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.
L. James Harvey ’52 was recently presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who as a leader in the fields of education, academic administration and business consulting. His biography will appear in the new Marquis Who’s Who publication. He has also recently published his 14th book, 1001 Sentence Sermons, which … Continue reading "L. James Harvey ’52"
Carl Ver Beek ’59 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, received the Justice Foundation of West Michigan’s Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday, May 13. The award recognizes a member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association for special contributions in service and support to the mission of GRBA and JFWM, the community at large, and the practice of law … Continue reading "Carl Ver Beek ’59"
George Boerigter ’61, founder of SoundOffSignal, participated in the groundbreaking of a new 100,000 square foot office and factory. This facility will enable the company to keep up with its historic growth pattern of doubling every five years. The new facility will ultimately house approximately 250 new employees. The company currently has about 175,000 sq. … Continue reading "George Boerigter ’61"
Darrel Staat ’64 has written his fifth book, Higher Education Planning in an Exponential Age: A Continuous, Dynamic Process, which was co-published by Rowman and Littlefield and the American Association of Community Colleges, (AACC) in April 2021. The book was featured by Rowman and Littlefield at the virtual AACC Convention in May 2021. Darrel was … Continue reading "Darrel Staat ’64"
George Arwady ’69 was elected board president of the New England Newspaper & Press Association. He is publisher and CEO of The Republican newspaper of Springfield, Massachusetts, having held similar positions in Michigan, New Jersey and Massachusetts for the past 41 years.
Christine Peacock ’70 Powers of Denver, Colorado, has been elected to the Board of Directors of Christian Living Communities, which was founded in 1972 through the collaboration of the Reformed Church in America and the Christian Reformed Church in the Denver area. The organization owns and manages 22 senior housing communities in Colorado and five … Continue reading "Christine Peacock ’70 Powers"
Beverly Kerlikowske ’76 Rose retired from Wells Fargo’s commercial banking division in San Francisco and moved with her husband to a small farm in Portland, Oregon. She reports that she is at work on her second novel, tending flower, herb and vegetable gardens, and raising a few chickens.
John Vander Kolk ’78 started Touch of Hope International, a non-profit organization that provides dental work for Syrian and Lebanese refugees. Dutch ’74 and Cyndy Hartman ’74 Nyboer recently helped out through a church in Zahle, Lebanon.
Robin Bost ’80 Sharp was ordained as a minister of the Presbyterian Church in March 2021. She was called to serve as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Waterford, Pennsylvania.
Cheryl Schemper ’82 Ramey retired after 39 years as a resource specialist with Ripon Unified School District. She reports that she is looking forward to traveling, camping, and spending time with her husband, Mike.
Greg VerBeek ’83 moved from Chicago, Illinois, to Austin, Texas, to head up the global contracts and strategic pricing operations for National Instruments.
Dan Boerigter ’88 is the executive chairman of the family company, SoundOffSignal, and led the groundbreaking for a major addition to the company. The new 100,000 square foot office and factory will enable the company to keep up with its historic growth pattern of doubling every five years. The new facility will ultimately house approximately … Continue reading "Dan Boerigter ’88"
The Hope College Alumni Association Board of Directors appointed four new members and elected three new officers during its April meeting. The board’s new members are: Naod Estifanos, a junior from Silver Spring, Maryland; Tracey Forbes ’03 Hoesch of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Michael Magan ’88 of London, England; and Jacob Sitati ’01 of Vernon Hills, … Continue reading "Michael Magan ’88"
Tracy Boockmeier ’89 Brower has published a second book, The Secrets to Happiness at Work, which is about empowering people to create and choose the conditions for happiness, wellbeing, fulfillment and success. She is a PhD sociologist studying work-life fulfillment and happiness. Her previous book is Bring Work to Life by Bringing Life to Work. … Continue reading "Tracy Boockmeier ’89 Brower"
1990s
Christopher Carpenter ’90 and Panechanh Choummanivong ’93 Carpenter→
Christopher Carpenter ’90 and Panechanh Choummanivong ’93 Carpenter report that they enjoyed watching their daughter Kayla Carpenter ’24 compete on Hope’s undefeated JV women’s basketball team this season despite COVID-19 chaos. He was also happy to serve as a consultant for Hope College’s COVID-19 planning team based on his work describing the diagnostic approach to … Continue reading "Christopher Carpenter ’90 and Panechanh Choummanivong ’93 Carpenter"
Jason Elmore ’93 was elected to the bench for the 28th Circuit Court for Wexford and Missaukee Counties, Michigan. He is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves JAG Corps. He recently published his first novel, The Field.
