2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards

Since 2002, Amy has worked for ATLAS of Sioux Center, a nonprofit ministry that helps those who are hurting, equips followers of Jesus and unites the community. After becoming executive director of ATLAS in 2005—and later, director of ATLAS’ Center for Financial Education—Amy assumed leadership of the organization’s programs for one-on-one mentoring, personal finance and debt consolidation, and providing used cars to those in need. She also supports director relations among the 12 other ATLAS locations across the country.

A standout softball player for the Raiders, Amy was the team captain for two years and earned NAIA All-American honorable mention in 1997. She now serves as Sioux Center High School’s head softball coach. Amy holds a master’s degree in public administration from Dordt University and is a board member and treasurer for the Alliance of Reformed Churches.

Rachael joined Northwestern’s psychology faculty after eight years of service with U.S. military members—first as an active-duty Army psychologist and then as a clinical psychologist for a Department of Veterans Affairs clinic. She is the recipient of two Army Commendation Medals and an Army Achievement Medal.

In 2023, Rachael received a $3,000 Early Career Global Psychology Grant from the American Psychological Association (APA). She used the funds to collect data about the mental health of Ukrainian refugees living in the United States, seeking to give mental health clinicians a greater understanding of refugee treatment needs. Results from this study are currently in press with the APA journal Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy.

Rachael holds master’s degrees in general psychology and Christian leadership, as well as a doctorate in clinical psychology, from Fuller Theological Seminary. In November, she will complete a postdoctoral master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Since 2005, Brad has taught at the University of Sioux Falls (USF), where he serves as associate professor of accounting and area chair for the Vucurevich School of Business. He received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the South Dakota CPA Society and the National Society of Leadership & Success, and he was also awarded the 2012–13 Outstanding Faculty Award by USF.

Brad’s volunteer work has included service with the Avera McKennan Foundation, Sioux Empire United Way and Sioux Falls Christian Schools, among many other organizations. He currently serves on Northwestern’s board of trustees and has been a strong supporter of the college’s music, athletic and biology departments. An alumnus of Northwestern’s Symphonic Band, he has coordinated band concerts at LifeScape in Sioux Falls and hosted NWC alumni gatherings in his home. Additionally, physician assistant and nursing students have stayed with the VanKalsbeeks during their clinical rotations. Brad and his wife, Carilyn, have four children who are proud Raider alumni.