NWC honors employees at banquet

Northwestern College honored 49 longtime employees at the college’s Spring Recognition Banquet on Monday, May 2.  

Six new retirees were recognized. Ardith De Jong, housekeeper, has served since 1999. Ron De Jong, vice president for external relations, has been employed at Northwestern since 1971. Denise Sneller, circulation and reserves coordinator in Ramaker Library, started in 1990. Rein Vanderhill, professor of art, has taught at Northwestern since 1974. Art Vander Pol has worked as a campus carpenter since 1995. Dr. Mike Yoder, professor of sociology, joined the faculty in 1982.

The recognition of milestones included Barbara Turnwall, assistant professor of English, honored for 45 years of service, and Ron De Jong, 40 years.  

Mark Bloemendaal, director of alumni relations, was honored for 30 years of service, as was Dale Thompson, director of the Rowenhorst Student Center.

Four people received 20-year awards: Vance Shoemaker, lecturer in music; Arlo Van Beek, director of housekeeping services; Dr. Don Wacome, professor of philosophy; and John Zeutenhorst, lawn care assistant.

Fifteen-year awards were given to six individuals: Mel Elsberry, assistant football coach; Carrie Krohn, financial aid counselor; Sharon McGarvey, lecturer in education; Dr. Sara Tolsma, professor of biology; Anna Vorhes, lecturer in music; and Brad Zeutenhorst, assistant football coach.

Awards for 10 years of service were presented to: Dr. Laura Furlong, associate professor of biology; Darla Hettinga, student development assistant; Duane Jundt, lecturer in history; Sherri Langton, cataloger and library systems specialist; Emily Lodine, lecturer in music; Brenda Meyer, academic affairs assistant; Darin Pals, maintenance assistant/freight; Michael Stokes, director of audio-visual and the Learning Resource Center; Dr. Lila

Sybesma, assistant professor of education; Sue Taylor, government regulations specialist; Dr. Todd Tracy, associate professor of biology; Lori Vande Brake, music department accompanist; Sandra Van Kley, registrar; and Nora Verburg, music department secretary.

Sixteen people received five-year awards: Aaron Aberson, admissions counselor and head men’s golf coach; Derek Brower, instructor in education; Tina Calsbeek, financial affairs assistant; Brandt Carlson, assistant men’s basketball coach and kinesiology instructor; Dr. Diana Gonzalez, associate professor of Spanish; Jill Haarsma, executive administrative assistant to the president; Dr. Elizabeth Heeg-Truesdell, assistant professor of biology; Nancy Hughes, payroll and benefits coordinator; Luanne Keith, campus ministry office assistant; Sharyn Ostrem, lecturer in music; Nick Scholten, lecturer in business; Jason Schrock, regional advancement director; Gary Vander Hart, lecturer in music; Karen Wacome, instructor of religion; Brian Wede, head baseball coach and assistant sports information director; and Brady Woudstra, assistant women’s basketball coach.