Bloemendaal named alumni director

Northwestern College’s director of admissions, Mark Bloemendaal, has been named the college’s new director of alumni relations. Bloemendaal, who has worked in Northwestern’s admissions office since he graduated in 1981, will begin his new position around July 1.

“Mark has been telling the Northwestern story to prospective students and their parents for his whole career. Now he’ll be sharing the same story, but with alumni to encourage them to invest and get involved in Northwestern,” says Jay Wielenga, Northwestern’s vice president for advancement. “He understands what alumni experienced at Northwestern because he has been on campus himself for over three decades. We are confident his skills and experiences will enhance the advancement team’s efforts.”

Bloemendaal, Northwestern’s admissions director since 2003, is a native of Lake Wilson, Minn. He also serves as men’s golf coach.

“I hope to strengthen connections between alumni and Northwestern because I know their involvement in the life of the college can help ensure students continue to have high-quality experiences,” says Bloemendaal. “I will miss working daily with the admissions team—they’re a great group of people—but I look forward to this new opportunity and challenge.”

Bloemendaal replaces Jenny Neuhauser, who left the post in November to move to South Dakota in preparation for her June wedding. Northwestern will launch a national search for the director of admissions position.