A publication for Northwestern College alumni & friends • Fall 2005 President’sreport Northwestern Classic

A New Way to Do College? “Is there some problem within higher education that Northwestern can solve—some need Northwestern can address to make a difference?” The question came from a good friend of the college, a renowned business executive and Christian leader. We were discussing Northwestern’s plans for the future and its calling as a Christian institution. I thought for a moment and then shared a concern I have had for years. It has seemed to me and a growing number of others in higher education that over the last generation Dr. Bruce Murphy or so, we in the education world have come to define “quality” mainly in terms of “quantity.” We have President encouraged students to add a minor or a second major to their schedule, assuming more credits equals more learning. We have also advised students to add co-curricular activities to their growing list of academic credits, trusting that these additional experi- ences will enrich their lives and build attractive resumés, making a college education even more valuable. “Is it possible to organize a The same emphasis on quantity has marked the evaluation of professors: The more articles published, the more classes taught, the more committees chaired, the more worth- student’s four years at while the contribution. Northwestern in a more To put the issue in even more familiar language: The assumption today is the busier the student, the more he is learning, and the busier the professor, the more she is con- developmental way, gradu- tributing. ally cultivating a way of life The tragedy and irony in this perspective is that when we stop to think for a moment (and, of course, we don’t have time to) we acknowledge—especially those of us in that truly allows for lifelong Christian liberal arts colleges—that the wisdom we claim to value above all can only come learning—rather than just when we have time to reflect. Activity and busyness, the gods of our culture, are demons in the life of those seeking “the mind of Christ.” No matter how good the individual aca- lifelong busyness?” demic or co-curricular experience may be, the cumulative effect of so many experiences is destructive. Our friend listened intently as I rattled on. When I stopped, he nodded in agreement and asked, “So what can Northwestern do about it?” For the next two hours we brainstormed together. The brainstorming is continuing on campus this year. As we undergo our regular 10-year reaccreditation visit, we are beginning a partnership with the North Central Association to explore, over the next decade, a “new way to do college.” How can we use student, faculty and staff time more effectively—more wisely? To whet your appetites, one of many questions we will be investigating is this: Is it possible to organize a student’s four years at Northwestern in a more developmental way, gradually cultivating a way of life that truly allows for lifelong learning— rather than just lifelong busyness? Here is one possibility: The freshman year would be much like it is today, with a structured academic schedule and oppor- tunities to participate in co-curricular activities. But as students move through their sophomore, junior and senior years, they would be weaned from a structured but busy schedule of many curricular and co-curricular experiences to a less structured schedule with more time for critical reflection and synthesis. The focus would be more on overall learning results than on par- ticular activities—more on growing internal student discipline than on following external direction. One challenge for the faculty and staff would be to become even more effective discerners of student learning and mentors of student maturity. With these changes in place, the senior year would look much different from the freshman year. The goal would be synthesis—academic, professional and personal. Bridges would be built to the world students will encounter after graduation. A senior project culminating in a personal mission statement would provide an appropriate climax. This is one idea; there are many others. Think with us. We welcome your suggestions and your continued prayers as we seek to be careful stewards of all that is Northwestern.

2 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic Classiccontents What’s inside classicpeople page4 14 Campus news page11 Face value Fall 2005 Vol. 77, No. 3 TJ Buchholz Editor Duane Beeson page12 (712-707-7116, Notes in Another [email protected]) Culture Staff Writers Student profile Carrie (Odell ’01) Anderson Ruth Umthun Duane Beeson page14 page26 Anita Cirulis Out of Africa Annual report Tamara Fynaardt Faculty profile Contributing Photographers Dr. Carl Vandermeulen page28 Tom Becker Alumni news Duane Beeson Doug Burg 18 page18 Anita Cirulis A Soldier is a 12 Jim Heemstra ’72 Soldier Rod Hop ’80 Sonja Rakicevic Cover story Dr. Carl Vandermeulen page21 Designers Anji Bennett Of course John Vander Stelt ’83 page22 The Classic is published quarterly–– in March, June, October and Higglytown Hero December–– for alumni and friends Alumni profile of Northwestern College. So named Kent Redeker because it served what was then known as the Northwestern 34 Classical Academy, the Classic was page24 page the school’s first student newspaper, Lessons for Life Why I Don’t begun in 1891. It has been an Support the War alumni publication since 1930. Alumni profile Catherine Miller in Iraq Send correspondence or address Classic thoughts changes to the Classic, North- western College, 101 7th Street SW, Orange City, IA 51041-1996. Mailbag Visit us on the Web at: www.nwciowa.edu I’m at the office late tonight but decided to take a little time to peek at the most recent Classic. Kudos to the editorial team. Good stuff from cover to cover! Love the layout and design. Pictures are bright, clean and crisp. Articles are fun, informative and help me relive the spirit of NWC. Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence!

Glenn Van Ekeren ’74 Elkhorn, Neb.

