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.
Bruce Gillies ’63 celebrated 40 years of ordained ministry as an Episcopal deacon. His first assignment was Episcopal chaplain at Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, New York, where he served for five years. He performed many baptisms, especially for newborns who were given slim chances to live. His next assignment was to the New York State … Continue reading "Bruce Gillies ’63"
Karen Sterk ’76 as CEO and Betsy Wackernagel ’74 Bach as board chair led the charge to raise more than $8.3 million for the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. Betsy and Karen were Sigma Sigma Sorority sisters, both first-term presidents. The Jeannette Rankin Foundation honors Jeannette Rankin, the first woman in Congress, elected in 1916. She brought … Continue reading "Betsy Wackernagel ’74 Bach"
Nick Lam ’74 reports that he is enjoying being retired for the past 11 years from purchasing director for the City of Kalamazoo. He keeps busy working seasonally at a greenhouse, traveling, and serving on and off as a church treasurer, and completed three-and-a-half-years officiating high school football.
Mark Convoy ’75 reports that he and Hope friends Al Fedak ’75, Sue Hermance ’75 Fedak and Mary Drew ’74 Marcus recently got together for another dinner in Manchester, Vermont. The Fedaks continue making music with the 70-voice Hudson-Mohawk Chorale, with Sue as the founding artistic director and Al as accompanist and composer-in-residence. The couple … Continue reading "Mark Convoy ’75"
Kristine Musco ’75 David reports that she is enjoying retirement in Rhode Island and spending time in Maine. She continues to volunteer as a member of the Rotary Club of Providence. As the current club President, she is working with the Rhode Island chapter of Girls on the Run to empower young girls in fourth … Continue reading "Kristine Musco ’75 David"
Mark Convoy ’75 reports that he and Hope friends Al Fedak ’75, Sue Hermance ’75 Fedak and Mary Drew ’74 Marcus recently got together for another dinner in Manchester, Vermont. The Fedaks continue making music with the 70-voice Hudson-Mohawk Chorale, with Sue as the founding artistic director and Al as accompanist and composer-in-residence. The couple … Continue reading "Al Fedak ’75 and Sue Hermance ’75 Fedak"
Robert Luidens ’75 published his second memoir, titled With Feet of Clay – Pastoral Confession. His first memoir, published in 2020, is titled The Kingdom Will Come Anyway – A Life in the Day of a Pastor.
Rosemary “Rosie” Nadolsky ’75 who teaches French and Spanish via music at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, has written, recorded, and donated a song (reflecting the four seasons around Chicago’s North Pond) to the Lincoln Park Conservancy. Piano accompaniment on the recording was provided by Nadolsky’s Hope roommate, music major Judy Westenbroek-Lacks ’75. … Continue reading "Rosemary “Rosie” Nadolsky ’75"
Rosemary “Rosie” Nadolsky ’75 who teaches French and Spanish via music at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, has written, recorded, and donated a song (reflecting the four seasons around Chicago’s North Pond) to the Lincoln Park Conservancy. Piano accompaniment on the recording was provided by Nadolsky’s Hope roommate, music major Judy Westenbroek-Lacks ’75. … Continue reading "Judy Westenbroek-Lacks ’75"
Karen Sterk ’76 as CEO and Betsy Wackernagel ’74 Bach as board chair led the charge to raise more than $8.3 million for the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. Betsy and Karen were Sigma Sigma Sorority sisters, both first-term presidents. The Jeannette Rankin Foundation honors Jeannette Rankin, the first woman in Congress, elected in 1916. She brought … Continue reading "Karen Sterk ’76"
The Hope College Alumni Association Board of Directors has appointed five new members and elected new officers. The board’s new members are: Maya Favors ’26 of Indianapolis, Indiana; Todd Harburn ’78 of Twin Lake, Michigan; Samantha Poon ’14 of Washington, D.C.; Mark Rebhan ’85 of Farmington Hills, Michigan; and Jon Riekse ’89 of Grand Ledge, … Continue reading "Todd Harburn ’78"
Mark William Ennis ’80 has published his second book. Out of the Wilderness, Honoring His Abusive Christian Father and Mother, based on a real family, explores an abusive family and one man who lived to overcome, forgive, and protect the abusers from abuse.
Dan Hafley ’80 retired as a State of Oregon hydrogeologist in February 2024 to focus on outdoor adventure and family. He continues to consult to the state on emerging contaminant issues
Denny Griffin ’81 became the seventh NCAA Division III softball coach to reach 1,000 career coaching wins when he led Alma College to a 1-0 win vs. Eastern University on Feb. 27, 2024.
