2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards
Dr. James C. Kennedy '84
Distinguished Professional Achievement
James is a professor of modern Dutch history and a distinguished university professor of community engaged learning at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. He previously served as dean of University College Utrecht, which offers an English-language undergraduate program at Utrecht University. The author of many books and articles on Dutch history, James was chairman of the committee that presented a revised version of the Canon of the Netherlands, a historical canon that includes 50 important persons, objects and events that played pivotal roles in the country's historical and cultural development. James holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, a master's degree from Calvin College and Seminary, and a doctorate from the University of Iowa. He and his wife, Simone, have hosted Northwestern alumni and friends for bike tours in the Netherlands, during which James shares his historical expertise.CAPT Robin (Van Oosterhout '92) Lewis
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Robin was commissioned in the U.S. Navy in 1999 and served as a naval officer in California, Guam, Texas and at the U.S. Naval Academy. After taking a commission with the U.S. Public Health Service in 2009, she served as a commissioned officer with the Navy in Virginia, South Carolina and aboard the USNS Comfort. Since 2020, Robin has served as public health captain in the U.S. Coast Guard, where she helps guide a worldwide behavioral health program with direct oversight of the Coast Guard's District 7, an area spanning Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and the Caribbean. Robin holds a doctorate in psychology and additional advanced degrees in counseling and psychopharmacology. She is the recipient of more than 40 military awards and was named 2011 Force Protection Military Medical Hero. Robin and her husband, Jeff, have twin sons, Jacob and Joshua, who are seniors at Northwestern studying biochemistry.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.Grant Hegstad ‘10
Standout Young Alum
Grant is the assistant principal, career experiences coordinator and head football coach at MOC-Floyd Valley High School in Orange City. In 2024, his success as an administrator and educator was recognized by the Milken Family Foundation when he was selected as Iowa's sole recipient of the national Milken Educator Award, known as the “Oscar of Teaching.” A former special education teacher, Grant holds a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Sioux Falls and is a member of the School Administrators of Iowa organization.Award guidelines
Each year during Homecoming Weekend, Northwestern College recognizes the recipients of four Distinguished Alumni Awards. Award winners are nominated by alumni and friends of the college and then selected by a committee. Candidates must be:
- Graduates of the academy, junior college or college, or have attended the junior college for one year or the college for three semesters
- At least five years beyond their graduation year
- Not currently serving as an officer of the National Alumni Board or a member of the award selection committee
Distinguished Professional Achievement
The alum chosen for this award demonstrates leadership, competence, dedication to continuing education and integrity in his/her chosen profession.
Distinguished Service to Humankind
The alum chosen for this award demonstrates leadership abilities in service to the community and/or society at large through notable Christian contributions.
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
The alum chosen for this award demonstrates loyalty to the mission of Northwestern College, continued interest and support of the goals of NWC, and reflects honor on the college by his/her Christian lifestyle.
Standout Young Alumni Award
The Standout Young Alumni Award is presented to alumni under 40 who demonstrate excellence in their chosen professions or community service, reflecting honor upon Northwestern College.
To nominate someone for a Distinguished Alumni Award, email the alumni office. Please include a letter of nomination and supporting documents.
Past award recipients
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Distinguished Alumni Awards were not given.
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
Michael DeKrey
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Carol Oliver
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Wayne Kooiker
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
2001
Jim Christensen
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Robert Vander Aarde
Distinguished Service to Humankind
2000
Robert Vander Plaats
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Samuel Williams
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Edna Schut
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1999
Donald Nibbelink
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Kella Klinker Simonin
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Paul Muyskens
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1998
Robert Van Citters
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Bonnie (Van Steenwyk) Vander Schaaf
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Arlan Draayer
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1997
Lee Ver Mulm
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Harold Vogelaar
Distinguished Service to Humankind
John Fakkema
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1996
Corwin Smidt
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Marge (Vander Ploeg) Beernink
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Merlyn and Gertrude (Brink) Kraai
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1995
Bernard Hietbrink
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Marcine Muilenburg De Jong
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Earl Klay
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1994
Bill Kalsbeek
Distinguished Professional Achievement
David Van Engelenhoven
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Herlan Schut
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1993
Peter Bartels
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Ruth (Lubbers) Foreman
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Ralph Mouw
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1992
Donald Zwiep
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Dale Den Herder
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Ken Jacobs
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1991
Russell Vande Steeg
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Christina McGrinson
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Ruth Van Engen
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1990
Allan Schimmel
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Gary Smit
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Harold Korver
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1989
Harris Van Oort
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Frank Vogel
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1988
Gene England
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Dan Te Grotenhuis
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Bernard Brunsting
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1987
Maggie Jackson
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Clarence Buurman
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Wilmyna Draayer
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1986
Gerald De Jong
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Alfred G. Pennings
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Arie Vander Stoep
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1985
Robert Muilenburg
Distinguished Professional Achievement
Robert Hoogeveen
Distinguished Service to Humankind
Ronald Korver
Distinguished Service to Northwestern College
1984
Leo Landhuis
Distinguished Achievement
1983
Harriet Heusinkveld
Distinguished Achievement
1982
Alfred Aalberts
Distinguished Achievement
Henry Beltman
Distinguished Achievement
Douglas Groen
Distinguished Achievement
Richard Mouw
Distinguished Achievement
Arloa Muilenburg
Distinguished Achievement
John A. Muilenburg
Distinguished Achievement
M. Samuel Noordhoff
Distinguished Achievement
Frank Van Der Maten
Distinguished Achievement
Wayne Vermeer
Distinguished Achievement
1981
Donald D. Jiskoot
Distinguished Achievement
1980
Stanley Vander Aarde
Distinguished Achievement
1979
Robert Giebink
Distinguished Achievement
1978
Arie R. Brouwer
Distinguished Achievement
1977
Alfred Popma
Distinguished Achievement