards this year. Lisa McLellan ’15, Julia Slopsema ’15, Monica Ohnsorg ’16 and David Lunderberg ’17, all received fellowships this year. McLellan had received honorable mention in both 2015 and 2016, and Ohnsorg had … Continue reading "Lisa McLellan ’15, Julia Slopsema ’15, Monica Ohnsorg ’16 and David Lunderberg ’17"
Dani Nowicki ’16 moved to Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, and is pursuing a K-8 physical education and health teaching position at Saipan Community School.
Drew Bennett ’17 is pursuing a Master of Science degree in public health in global disease epidemiology and control from The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Owen Bogolin ’17 is in a teaching residency program with Project Inspire in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He will gain a certification to teach sixth-12th grade chemistry and will pursue a Master’s of Education degree from Lee University.
Christopher Bosscher ’17 is a purchasing and sales trainee with Universal Forest Products and will split his time between Atlanta, Georgia, and Colorado.
Claire Bouwkamp ’17 has been a scenic designer and scenic artist for the Bayview Music Festival this summer and next will pursue work in Chicago or New York as a theatre scenic artist.
Rebecca Brumels ’17 will pursue a master’s degree at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell in educational administration with the higher education and student affairs track. She will also have a graduate assistantship in student conduct this fall.
Bridgitt Buikema ’17 will be pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at Erikson Institute in downtown Chicago, taking the clinical route in mental health focusing on adolescence.
Caitlyn Campbell ’17 will pursue a Master of Public Health degree in nutritional sciences with a concentration in dietetics at the University of Michigan.
David Heinze ’17 will pursue a Master of Music degree at University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. He will be a graduate organ scholar at Selwyn College.
Michelle Jager ’17 will be starting in September on the assurance staff at Ernst & Young in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She and Duncan Bocks ’17 were married on Aug. 11, 2017, in Holland, Michigan.
Kathryn Krieger ’17 is the contemporary worship director at Hinsdale Covenant Church in Hinsdale, Illinois, and married Larry Spencer on July 1, 2017, in Princeton, Illinois.
Brooke Ledsworth ’17 is a developmental care specialist at Wedgwood Christian Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan, working in the department for kids with autism and developmental disabilities.
Kate Mader ’17 is taking a gap year this year while working at the Holland Free Health Clinic as an administrative assistant while applying to dental schools.
Tyler Melby ’17 is working for Monroe, Sweeris & Tromp, a CPA firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He and Maressa Toomire were married on July 21, 2017, in St. Charles, Illinois.
Taylor Mills ’17 is a digital fellow in the Mellon Scholars Program at Hope, in which she will design and co-teach the Mellon Seminar. She is also interning at Lighthouse Immigration Advocates law firm in Holland, Michigan.
Camryn Peterson ’17 is working for AmeriCorps as a volunteer through City Year, working in a Chicago Public School for a year helping students stay and succeed in school.
Garrett Sims ’17 will pursue a Master of Education degree in higher education administration and student affairs and is a resident director at North Carolina State University.
Tyra Smith ’17 will pursue a degree in speech and language pathology from Grand Valley State University and will be working at Pine Rest Christian Homes throughout the summer and the school year.
Sydney Van Hulle ’17 is the event manager at Eminence Management in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a graphics design intern for Ring Cam in Holland, Michigan.
Cole Watson ’17 and Sierra Schultz were married on July 15, 2017, in Holland, Michigan. Cole is working for SolidCircle, a software company, in Holland.
Abbie Zuiderveen ’17 will pursue a master’s degree in athletic training at Western Michigan University. She also has a graduate assistant position working in WMU’s sports medicine clinic.