Jack Huisingh ’83 and Julie Rawlings ’83 Huisingh→
Jack Huisingh ’83 of Holland, Michigan, was grand marshal for Tulip Time’s Quality Car Wash Volksparade on Saturday, May 11. He was selected in celebration of his impactful service to the community as executive director of the Holland Aquatic Center, from which he retired at the end of June after 11 years in the role. … Continue reading "Jack Huisingh ’83 and Julie Rawlings ’83 Huisingh"
David Myaard ’83 retired in October 2020 from a career in the Foreign Service, which included 23 years abroad. He and his wife, Birgit, now live in Holland, Michigan, just south of Tunnel Park. He was recently selected for a Visiting Research Fellowship with the Van Raalte Institute (VRI) at Hope. Although the Fellowship technically … Continue reading "David Myaard ’83"
Marnie Marsters ’85 Lamberson reports that during the pandemic she started a Facebook page called “Hope in the 80s” to share information and memories about graduates during the 80s. She notes that the page is in no way affiliated with Hope College – it’s just a nice was to keep in touch with acquaintances and … Continue reading "Marnie Marsters ’85 Lamberson"
The Hope College Alumni Association Board of Directors has appointed five new members and elected new officers. The board’s new members are: Maya Favors ’26 of Indianapolis, Indiana; Todd Harburn ’78 of Twin Lake, Michigan; Samantha Poon ’14 of Washington, D.C.; Mark Rebhan ’85 of Farmington Hills, Michigan; and Jon Riekse ’89 of Grand Ledge, … Continue reading "Mark Rebhan ’85"
Wendy Vanderhart ’85 is serving as interim lead minister at the United Church of Christ in New Brighton, Minnesota. As of May, she and her spouse, Joanne, reside in Northfield, Minnesota.
Diana Krahe ’86 Steketee, who is a limited license psychologist, took the leap and opened her own practice called Better Days Through Play Counseling Services PLLC in November, 2023. She serves children in Grandville, Michigan, and the surrounding area struggling with issues related to adoption, trauma, ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression and other childhood … Continue reading "Diana Krahe ’86 Steketee"
Lisa Hendrixon ’88 Grewe recently retired after working as a certified athletic trainer for 34-anda- half years. She just published her first book, titled Beyond The Sidelines. The book recounts things she saw and heard while working as a high school athletic trainer.
The Hope College Alumni Association Board of Directors has appointed five new members and elected new officers. The board’s new members are: Maya Favors ’26 of Indianapolis, Indiana; Todd Harburn ’78 of Twin Lake, Michigan; Samantha Poon ’14 of Washington, D.C.; Mark Rebhan ’85 of Farmington Hills, Michigan; and Jon Riekse ’89 of Grand Ledge, … Continue reading "Jon Riekse ’89"
Chip Duford ’90 returned to Hope Repertory Theatre on the Hope College campus this summer for its 52nd Season as a member of the cast of the musical Big Fish. This is a milestone summer for Chip, as he celebrated 30 summers in Holland as a member of the acting company.
Dan Furman ’94 received a Doctorate of Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Since graduating from Hope and LTS with a Master of Divinity in 2003, he has served three churches as pastor and for the past 10 years as senior pastor at Hudsonville United Church of Christ. His thesis, “Inviting white churches … Continue reading "Dan Furman ’94"
The H-Club presented the 2024 Hope for Humanity Award to Kara VanderKamp ’95 on Monday, April 15, for her leadership role in helping expand educational opportunities for children in Niger. The Hope for Humanity award is presented to alumni athletes who have demonstrated Christian commitment and service to others in their careers after Hope. VanderKamp, … Continue reading "Kara VanderKamp ’95"
Chris Klein ’96 has published the book My Big Toe, a memoir about persevering through struggle. Chris achieved and accomplished things that nobody thought were attainable. He persevered through cerebral palsy and learned that God had a purpose for him. During his time at Hope, Chris realized that he had to surrender his disability and … Continue reading "Chris Klein ’96"
The artistry of singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens ’98 inspired a musical that has earned multiple award nominations, praise from reviewers coast-to-coast and a recent 15-week run on Broadway. The production is named for, and shares the music and lyrics of, Stevens’ 2005 studio album Illinoise, with book by Justin Peck, who is also the director and … Continue reading "Sufjan Stevens ’98"
Josh Johnson ’00 and his wife, Nikki, are celebrating their nine-year anniversary running their ministry, The Exchange Co-op in Rochester, Minnesota working alongside of those struggling with homelessness, addiction and the challenges of single parenting.
Jeffrey Howard ’01 earned a Ph.D. in transport in 2021 at the University of Westminister in London, United Kingdom. His dissertation was titled “Train Tweets and Social Licence to Operate: Exploring Stakeholder Engagement Through the Use of Twitter by Train Operating Companies in the United Kingdom.” He currently works at Rail Partners in London as … Continue reading "Jeffrey Howard ’01"
Louis Williams ’01 completed a doctorate in early childhood education from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. He currently serves as the principal at Sandusky Elementary School in Sandusky, Michigan.
