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.
Dick Kanode ’54 and Nancy Guldenschuh ’62 Zimmer are pictured in front of Lake Louise in Canada. They met up by chance on a bus tour that started in Calgary.
George Bitner ’60 has retired after 49 years and 88 combined seasons of coaching the Spring Lake High School boys’ and girls’ golf teams. He has been inducted into MIGCA, MSHAA, AHSA, NHSCA and the MAAHF Halls of Fame.
Carl Vermeulen ’61 and his students at Paul D. Camp Community College in Virginia presented their peer-reviewed work at the annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, of the American Society for Microbiology, showing that nodes in all categories of vascular plants are instrumental in inhibiting the upward spread of bacterial diseases. This is a small part of … Continue reading "Carl Vermeulen ’61"
Betty Whitaker ’62 Jackson published her 16th book, which like its predecessors, is available on her website. She and her husband, Everett, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. They parented two Hope graduates, Paul Jackson ’02 and Nancy Jackson ’04, both orchestra teachers and members of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra in Florida.
Dick Kanode ’54 and Nancy Guldenschuh ’62 Zimmer are pictured in front of Lake Louise in Canada. They met up by chance on a bus tour that started in Calgary.
The alumni H-Club at Hope presented its Hope for Humanity Award to Dr. Vern L. Sterk ’64 of Holland, Michigan, during the college’s annual HOPEYs celebration of Hope athletics and senior student-athletes, held on April 18 at the Richard and Helen DeVos Fieldhouse. A former cross country runner for the Flying Dutchmen, he is a retired Reformed Church in … Continue reading "Vern L. Sterk ’64"
Allen Hoffman ’65 a recently retired Vail, Colorado, estate and business planning attorney, has relocated to Denver, Colorado, and with his wife, Darlene, has established Transformative Cognitions LLC, a life- and business-coaching company.
Philip Harmelink ’66 had an article published in The American Organist (the national magazine of the Guild of Organists) titled “Detail and Discipline in Music and Accounting.” The article describes his dual careers as accounting professor (more than 38 years) and chair of the department of accounting (28 years) at the University of New Orleans … Continue reading "Philip Harmelink ’66"
John Killmaster ’67 has published a book about his career as an artist, including time spent majoring in art at Hope and doing a number of paintings in the area. He went on to become a college art professor and continues to offer workshops through the country.
Randall Miller ’67 co-authored, with Paul Cimbala, The Northern Home Front During the Civil War. He continues as professor of history at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Larry Van De Hoef ’67 and Carol Bultman ’68 Van De Hoef→
Larry Van De Hoef ’67 and Carol Bultman ’68 Van De Hoef have been busy the past six months relocating and expanding their toy store, Snickelfritz Toys, from a mall location to a store front location across the street. Their daughter, Heather Van De Hoef ’95 Edwards, is the store manager.
Bernace Brunsting ’68 De Young of Aventura, Florida, is a Grand Life Master, the highest rank in the American Contract Bridge League. In August 2017, she represented the United States at the World Championships in Lyon, France. Bernance is pictured is sitting in the front.
William Hoogstra ’68 retired four years ago after a career in the Air Force and then another career with the State of Texas. He has three children and six grandchildren. He and his wife of 37 years, Margaret, just returned from a trip to Israel, which he notes was way beyond expectation. He has been … Continue reading "William Hoogstra ’68"
James Sutherland ’68 reports that due to excellent health and enjoying the work, he continues to direct Reconciliation Ministries Network, which he began in 1999. Currently the focus is upon inner-city ministry in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and upon ministry in Juba and Malakal, South Sudan.
Linda Star Schreiber ’68 Tobin of Naperville, Illinois, reports that after a fulfilling career guiding and nurturing young gifted students, she is now teaching her young granddaughter French in preparation for their trip to France. Genealogy research has taken her there several times in the past, as well as to England, the Netherlands, Germany and … Continue reading "Linda Star Schreiber ’68 Tobin"
Pamela Reynolds ’68 VanderWeele was a VIP, Volunteer in Parks, at Petrified Forest National Park from August to November last year. She will be a VIP at Pecos National Historical Park this August through October
Hendrika Vande Kemp ’71 had her first display of iris folded art, featuring recycled paper, at The Scrap Exchange Creative ReUse Center in Durham, North Carolina, from March 16 through April 14, 2017. She was one of two artists in an exhibit titled “The Found Object Collection.”