Bill Boerman ’94 of Zeeland, Michigan, was named National Amazing Teacher of the Month by Gannett Publications. He is a STEM teacher at Holland Middle School. One project that his students work on is a greenhouse that provides free, fresh produce for district families and community members.
Hillary Heinze ’97 is chairing the new department of behavioral sciences at UM-Flint. The new department combines four units: psychology, sociology, anthropology and criminal justice. She has served as chair of the psychology department for the past year.
Greg Vlietstra ’97 is the campaign treasurer for Michigan Governor candidate Garrett Soldano.
Matthew Kuiper ’98 and Laurie Byington ‘96 Kuiper→
Matthew Kuiper ’98 is an assistant professor of religious studies at Missouri State University and 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. Matthew, who is married to Laurie Byington ‘96 Kuiper, spent nearly three years researching … Continue reading "Matthew Kuiper ’98 and Laurie Byington ‘96 Kuiper"
Glyn Williams ’98 acquired Mahlmann Media, and is serving as CEO. Mahlmann Media is an out-of-home advertising media owner, operator, and representative that has been in business for over 30 years, previously owned by Richard and Susan Mahlmann. After nearly 20 years at outdoor advertising agencies, he started at Mahlmann Media in 2019 as chief … Continue reading "Glyn Williams ’98"
Amy Shineman ’00 Carter graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing, family nurse practitioner degree from South University in December 2019 and accepted a position with a hematology/oncology practice in Savannah, Georgia, in March 2020.
Heidi Huebner ’00 Wheeler earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Her doctoral project was “Addressing Racism and Promoting Equity in a College of Nursing through Cognitive and Emotional Perspective Interventions.” She is an assistant professor of nursing at Milwaukee School of Engineering.
Eric Schrotenboer ’01 and Meredith Ter Haar ’03 Schrotenboer→
Eric Schrotenboer ’01 and Meredith Ter Haar ’03 Schrotenboer have created a Christmas family activity set, The Wandering Wise Men, that includes a picture book, a 37-day family devotional and three plush toy wise men for parents to hide around the house. Joel Schoon-Tanis ’89 painted the illustrations for this product. It is currently running … Continue reading "Eric Schrotenboer ’01 and Meredith Ter Haar ’03 Schrotenboer"
The Hope College Alumni Association Board of Directors appointed four new members and elected three new officers during its April meeting. The board’s new members are: Naod Estifanos, a junior from Silver Spring, Maryland; Tracey Forbes ’03 Hoesch of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Michael Magan ’88 of London, England; and Jacob Sitati ’01 of Vernon Hills, … Continue reading "Jacob Sitati ’01"
Mary Disbrow ’02 Kroeger received a master’s degree from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, for teaching and was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi and Kappa Delta Phi.
The Hope College Alumni Association Board of Directors appointed four new members and elected three new officers during its April meeting. The board’s new members are: Naod Estifanos, a junior from Silver Spring, Maryland; Tracey Forbes ’03 Hoesch of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Michael Magan ’88 of London, England; and Jacob Sitati ’01 of Vernon Hills, … Continue reading "Tracey Forbes ’03 Hoesch"
Katie Budris ’04 of Woodbury, New Jersey, has had her second chapbook of poetry published. Mid-Bloom, released this month by Finishing Line Press, explores her experience with breast cancer just two short years ago, including the connection the experience gave her with her late mother, who passed away from cancer in 1998. Katie notes that … Continue reading "Katie Budris ’04"
The Grand Rapids (Michigan) Triathlon on Saturday, June 19, served as a mini-reunion for six alumni of the Cosmopolitan fraternity who were Hope contemporaries. Pictured from left to right after completing the contest are Andy Ruemenapp ’06, Todd Neckers ’04, Devin McNeil ’06, Nick DeKoster ’06, Mike DeYoung ’06 and Lance Postma ’07.
