NWC honors loyal employees at banquet

Northwestern College honored 49 longtime employees at the college’s Spring Recognition Banquet on April 21.  

Five new retirees were honored. Loretta Hegeman, bookstore assistant, and Linda Schulte, education department assistant, will retire this spring after completing 30 years of service. Dr. Carl Vandermeulen, professor of English and communications, will retire after 27 years of service. Deborah Menning, instructor in English, will retire following 22 years of service. John Greller, vice president for advancement, will retire after 17 years.

Rein Vanderhill, professor of art, was honored for 35 years of service. Dr. Dick Van Holland, lecturer in education, was awarded for 30 years of dedication, as were Hegeman and Schulte.  

Awards for 25 years of service were presented to Dr. Paul Bartlett, professor of kinesiology, and Scott Simmelink, director of maintenance and operations.

Six people received 20-year awards: Dr. Doug Anderson, professor of history; Harlyn Jacobsma, housekeeper; Gary Jeltema, supervisor of mechanical services; Barry Lawrensen, audiovisual technician; Dave Nonnemacher, director of the Lilly Grant and experiential learning; and Vonda Post, associate professor of business and economics.

Fifteen-year awards were given to Dr. Tim Huffman, associate professor of mathematics, and Dr. Mike Kugler, professor of history.

Awards for 10 years of service were presented to: Michael Andersen, lecturer in music; Dr. Dave Arnett, associate professor of chemistry; Charlie Couch, registrar/director of institutional research; Lori Couch, director of student activities; Lyle Frederes, lawn care assistant; Sheri Gunderson, director of grants and research; Marlon Haverdink, director of service learning; Harold Hoftyzer, head women’s golf coach; and Dr. Randy Jensen, professor of philosophy.

Also: Dr. Michael Kensak, associate professor of English; Piet Koene, instructor in Spanish; Dr. Ann Lundberg, associate professor of English; Bill Minnick, director of career development; Dr. Scott Monsma, associate professor of sociology; Paul Smith, associate director of computing services; Valerie Stokes, assistant professor of social work; Lee Thorson, lecturer in music; Dr. Joonna Trapp, associate professor of English; and Anita Vogel, senior reference and information literacy librarian.

Thirteen people received five-year awards: Matt Bos, sports information/web broadcasting director; Dr. Dean Calsbeek, assistant professor of kinesiology; Ann Du Mez, resident director; Dr. Graham Lemke, associate professor of business and economics; Kirk Maasdam, assistant football coach; Kristin McDonald, instructor in modern foreign languages; Sharon Reynen, admissions assistant; Aaron Schmidt, head assistant wrestling coach; Elsa Schmidt, lecturer in Spanish; Brandon Van Marel, resident director; John Vonder Bruegge, instructor in religion; Dr. Robert Winn, associate professor of history; and Julie Wynia, campus visit coordinator.