Kathryn Scholes ’73 Bolt reports that even though she retired from Sparta Area Schools in 2014 she manages to get called back every year to fill in as a school psychologist. She is an 11- year survivor of ovarian cancer and enjoys being outdoors whether it’s birding, walking, cycling, kayaking or cross country skiing, pastimes … Continue reading "Kathryn Scholes ’73 Bolt"
Sally Plagenhoef ’73 Morris returned to Holland, Michigan, after working for 35 years in the Palm Beach County School system as a German/Spanish teacher and high school counselor.
Claudia Tebben ’73 Sterne reports that every year she has a reunion with five other “cluster mates” who all met and became friends their freshman year at Hope in 1969: Leslie Carry ’73 Kruegel, Becky Eisenbise ’74 Hostetler, Anne Walvoord ’73 VanderByl, Lillian Bertalan and Ellen Swain Roberts (the latter two transferred to other colleges).
Claudia Tebben ’73 Sterne reports that every year she has a reunion with five other “cluster mates” who all met and became friends their freshman year at Hope in 1969: Leslie Carry ’73 Kruegel, Becky Eisenbise ’74 Hostetler, Anne Walvoord ’73 VanderByl, Lillian Bertalan and Ellen Swain Roberts (the latter two transferred to other colleges).
Claudia Tebben ’73 Sterne reports that every year she has a reunion with five other “cluster mates” who all met and became friends their freshman year at Hope in 1969: Leslie Carry ’73 Kruegel, Becky Eisenbise ’74 Hostetler, Anne Walvoord ’73 VanderByl, Lillian Bertalan and Ellen Swain Roberts (the latter two transferred to other colleges).
Jim McFarlin ’74 has published his latest book project, as ghostwriter of the nonfiction work The Booster. It is the never-before-told story of the late Ed Martin, the Detroit autoworker whose extravagant gifts to such players as Chris Webber and Jalen Rose ultimately led to the downfall of the University of Michigan’s “Fab Five,” arguably … Continue reading "Jim McFarlin ’74"
Terry Muilenberg ’74 reports that he was laid off from Plains All America Pipeline and is now “retired.” He is devoting full time to his business, Fred’s Custom Leather, making custom leather products. He does not miss the threeto-four-hour commute to downtown Houston, Texas, and now walks about 50 yards from his house to his … Continue reading "Terry Muilenberg ’74"
P.J. Coldren ’75 was the Fan Guest of Honor at the Malice Domestic 31 in Bethesda, Maryland, from Thursday, May 3, through Saturday, May 5. Malice Domestic™ is an annual fan convention in the metropolitan DC area that celebrates the traditional mystery, books best typified by the works of Agatha Christie.
Jeff Stewart ’75 recently received the Jim Crowley Award from the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association. He has been coaching high school football 42 years and is currently the Big Rapids football assistant coach.
Lisa Burger ’77 retired from Central Maine Healthcare and is looking forward to settling into her new home on Brandy Pond in Maine, where she reports she can enjoy boating and playing golf on a more regular basis.
Jon Post ’77 and his wife, Diane, are in Kathmandu, Nepal, pursuing research on dietary interventions for chronic diseases, and especially for diabetes mellitus Type 2. Diane was diagnosed with diabetes nine years ago and has been off all medications for that, high blood pressure and high cholesterol for more than four years. They are … Continue reading "Jon Post ’77"
Scott Bradley ’78 retired from teaching in Kansas and moved to Brooklyn, New York, where his wife teaches at Long Island University. He teaches band and violin at Catholic schools and other private schools, and performs extensively on trombone and tuba throughout New York City
Todd Harburn ’78 continues to serve as co-team physician for the Hope College football team. He is chief of surgery at Mackinac Straits Health System, an outpatient surgery center at the Straits of Mackinac in Northern Michigan. He has an arthroscopic surgery orthopedic practice. He reports that he enjoys writing in his “free time” as … Continue reading "Todd Harburn ’78"
Marianne Walck ’78 retired from Sandia National Laboratories in 2017 after a 33-year career, spending the last two years as vice president for Sandia’s facility in Livermore, California, and directing the energy and climate programs for the laboratory.