Amy Avery ’02 Weese and husband, Chad Weese, went on an expedition to Antarctica in February. They spent 10 days with Albatros Expeditions and saw penguins, seals, humpback whales and orcas, and finished up their trip with a polar plunge. She also graduated with her Doctorate in Ministry degree (D.Min) from MTSO, the Methodist Theological … Continue reading "Amy Avery ’02 Weese"
Kyle Hackney ’03 was promoted to full professor with tenure at North Dakota State University, Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences.
Meridith De Avila ’04 Khan earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing (nonfiction) from Randolph College and is currently teaching middle school English in Virginia. Since her last class note, she and her husband, Adeel, celebrated the births of Nadia (2016) and Nayel (2021).
Rebekah Oegema ’04 Rhys Kean received a Master of Science degree in organizational psychology from the University of Hartford. Her objective in obtaining this degree is to help consult with businesses and help make them healthier. She currently works at Crowe LLP.
Seth Carlson ’10 and Christopher Tidmarsh ’10 were inducted into the Michiana Forty Under 40 class of 2024. Michiana Forty under 40 highlights the achievements of 40 outstanding young adults who, despite being under the age of 40, have demonstrated exceptional leadership, excellence in their respective careers, and a commitment to community service.
Courtney Blackwell ’11 celebrated the adoption finalization of Ezra Vernon and Jude Richard. They join sibling, Selah Ruth. She reports that life is pure chaos and joy with three newly seven-yearolds and the sweet foster toddlers she cares for.
Leah Hottel ’11 Templeton and Sean Templeton announce the birth of their third child, Charlotte Marie, on Feb. 9, 2024. She joins big siblings Bridget and Patrick, who are crazy about the new family addition.
Erik Durham ’13 is the regional marketing consultant at Tommy’s Express Car Wash. Tommy’s Express is one of the fastest-growing franchises in the United States. Erik will serve franchise partners nationwide in developing their local marketing and brand strategies.
Kevin Kandow ’13 and Meghan Munoz ’13 Kandow announce the birth of their third child, Charles. Charles joins his siblings George (3) and Isabelle (2). Kevin and Meghan reside in California, where Kevin works as a federal law enforcement officer and Meghan works as a family nurse practitioner.
Blake Soulet ’13 received a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Walden University on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. She also received her limited counseling license from the State of Michigan on Wednesday, Feb. 14, and started a Ph.D. program at Walden University in counselor education and supervision on Monday, Feb. 26. She is … Continue reading "Blake Soulet ’13"
10 UNDER 10 AWARDS Hope College and the alumni board of directors are proud to announce the recipients of our annual 10 Under 10 awards. The awards are designed to honor alumni within 10 years of graduation making significant contributions in the local and global community by living out their calling.
The Hope College Alumni Association Board of Directors has appointed five new members and elected new officers. The board’s new members are: Maya Favors ’26 of Indianapolis, Indiana; Todd Harburn ’78 of Twin Lake, Michigan; Samantha Poon ’14 of Washington, D.C.; Mark Rebhan ’85 of Farmington Hills, Michigan; and Jon Riekse ’89 of Grand Ledge, … Continue reading "Samantha Poon ’14"
Samantha Rushton ’14 Sheehan and Matt Sheehan announce their second baby boy, Caden, in September 2023. He joins big brother Rowan. Sam is an instructor mentor at barre3 in Metro Detroit.
10 UNDER 10 AWARDS Hope College and the alumni board of directors are proud to announce the recipients of our annual 10 Under 10 awards. The awards are designed to honor alumni within 10 years of graduation making significant contributions in the local and global community by living out their calling.
Cate Flynn ’15 Frost and Dillon Frost announce the birth of twin boys, Sullivan and Parker. She has also earned a certification as a clinical research professional for her job at the University of Michigan’s phase-1 multi-tumor experimental therapeutics oncology clinical trials support unit.
10 UNDER 10 AWARDS Hope College and the alumni board of directors are proud to announce the recipients of our annual 10 Under 10 awards. The awards are designed to honor alumni within 10 years of graduation making significant contributions in the local and global community by living out their calling.
10 UNDER 10 AWARDS Hope College and the alumni board of directors are proud to announce the recipients of our annual 10 Under 10 awards. The awards are designed to honor alumni within 10 years of graduation making significant contributions in the local and global community by living out their calling.
10 UNDER 10 AWARDS Hope College and the alumni board of directors are proud to announce the recipients of our annual 10 Under 10 awards. The awards are designed to honor alumni within 10 years of graduation making significant contributions in the local and global community by living out their calling.