Katherine Van Oss ’05 and Brad Malat announce the birth of Leon Robertson at the end of November 2020. He is named after Brad’s grandfather, who was a Holocaust survivor, and his middle name is Kate’s grandmother’s maiden name and Scottish clan.
Megan Chambers ’06 and Eric Simonson were married on March 12, 2021, in Tucson, Arizona. She is a middle school language arts teacher in Vail, Arizona.
The Grand Rapids (Michigan) Triathlon on Saturday, June 19, served as a mini-reunion for six alumni of the Cosmopolitan fraternity who were Hope contemporaries. Pictured from left to right after completing the contest are Andy Ruemenapp ’06, Todd Neckers ’04, Devin McNeil ’06, Nick DeKoster ’06, Mike DeYoung ’06 and Lance Postma ’07.
The Grand Rapids (Michigan) Triathlon on Saturday, June 19, served as a mini-reunion for six alumni of the Cosmopolitan fraternity who were Hope contemporaries. Pictured from left to right after completing the contest are Andy Ruemenapp ’06, Todd Neckers ’04, Devin McNeil ’06, Nick DeKoster ’06, Mike DeYoung ’06 and Lance Postma ’07.
The Grand Rapids (Michigan) Triathlon on Saturday, June 19, served as a mini-reunion for six alumni of the Cosmopolitan fraternity who were Hope contemporaries. Pictured from left to right after completing the contest are Andy Ruemenapp ’06, Todd Neckers ’04, Devin McNeil ’06, Nick DeKoster ’06, Mike DeYoung ’06 and Lance Postma ’07
The Grand Rapids (Michigan) Triathlon on Saturday, June 19, served as a mini-reunion for six alumni of the Cosmopolitan fraternity who were Hope contemporaries. Pictured from left to right after completing the contest are Andy Ruemenapp ’06, Todd Neckers ’04, Devin McNeil ’06, Nick DeKoster ’06, Mike DeYoung ’06 and Lance Postma ’07.
The Grand Rapids (Michigan) Triathlon on Saturday, June 19, served as a mini-reunion for six alumni of the Cosmopolitan fraternity who were Hope contemporaries. Pictured from left to right after completing the contest are Andy Ruemenapp ’06, Todd Neckers ’04, Devin McNeil ’06, Nick DeKoster ’06, Mike DeYoung ’06 and Lance Postma ’07.
Joseph Seymour ’08 and Sarah Burrichter ’10 Seymour→
Joseph Seymour ’08 and Sarah Burrichter ’10 Seymour announce the birth of June Honora on April 17, 2021.
Ella Vandervlugt ’11 Moehlman received a call to word and sacrament ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and was ordained Feb. 14, 2020. She is serving as associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisbon, North Dakota.
Ashley Boss ’12 Berry received a Master of Science degree in nursing from the University of Michigan. She and Blake Berry announce the birth of Cambry Holland on Dec. 31, 2020.
Leigh Clouse ’13 graduated from the University of Michigan with a master’s of science in information, specializing in digital archives, library science and preservation.
Eric Greve ’14 and Felicia Mata-Greve ’14 earned their Ph.Ds. in clinical psychology and chemistry, respectively, from Marquette University in 2020. Eric is a fellow at Seattle Children’s Research Institute and Felicia will be starting a fellowship in rehabilitation psychology at the Seattle VA.