Brion Brooks ’80 became the executive director of the Village of Progress, a nonprofit agency in rural northwest Illinois, serving individuals with developmental disabilities, in 2014. In the spring of 2017 the agency opened The Village Bakery, a retail bakery and café in Oregon, Illinois. The Village Bakery provides competitive wages to men and women … Continue reading "Brion Brooks ’80"
Carol Springsteen ’80 took an early retirement in 2017 after working many years in the life insurance and annuity industry. She reports that while she decides on her “next act” she is happy training her dogs in both agility and rally, visiting her children, friends and relatives, and continuing in her quest to hike all … Continue reading "Carol Springsteen ’80"
Betty Buikema ’82 Birner published her sixth book on linguistics, titled Language and Meaning. She is a professor of linguistics and cognitive science in the department of English at Northern Illinois University, where she has taught since 2000.
During its May meeting, the Hope College Alumni Association Board of Directors appointed four new members and elected two new officers. The board’s new members are: Chandler Alberda, a junior from Austin, Texas; Lindsay Allward-Theimer ’11 of Atlanta, Georgia; Suzanne Marceny ’82 Caltrider of Mason, Michigan; and Phillip Torrence ’96 of Portage, Michigan. Newly elected as vice president … Continue reading "Suzanne Marceny ’82 Caltrider"
Dan Gundersen ’82 is the senior vice president and principal at Camoin Associates, a national economic development consulting company based in Saratoga Springs, New York, that has opened an office in Richmond.
Ingrid Anderson ’83 Baird has retired after 32 years of teaching high school French. In 2015 she was awarded the Kent County Education Association High School Teacher of the Year award. She currently volunteers through Bethany Christian Services teaching English to refugees and continues to tutor an inner-city school child through the Kid’s Hope program. … Continue reading "Ingrid Anderson ’83 Baird"
Robert Baird ’83 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, reports that 35 years after college graduation, his accomplishments include retaining a full head of hair, albeit gray. He is the president of HRA Psychological Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where his private practice involves forensic work (capacity to parent), disability determination, and general mental health and marriage … Continue reading "Robert Baird ’83"
Todd Holstege ’83 teaches K-5 physical education at Emmons Lake Elementary School in the Caledonia school system. He is finishing his 34th year of teaching, and in February was inducted into the Grand Rapids Christian High School Athletic Hall of Fame as an athlete. He was one of only 11 athletes to have been inducted … Continue reading "Todd Holstege ’83"
Melissa Stoll ’85 Cole received a doctorate of nursing practice with distinction from the Nurse Executive Organizational Leadership Program within the University of New Mexico College of Nursing. Her scholarly project was “How Nurse Leaders Assess Their Ethical Leadership Practice Before and After Ethical Leadership Training.”
Peggy Hallacy ’86 Gorno was given the Salute to Women honor for personal and professional excellence as a role model and mentor to other women at Grand Rapids Community College. She has held several positions at GRCC: assistant director of financial aid, campus information system coordinater, IT manager of academic applications and director of the … Continue reading "Peggy Hallacy ’86 Gorno"
Todd Garth ’87 was appointed chief program officer of GoodWeave International in September 2017. GoodWeave is one of the first and only organizations working to end child labor by connecting all the dots between New Delhi and New York, between a back alley factory and a boutique shop, between an artisan and the end consumer. … Continue reading "Todd Garth ’87"
Jacque Schaendorf ’87 is the president and CEO of The Insurance House Inc., which is based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also serving as the 2018-19 president of the Wholesale and Specialty Insurance Association, which is a national association of surplus lines brokers and managing general agents, and is writing an article for the WSIA’s … Continue reading "Jacque Schaendorf ’87"
Jon McKeeby ’88 and Susan Milanowski ’88 McKeeby recently moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jon is the chief information officer for the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical Center. Sue is a behavior consultant for children with autism for Centria Healthcare.
