NWC pays tribute to longtime employees

Two retirees were honored for their years of service at Northwestern. Dr. Dick Van Holland, professor of business and economics, will retire this spring after completing 29 years of service. Patti Thayer, director of academic support, will retire this spring after completing 25 years of service.

Those who were honored for 40 years of service include Dr. Keith Allen, scene shop foreman, and Dr. Ron Juffer, professor of education.

Awards for 30 years of dedication were given to Roger Ewoldt, accountant; Tress Jacobsma, communications coordinator; and Deb Wassink, student accounts manager.  

Awards for 25 years of service were presented to Barry Brandt, director of athletics; Lee Hofland, maintenance assistant/housekeeper; Pam Vlieger, printing services manager; and Dr. Earl Woudstra, professor of kinesiology, assistant director of athletics and head women’s basketball coach.

Seven people received 20-year awards: Jeff Barker, NWC endowed professor of theatre and speech; Karen Barker, professor of theatre and speech; Monte Golden, housekeeper; Dr. Tim Lubben, associate professor of chemistry; Dr. Byron Noordewier, professor of biology; Karen Vander Pol, athletic department assistant; and Dr. Joel Westerholm, professor of English.

Fifteen-year awards were given to Dave Hulsart, assistant softball coach; Dr. Kim Jongerius, professor of mathematics; and Barb Lubbers, campus ministry assistant/receptionist.

Awards for 10 years of service were presented to: Kyle Achterhoff, offensive football coordinator/weight room and strength coach; Dr. Michael Andres, associate professor of religion; Paul Beltman, academic computing manager; Nanci Jahn, enrollment receptionist; Janette Reuter, comptroller; Jennie Smith, director of the Northwestern Fund; and Ward Van Peursem, grounds supervisor.

Twenty-six people received five-year awards: Kirsten Brue, career counselor; Anita Cirulis, associate director of public relations; Lindsay Clay, admissions counselor; Dan Daily, director of Ramaker Library; Dr. Laura Daily, instructor in education; Pam De Haan, lecturer in music; Sheila De Jong, lecturer in education; Dr. Laird Edman, associate professor of psychology; Dr. Sally Oakes Edman, director of the Wellness Center; Dr. Jennifer Feenstra, assistant professor of psychology; Russ Herman, lecturer in education; Dr. Juyeon Kang, assistant professor of music; and Anila Karunakar, multicultural affairs coordinator.