NWC honors employees at spring banquet

Northwestern College honored 55 longtime employees at the college’s Spring Recognition Banquet on April 26.  

One new retiree was recognized. Tress Jacobsma, communications coordinator, will retire this spring after completing 32 years of service.

Jeff Taylor, professor of theatre and speech, was honored for 30 years of service, as was Cornie Wassink, director of planned giving.  

Awards for 25 years of service were presented to Dr. Eric Elder, professor of business and economics, and Jim Burmakow, housekeeper.

Eight people received 20-year awards: Dr. Doug Carlson, associate dean for global education and professor of history; Dr. Tim McGarvey, professor of music; Larry Netten, physical plant technician; Denise Sneller, circulation/reserves coordinator in Ramaker Library; Dr. Barb Top, lecturer in education; Harvey Van Klompenburg, maintenance assistant; Mark Vellinga, professor of computer science; and Diane Westenberg, housekeeper.

Fifteen-year awards were given to11 individuals:  Dr. Kim Case, associate dean for student development and student programs, Barb Dewald, associate dean of spiritual formation; Dr. Adrienne Forgette, dean of the faculty; Dr. Keith Fynaardt, professor of English; Tamara Fynaardt, associate director of public relations; Jeff Guthmiller, associate director of admissions; Herm Oldenkamp, maintenance assistant; Dr. Jackie Smallbones, professor of religion and Christian education; Art Vander Pol, carpenter; Jay Wielenga, vice president for advancement; and MaryLou Wielenga, lecturer in music and chapel organist.

Awards for 10 years of service were presented to: Julie Andersen, maintenance office assistant; Joan Andres, therapist; Herb Bruxvoort, lawn care assistant; Pat Bruxvoort, housekeeper; Janine Calsbeek, co-coordinator for the international student host family program; Dr. Ralph Davis, associate professor of biology; Ardith De Jong, housekeeper; Dr. Thomas Holm, professor of music; Dr. Mitch Kinsinger, associate professor of religion and Christian education; Kris Korver, head men’s basketball coach; Dan Lassen, associate director of administrative systems; Anne Mead, associate library director and electronic resources librarian, Dr. Jim Mead, associate professor of religion; Jennifer Rogers, instructor in kinesiology; Ming-Chen (Grace) Rohrer, international student counselor; Gena Schmidt, associate director of financial services; and Randy Van Peursem, science support services professional.

Fourteen people received five-year awards: Lisa Barber, resident director; Bob De Haan, lecturer in agri-business; Mark De Ruyter, assistant professor of social work; Cal Heemstra, maintenance assistant; Dr. Heather Josselyn-Cranson, associate professor of music and director of music ministries; Dr. Jasper Lesage, provost; Rick Loutsch, clinical coordinator and assistant athletic trainer; Matt McCarty, defensive coordinator for the football team and director of athletic recruitment; Justin Mohning, assistant football coach; Pam Reints, nursing department assistant; Phil Scorza, instructor in art; Dr. Rod Spidahl, associate professor of religion and missiology; Kyle Van Den Bosch, head women’s volleyball coach; and Chris Yaw, assistant women’s basketball coach.