Kimberly Platte ’88 Orcutt is the Andrew W. Mellon curator of American Art at the Brooklyn Museum. She is the former Mellon curator at large for American Art at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Brenda Conant ’88 Wierenga-Huyser reports that her first husband, Dean Wierenga ’88, passed away in July 2011 after 23 years of marriage and shortly after graduating from seminary in May 2011, and that it has been a tough grief journey. She shares that God brought her a new husband, Dave Huyser, in June 2017 and … Continue reading "Brenda Conant ’88 Wierenga-Huyser"
Todd Adams ’91 was elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in fall 2017. AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society.
Laura Holloway ’91 received her master’s in mathematics from Villanova University in May 2017. She is now teaching mathematics classes at Bucks County Community College in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
David Zomer ’91 was installed as senior minister of Bethany Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Sunday, March 18, by the Southwest Michigan Classis. He previously served as minister of Powell River Reformed Church of Powell River, British Columbia, and as an RCA missionary in Hungary and Italy. He was baptized at Bethany and has … Continue reading "David Zomer ’91"
Bill Boerman ’94 received the educator excellence award from the Air Zoo in Portage, Michigan, during its fifth annual West Michigan Science Innovation Hall of Fame Awards on Saturday, April 21. He teaches in Holland Public’s STEM/STEAM program, which launched in the 2016-17 school year.
Sandy Federico ’96 reports that she has started an exciting mid-career change adventure. After many years of teaching dance in private studios and public schools, most recently at the Academy for Academics & Arts in Huntsville, Alabama, she has moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to pursue a degree in physical therapy at Chatham University.
During its May meeting, the Hope College Alumni Association Board of Directors appointed four new members and elected two new officers. The board’s new members are: Chandler Alberda, a junior from Austin, Texas; Lindsay Allward-Theimer ’11 of Atlanta, Georgia; Suzanne Marceny ’82 Caltrider of Mason, Michigan; and Phillip Torrence ’96 of Portage, Michigan. Newly elected as vice president … Continue reading "Phillip Torrence ’96"
Daniel Cwik ’97 of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, worked for six months as a material handler at Insight in 2017-18 and in March started a job as a temporary mail clerk for Ricoh in Northbrook, Illinois. He is also considering a computer support certification and updating skills in HTML.
Sufjan Stevens ’98 performed his song “Mystery of Love” during the internationally televised 90th Academy Awards ceremony on March 4. Nominated for Best Original Song, “Mystery of Love” is one of three songs that he has in the film Call Me by Your Name. Read more about Sufjan on the Alumni Blog.
Glyn Williams ’98 is the vice president of the west region of Rapport Worldwide, a media planning and buying agency that is part of the Interpublic Group. Since helping found the Los Angeles, California, office of Rapport in 2013, he has led the office to double its staffing and more than triple the billings with … Continue reading "Glyn Williams ’98"
Megan Masta ’99 Stiverson is a family court referee, juvenile court administrator and youth home administrator with the 1st Circuit CourtFamily Division in Hillsdale County. She was the assistant and chief assistant prosecuting attorney for the past 13 years. She now presides primarily over child abuse/neglect cases and juvenile delinquency and is a team member … Continue reading "Megan Masta ’99 Stiverson"
2000s
Kelly Kiewiet ’01 Cochrane and David Cochrane ’02→
Kelly Kiewiet ’01 Cochrane and David Cochrane ’02 announce the birth of Charles Bruce on Feb. 11, 2018.
Jeffrey Howard ’01 earned a Master of Science degree with distinction in transport planning and management in November 2017 at the University of Westminster in London, England. His dissertation, titled Zoned Out: Implementing a Flat Fare Structure on the London Underground, was awarded the dissertation prize by the Chartered Institute of Highways & Transport Foundation. … Continue reading ""
Josiah Dykstra ’02 is the senior warden, senior lay leader at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Annapolis, Maryland. He reports that St. Anne’s has Hope graduates at three levels of leadership, with Timothy Mulder ’76 becoming the interim rector at the church on Feb. 14, and Eugene Sutton ’76 serving as the Episcopal Bishop of … Continue reading "Josiah Dykstra ’02"
Katie Budris ’04 is a full-time lecturer in the department of writing arts at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. She teaches courses in first-year writing as well as creative writing for undergraduate and graduate students. She also serves as editor-in-chief of Glassworks, the literary magazine housed in Rowan’s Master of Arts in Writing program.
