Distinguished alumni

Dan ’94 and Tricia (Vander Waal ’94) Vermeer Distinguished Service to Northwestern

Dan and Tricia are active members of the Vermeer Corporation, where Tricia is executive director of the Vermeer Charitable Foundation and Dan serves as an engaged shareholder. Both have held roles as Vermeer family ambassadors and members of the Vermeer Ownership Council, and Tricia additionally serves on the company’s board of directors. The Vermeers’ commitment to Christian higher education has been evident throughout their careers as educators and community leaders. Dan taught high school history at Christian schools for more than 20 years and also coached baseball and basketball. Tricia sat on Northwestern’s board of trustees from 2012 to 2024, where she served three years as vice chair and two years as chair.

Award year: 2025