Six recent graduates have received recognition through the prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) this year. Kathleen Muloma ’19 received a fellowship. Receiving honorable mention were Brandon Derstine ’17, Megan Elizabeth Edwards ’17, Ford Fishman ’19, Ashley Trojniak ’19 and Jacob VanderRoest ’21. Muloma will be pursuing a Ph.D. in … Continue reading "Brandon Derstine ’17"
Six recent graduates have received recognition through the prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) this year. Kathleen Muloma ’19 received a fellowship. Receiving honorable mention were Brandon Derstine ’17, Megan Elizabeth Edwards ’17, Ford Fishman ’19, Ashley Trojniak ’19 and Jacob VanderRoest ’21. Muloma will be pursuing a Ph.D. in … Continue reading "Megan Elizabeth Edwards ’17"
Six recent graduates have received recognition through the prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) this year. Kathleen Muloma ’19 received a fellowship. Receiving honorable mention were Brandon Derstine ’17, Megan Elizabeth Edwards ’17, Ford Fishman ’19, Ashley Trojniak ’19 and Jacob VanderRoest ’21. Muloma will be pursuing a Ph.D. in … Continue reading "Ford Fishman ’19"
Six recent graduates have received recognition through the prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) this year. Kathleen Muloma ’19 received a fellowship. Receiving honorable mention were Brandon Derstine ’17, Megan Elizabeth Edwards ’17, Ford Fishman ’19, Ashley Trojniak ’19 and Jacob VanderRoest ’21. Muloma will be pursuing a Ph.D. in … Continue reading "Kathleen Muloma ’19"
Jonathan Schoenheider ’19 had a classnote written about him that was not correct in the Spring issue of News from Hope College. He is not currently married.
Collin Thomas ’19 and Sarah Olen ’21 were married on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Sarah will be attending The Ohio State University Optometry program and Collin recently graduated from Princeton Seminary.
Six recent graduates have received recognition through the prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) this year. Kathleen Muloma ’19 received a fellowship. Receiving honorable mention were Brandon Derstine ’17, Megan Elizabeth Edwards ’17, Ford Fishman ’19, Ashley Trojniak ’19 and Jacob VanderRoest ’21. Muloma will be pursuing a Ph.D. in … Continue reading "Ashley Trojniak ’19"
Hailey Pickelheimer ’20 Spry and Jacob Spry ’20 were married on Dec. 19, 2020. Hailey started in the physician assistant program at Indiana State University in January 2021.
Steve Wilbur ’20 is a wealth management associate with Greenleaf Trust. He is responsible for supporting the wealth management team in the development of comprehensive wealth management plans, execution of goal-based planning and the management of investment portfolios.
Barry Bait ’21 and Maggie Swafford ’21 were married on Saturday, May 29, 2021, and will be residing in Chicago, Illinois. Barry is attending Northwestern University’s Prosthetics and Orthotics program.
Katrina Clayton ’21 Beltz and Caleb Beltz ’20 were married in May 2020. Katrina is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in leadership with a concentration in student affairs in higher education at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado. Caleb is a staff engineer with Basis Partners in Colorado Springs.
Ernesta Cole ’21 is pursuing a degree at the University of Michigan’s master’s program of international regional studies with a focus on African studies.
Vanea Dawson ’21 is teaching STEM, art therapy and the Hawaiian language/Hawaiian literacy to children this summer on the big island of Hawaii, where she is from.
Taylor Dunn ’21 is an outreach specialist with Community Action House in Holland, Michigan. She and Nick Wyatt ’21 were married on Sunday, July 25, 2021.
Kworweinski Lafontant ’21 is pursuing a master’s in exercise science degree concentrating on strength and conditioning at the University of South Florida.
Sarah Olen ’21 and Collin Thomas ’19 were married on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Sarah will be attending The Ohio State University optometry program and Collin recently graduated from Princeton Seminary.
Emma Passaglia ’21 is volunteering as an English language and photography/videography instructor at Children of Faith Missions in Visakhapatnam, India, junior college (middle school) students.
Anna Peterson ’21 moved to Bethesda, Maryland, to participate in Fourth Presbyterian’s Fellowship Program, where she is leading ministry, taking seminary classes and working in D.C. for a year.
Maggie Swafford ’21 and Barry Bait ’21 were married on Saturday, May 29, 2021, and will be residing in Chicago, Illinois. Maggie will be teaching at Chicago Public Schools.
Amelia Waalkes ’21 and Josiah Hanson were married on May 23, 2020, in Zeeland, Michigan. Amelia owns and operates a wedding rental business, Pair-a-docs Event Rentals LLC.
Emma Wabel ’21 is working at Acadia National Park in Maine for the summer and will then pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at Michigan State University in the fall.