Sarah Gonzales ’04 Triplett of East Lansing, Michigan, received the 2018 Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award from Americans for the Arts on June 16 during the organization’s convention in Denver, Colorado. The award honors an individual at the state level whose arts advocacy efforts have dramatically affected the political landscape. Sarah is the director of public policy … Continue reading "Sarah Gonzales ’04 Triplett"
Lindsay David ’05 Zuska and Matthew Zuska ’05 announce the birth of Elizabeth Hope on Jan. 25, 2018. She joins Luke (6), Andrew (4) and Madelyn (3). They reside in Rochester Hills, Minnesota.
Shirley Smith ’06 Lopez has published many books and is now retired and opened a bookstore, Shirley’s Bookshelf, in Lansing, Michigan. She also teaches others how to become writers, helping young authors get published, students to earn income while in college, stay-at-home moms and retirees like herself. She notes that she is hoping to repay … Continue reading "Shirley Smith ’06 Lopez"
Jess Schmidt ’06 in November became the custom content manager at Great America Publishing, which publishes 12 trade publications in horticulture, agriculture, retail and sports. She is a project manager and writes content for all 12.
Tyler Boonstra ’07 received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy in August 2017. As part of his degree he finished a year-long APA-accredited internship at the Hampton VA Medical Center in Virginia, and he is currently a post-doctoral fellow at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center.
Kristin Olson ’07 Brace had her first book, a chapbook of poetry called Fence, Patio Blessed Virgin, published on July 13. The chapbook weaves together memories of Brace’s grandmother with narrative from the last two years of her life. Her second chapbook, Each Darkness Inside, will be published later in 2018.
Luke Wendt ’07 received his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering control theory and robotics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As a member of the Language Acquisition and Robotics Group/ Beckman Institute/ECE, he researched embodied cognition on the iCub, a humanoid robotics platform from the Italian Institute of Technology/Genoa. He is employed at … Continue reading "Luke Wendt ’07"
Matthew Baker ’08 of New York City has had three short stories optioned for film: “The Transition” (Amazon), “The Appearance” (Makeready) and “Life Sentence” (Netflix). February saw the publication of his debut collection, Hybrid Creatures (LSU Press), a unique book composed of four stories that are each narrated partly in an artificial language: HTML, music … Continue reading "Matthew Baker ’08"
Tyler Racey ’08 returned to the Ludington, Michigan, office of Western Land Services Inc. in December 2017. He runs and also performs in-office review on abstracts of title for clients’ projects and has worked closely with his supervisors in training new hires.
Sarah Lokers ’08 Wixson is a corporate and real estate attorney with a background in civil litigation with Varnum’s Litigation Practice Team in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Mike Brusko ’09 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is part of a unique team. He and Austin Nelson (whose wife is Emily Weber ’13) have partnered with Trey Burton, Jordan Hicks and Chris Maragos of the Superbowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles in forming TopTier Wealth Management, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The roster isn’t coincidental: NFL players are a particular focus. “They … Continue reading "Mike Brusko ’09"
Jonathan Hatfield ’09 and LJ Hatfield announce the birth of Eleanor Bliss on Oct. 8, 2017. They relocated back to Grand Rapids, Michigan, from Chicago, Illinois, in February 2018 and are excited to be closer to family and Hope. Jonathan continues his role as a vice president at J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank.
Dan Claus ’10 and Grace Olson ’10 Claus announce the birth of Greta Marie on March 11, 2018. Dan accepted a call as pastor of Shoreline Christian Reformed Church in Shoreline, Washington and Grace works remotely as managing editor of RCA Today.
Jessica Clouse ’10 Myers and James Myers announce the birth of Daniel Joseph on April 4, 2018. He joins big brother James Michael, born on Dec. 21, 2014.
