Northwestern College recognizes two with Inspirational Service Awards

Dr. Jenny Song, associate professor and chair of the business department, and Lori Zomermaand, director of admissions, are the recipients of Northwestern College’s 2025 Inspirational Service Awards. Song was chosen as the faculty recipient, while Zomermaand received the staff award during the college’s Celebration Banquet on May 5.

The awards recognize employees who go beyond excellence in their performance, have demonstrated a selfless commitment to service, and whose dedication to Christ is apparent in their daily work and interactions. A selection committee chose the winners from among candidates nominated by employees.

A member of the business faculty since 2019, Song has played key roles in the development of several new interdisciplinary academic programs, including majors in creative industries-visual art and social enterprise. The associate editor for The International Journal of Servant-Leadership, she received Northwestern’s Faculty Excellence in Faith and Learning Award in 2022.

Colleagues described Song in their award nominations as a hard worker who loves to collaborate with others and who has a passion for helping international students and faculty feel welcomed.

“Jenny is a tireless champion for her department, international students, and the development of partnerships with colleagues in the humanities,” says Dr. Jeff VanDerWerff, dean of social sciences.

“Few are as proactive as Jenny,” says Dr. Han-Yen Kao, associate professor of economics. “Few pay as much attention to details as Jenny does. She doesn’t just get things done. She serves with people in mind. She truly cares about the well-being of people around her. The combination of a project manager’s mind and a servant leader’s heart is what makes Jenny a worthy recipient of this award.”

Registrar Austin Nyhof adds, “Jenny is kind to everyone. She goes out of her way to encourage and assist others in their time of need. Dr. Song often puts the needs of the college and colleagues above her own.”

A certified project management professional, Song had extensive industrial information technology experience in China. She earned a doctorate in leadership studies from Gonzaga University and a Master of Divinity degree from George Fox University.

Zomermaand, a 1993 graduate of Northwestern College, is in her third year as director of admissions after joining the admissions staff in 2018 and becoming associate director a year later. Last fall, she and her team brought in the largest freshman class since 2010, with 327 full-time first-year students enrolled, compared to 283 the previous year.

“Her team feels very known and valued by her, and they trust her,” says Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing Tamara Fynaardt. “She is exceptionally skilled at identifying team members’ strengths and then coaching them to confidently use those skills and develop them further. Lori’s leadership has resulted in a team of admissions counselors who perform with confidence because they feel cared for personally and invested in professionally.”

Dylan Costello, admissions counselor, says Zomermaand exemplifies an inspirational leader. “She tirelessly supports and empowers everyone on our team while simultaneously pushing us to be our best. We feel like she is always looking out for us.”

Stephanie Martin, senior admissions counselor, adds, “She holds high expectations while at the same time offering grace. She’s the best boss I’ve ever had—her leadership style makes me want to work harder. Lori points me to Christ with her words and her actions. I see a quiet steadiness in her, a faithfulness to her relationship with Jesus.”

Zomermaand previously was a business owner, project manager and track coach in Sioux Center, where she served on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce and Sioux Center Community Schools.