10 UNDER 10 AWARDS Hope College and the alumni board of directors are proud to announce the recipients of our annual 10 Under 10 awards. The awards are designed to honor alumni within 10 years of graduation making significant contributions in the local and global community by living out their calling.
10 UNDER 10 AWARDS Hope College and the alumni board of directors are proud to announce the recipients of our annual 10 Under 10 awards. The awards are designed to honor alumni within 10 years of graduation making significant contributions in the local and global community by living out their calling.
10 UNDER 10 AWARDS Hope College and the alumni board of directors are proud to announce the recipients of our annual 10 Under 10 awards. The awards are designed to honor alumni within 10 years of graduation making significant contributions in the local and global community by living out their calling.
10 UNDER 10 AWARDS Hope College and the alumni board of directors are proud to announce the recipients of our annual 10 Under 10 awards. The awards are designed to honor alumni within 10 years of graduation making significant contributions in the local and global community by living out their calling.
Katie Joachim ’20 and Aidan Danigelis were married in August 2024 in Charlevoix, Michigan. They are both changing their last names to Winters in honor of Aidan’s mother.
10 UNDER 10 AWARDS Hope College and the alumni board of directors are proud to announce the recipients of our annual 10 Under 10 awards. The awards are designed to honor alumni within 10 years of graduation making significant contributions in the local and global community by living out their calling.
Gareth Ulmer ’20 received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Dayton School of Law and passed the July 2023 Michigan Bar Exam. He is an associate at Honigman LLP.
Kendall Muhr ’21 received the Outstanding People for Education Award for her work as a high school science teacher and mentor at Otsego High School at the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency’s banquet on Wednesday, May 15.
Charles Soucey ’22 and Sarah Grimes ’23, have received honorable mention recognition through the prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) this year. Soucey is pursuing a Ph.D. in hydrogeology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, where he is studying the groundwater transport … Continue reading "Charles Soucey ’22"
Jacob VanderRoest ’22 attended the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai. He presented how to effectively foster youth climate action for high school students and college undergraduates. He noted that presentations by Hillary Clinton, Al Gore and John Kerry were especially interesting. He is also attending the American Geophysical Union Conference in San Francisco.
Charles Soucey ’22 and Sarah Grimes ’23, have received honorable mention recognition through the prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) this year. Soucey is pursuing a Ph.D. in hydrogeology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, where he is studying the groundwater transport … Continue reading "Sarah Grimes ’23"
A total of four graduating seniors received recognition through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Ava Asmus ’24 of Muskegon, Michigan, and Alyson Davis ’24 of Palatine, Illinois, received fellowships. Rory Campagna ’24 of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and Elizabeth (Autumn) Kim ’24 of Lake in the Hills, Illinois, each … Continue reading "Ava Asmus ’24"
A total of four graduating seniors received recognition through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Ava Asmus ’24 of Muskegon, Michigan, and Alyson Davis ’24 of Palatine, Illinois, received fellowships. Rory Campagna ’24 of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and Elizabeth (Autumn) Kim ’24 of Lake in the Hills, Illinois, each … Continue reading "Rory Campagna ’24"
A total of four graduating seniors received recognition through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Ava Asmus ’24 of Muskegon, Michigan, and Alyson Davis ’24 of Palatine, Illinois, received fellowships. Rory Campagna ’24 of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and Elizabeth (Autumn) Kim ’24 of Lake in the Hills, Illinois, each … Continue reading "Alyson Davis ’24"
Jessica Estabrook ’24 will be taking a gap year to apply for medical school and is working as a patient care technician at the Cancer & Hematology Center in East Grand Rapids.
A total of four graduating seniors received recognition through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Ava Asmus ’24 of Muskegon, Michigan, and Alyson Davis ’24 of Palatine, Illinois, received fellowships. Rory Campagna ’24 of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and Elizabeth (Autumn) Kim ’24 of Lake in the Hills, Illinois, each … Continue reading "Elizabeth (Autumn) Kim ’24"
Kyla Murray ’24 will pursue a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration on children, adolescents, and animals in a clinical setting at the University of Denver.
Grace Portenga ’24 will pursue a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Michigan. She was married on June 2, 2024, and moved to South Bend, Indiana.
Mariah Shaver ’24 will pursue a Juris Doctorate degree at Detroit Mercy Law School. She is working for U.S. Homeland Security Investigations while attending law school.
Emma Staggs ’24 will pursue a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from Ball State University. She is currently working as a behavior technician at Hope Discovery ABA.
Bethany Teague ’24 will pursue a Master of Social Work degree, more specifically in traumafocused cognitive behavioral therapy, at Western Michigan University.