During its May meeting, the Hope College Alumni Association Board of Directors appointed four new members and elected two new officers. The board’s new members are: Chandler Alberda, a junior from Austin, Texas; Lindsay Allward-Theimer ’11 of Atlanta, Georgia; Suzanne Marceny ’82 Caltrider of Mason, Michigan; and Phillip Torrence ’96 of Portage, Michigan. Newly elected as vice president … Continue reading "Lindsay Allward-Theimer ’11"
Amanda Goodyke ’11 Damon has started as a pediatric nurse practitioner at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. She is working in the hematology and oncology department focusing on pediatric anticoagulation. She spent four years working as a nurse practitioner in primary care at Streeterville Pediatrics in Chicago, Illinois, before making the … Continue reading "Amanda Goodyke ’11 Damon"
Karly Murphy ’11 received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Seattle Pacific University in June. She is completing her predoctoral clinical internship at the University of Florida and will soon begin a postdoctoral fellowship funded by a National Research Service Award at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, focusing research on technologybased biopsychosocial interventions in … Continue reading "Karly Murphy ’11"
Katlyn Prince ’11 Sommers and Clayton Sommers ’11→
Katlyn Prince ’11 Sommers and Clayton Sommers ’11 announce the birth of their second son, William Ford, on April 16, 2018.
Jay Everett Vanden Brink ’11 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, received a master’s degree in project management from the University of Barcelona in June 2017. He is a program manager of Latin America for Aqua Clara International of Holland, Michigan
Nickolas Davros II ’12 is pursing his Ph.D. degree with his thesis project on the effect of habitat modification on species richness of birds and dragonflies on a high school campus. He is an AP biology teacher at South Mecklenburg High School.
Scott DeClaire Jr. ’12 and Kathryn DeClaire announce the birth of their third child and their first girl. They had a home birth and the midwife didn’t arrive in time, so Scott delivered his very first baby. Annalynn Faith was born on April 26, 2018. Her big brothers Trey and Malakai love her very much.
Alex Yared ’12 presented at the FBI’s 2018 Great Lakes InfraGard Conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he spoke about emergency management in the private sector. He is currently a corporate security specialist and emergency management coordinator for the Perrigo Company. He was also recently appointed to the board for the Perrigo Professional Network, which is … Continue reading "Alex Yared ’12"
Courtney Kust ’13 of Holland, Michigan, who is an assistant coach for the Hope College women’s basketball team, was named a member of the 2018 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association “Thirty Under 30” Class in March. Sponsored by Marriott Rewards® program, the initiative recognizes 30 up-and-coming women’s basketball coaches age 30 and under at all levels … Continue reading "Courtney Kust ’13"
Meredith Rice ’13 received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Lincoln Memorial University-College of Veterinary Medicine in May. She has accepted an internship position at BluePearl Veterinary partners in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Kelsi Briegel ’14 and Jonathan Stricker were married on Feb. 17, 2018. Kelsi is a hospice social worker and Jonathan is a software developer. They reside in Chicago, Illinois.
Meredith Busman ’14 graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine on June 5 and has matched into the emergency medicine residency program at Spectrum Health Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she will be continuing her training for the next three years.
Marie Schrampfer ’15 completed her Master of Arts degree in theological studies at Saint Louis University and beginning this fall will be pursuing a Ph.D. in systematic theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
Five graduates received recognition through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Joshua Briggs ’17 of Holland, was an alternate for a research fellowship to study biology/ecology in Trinidad and Tobago.
Harrison Blackledge ’17 received an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. The NCAA awards up to 174 of the scholarships annually to student-athletes who are in their final year of intercollegiate athletics competition or graduates, recognizing academic and athletic excellence. A standout basketball player while at Hope, he is graduating from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, this month … Continue reading "Harrison Blackledge ’17"
Elizabeth “Gracie” Lewellyn ’17 is pursuing her Doctor of Optometry degree at Indiana University School of Optometry. She and Dustin Ramlow were married on July 14, 2018, in Iron Mountain, Michigan.
Jonathan Bading ’18 and Madison Buckner ’18 were married on July 28, 2018. He will be serving as director of sacred music at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Joseph Bustamante ’18 is a software developer for Atomic Object, a software consultancy based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is also a member of their accelerator program.
Five graduates received recognition through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Alexandra DeJongh ’18 of Holland, Michigan, received an English teaching assistantship. She will serve at a high school in Brussels, Belgium, for 10 months beginning in September.
Kylie DeKryger ’18 and Quinten Bader were married on June 9, 2018. Kylie is pursuing a Master of Social Work degree in the advanced standing program at Western Michigan University
is interning with Eighth Day Farm in Holland, Michigan, for the summer and then will be in Tajikistan as an agriculture intern with One Collective, a missionary organization, for two years.
Samuel Eshuis ’18 and Sarah Krisch ’18 were married on July 20, 2018. He will be pursing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Grand Valley State University.
Connor Gentry ’18 of Bloomington, Illinois, received a 2018 Miracle Network Dance Marathon Distinguished Leadership Award. He was active in Hope’s Dance Marathon throughout his time at the college, including as a member of the “Dream Team” for three years and as one of four executive directors this past year.
Bryanna Howard ’18 is pursuing a Master of Science degree in sports medicine at the University of Utah. She will also be working as a graduate assistant athletic trainer for Utah Utes Athletics.
Five graduates received recognition through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Joshua Chun Wah Kam ’18 of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, received a research fellowship. He will be in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, at Gadjah Mada University for 10 months beginning in September, researching the ways that Javanese communities have imagined and revered Ratu Kidul, a … Continue reading "Joshua Chun Wah Kam ’18"
Victoria Lindemulder ’18 is pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at Grand Valley State University. She is also working at The Day Center of Evergreen as a program assistant.
Morgan Locker ’18 accepted a graduate-nurse position at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She will be transitioning into a registered nurse when she passes the boards.
Haley Muller ’18 is a marketing and communications specialist at USA Financial in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She will also pursue a visual communications degree at Liberty University.
Joshua Nkonge ’18 of St. Louis, Missouri, was awarded a highly competitive Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation. He will pursue a doctorate in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan and a career conducting research that will help advance medical devices for underrepresented populations
Blake Parmer ’18 is the VP, COO and CDO of the consulting company Safe Response, LLC. Over the past three years, he has had the opportunity and privilege to manage, operate and develop a safety consulting company which specializes in providing online awareness level training and certification for both private and public-sector emergency first responders. … Continue reading "Blake Parmer ’18"
Kyle Reason ’18 is pursing a master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology at Eastern Illinois University. He will also be working as a graduate assistant
Tom Ritzman ’18 is an adventure counselor for Timber-Lee Youth Camp this summer and a mechanical/controls engineer for Koops Inc. in Holland, Michigan.
Five graduates received recognition through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Anna Van Deelan ’18 of Duluth, Minnesota, was a semifinalist for a research fellowship to study public health in Germany.
Gabrielle Werner ’18 is pursing a Master of Social Work degree in community development, social policy and evaluation at the University of Michigan. She will be participating in the Global Activities Scholars Program at the University of Michigan. She and Collin Wassilak were married on July 14, 2018.
Joseph Williams ’18 is enrolling in IDRÆTSHØJSKOLEN ÅRHUS Handball Academy in Arhus, Denmark. He plans to use the experience to help him take a step toward competing in the Olympics for Team USA Handball.
Leigh Wynveen ’18 is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in international affairs at the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs.
Jack DeWitt, passed away from glioblastoma at the age of 75. He was peaceful as he entered into Jesus’ presence, surrounded by family and his wife, Mary, of 54 years. Living and remaining positive to the end, Jack never complained about having cancer. He was born in Zeeland, Michigan, on December 17, 1942, to Marvin … Continue reading "Jack DeWitt"
Roger D. Prince, age 79, of Holland died Friday, May 4, 2018 at Resthaven Maple Woods. Roger was a member of Central Wesleyan. He had a real servant’s heart and worked hard for the church serving as an usher, driving bus and caring for the lawn. Roger was a veteran of the US Army serving during the Korean … Continue reading "Roger Prince"