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NWC enrolls second largest class of freshmen

Northwestern has ed that it would be a good in addition to the faith-based enrolled the second largest class, both in terms of num- character of the school,” says Enrollment records freshman class in school his- bers and in terms of academ- Bloemendaal. 1. 1,313 2002 NWC happenings tory, with 374 first-time ic credentials.” Over the last 15 years, 2. 1,294 2001 freshmen on campus this fall. The mean composite Northwestern’s enrollment 3. 1,285 2003 The total enrollment of 1,273 ACT score of new freshmen has increased by 21.6 per- 4. 1,284 2004 is the fifth highest ever. is 24.4, the highest in school cent. This year’s figures are 5. 1,273 2005 “We are very pleased history. Nearly 26 percent of 6.3 percent higher than those with this year’s enrollment. the freshmen graduated in of 10 years ago and a 2.4 Student body snapshot •57 percent are from Iowa The number of new students the top 10 percent of their percent increase over five •30 states and 16 foreign is an affirmation of the work high school class; their aver- years ago. countries are represented of all who contribute to the age high school grade point The largest freshman •35 students are American recruiting process,” says average was 3.51. class in school history was ethnic minorities Mark Bloemendaal, director “Top students are being recorded in 1995, with 394. •28 are international students of admissions. “We feel attracted to Northwestern This year’s freshman class ties blessed to have such a large because of our academic rep- the freshman class that freshman class. We anticipat- utation and strong programs, enrolled in 2001.

SMILE (Student Move-In LEaders) Team members (left to right) Larissa Harwood, Brett Miller and Terika Raak help a new student move into Heemstra Hall during Orientation Weekend.

4 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic Campusnews

Smallbones selected for endowed professorship NWC happenings

Dr. Jackie materials, travel to pursue lege’s mission. The endowed chair Smallbones, research, or assistance to stu- A native South African, appointment is for a five-year professor of dent researchers. Smallbones earned a doctoral period beginning with the religion and The endowed professor degree from the University of 2005–06 school year. Dr. Christian must be an active member in Durban-Westville and a mas- John Brogan held the chair education the Reformed Church in ter’s degree from Trinity last year before leaving the since 1995, America who has a distin- Evangelical Divinity School. faculty to become the col- has been guished record as an out- She received the North- lege’s vice president for stu- appointed to the Marvin and standing teacher; is recog- western Teaching Excellence dent development. Jerene DeWitt Endowed nized for scholarly and lead- Award in 1998. Smallbones was the Religion Professorship. ership contributions to the Smallbones is the author Marvin and Jerene DeWitt The endowed chair pro- religion discipline; has pro- of Keeping Company with Endowed Religion Professor vides annual funds to sup- vided exemplary service to Jesus: Reflections on Gospel from 1999 to 2004. Dr. E.W. port the recipient’s scholarly the department, North- Stories, published by Augs- Kennedy held the chair work. The funds can be used western and the larger com- burg Books (2005). She also before her appointment. for summer research, the munity; and has demonstrat- has written articles for purchase of equipment or ed a commitment to the col- Christian Education Journal. Chapel, student residences NWC ranked 20th receive summer improvements

Gone are the mauves and pinks of the ’80s. When classes by U.S. News resumed this fall, Christ Chapel sported an updated look For the second year in a thanks to new carpet, paint and pew cushions. row, Northwestern is ranked College personnel worked with an interior designer to in the top 20 among choose a palette of earth-tone colors. A combination of dark Midwestern comprehensive taupe, brick red and tweed carpets cover the floor of the colleges by U.S. News & lobby. Inside the chapel, the taupe carpet extends down the World Report. The magazine’s aisles, while two shades of light taupe paint were used on the 2006 America’s Best Colleges walls. guidebook lists Northwestern If Christ Chapel got a facelift during the summer, in a tie for 20th out of 107 cant recognition for our aca- Courtyard Village underwent an extreme makeover. schools in its category. demic program within the The three-building apartment complex, located on the The U.S. News rankings last year, including the selec- west side of campus, was transformed during a three-month are based on key measures of tion of Spanish instructor Piet process that involved the college’s maintenance staff and out- quality such as academic rep- Koene as the Iowa Professor side contractors. The renovation was the first for the apart- utation; retention (freshman of the Year and the naming of ments (formerly known as the Plexes) since they were built in retention and six-year gradu- student Mick Snieder to the 1977, although the lower-level suites were new in 1993 when ation rate); faculty resources USA Today’s All-USA College the buildings were moved to their present location. (including class size, the per- Academic Team,” says Dr. Crews gutted all 24 main- and upper-floor units. centage of faculty with the Bruce Murphy, president. Sprinklers and fire doors were added, and additional insula- top academic degree, stu- “This top-20 ranking is tion made the units more soundproof. The apartment interi- dent-faculty ratio and faculty another indication of the ors were re-drywalled, after which new millwork, doors, car- compensation); student selec- quality of a Northwestern pet, linoleum, and kitchen and bathroom cabinets were tivity; financial resources; and College education, and it installed. Workers also remodeled the bathrooms, replacing alumni giving. reflects positively on the plumbing and adding shower stalls where bathtubs had been. “Northwestern has been work of many people in all The renovation work involved the outside of the build- fortunate to receive signifi- areas of the campus.” ings as well. An artificial rock façade was removed and new vinyl siding installed.

5 ▲ Fall 2005 Campusnews Northwestern Classic

New visual identity introduced

Northwestern has devel- oped a new logo and word- mark to represent the college on publications, letterhead, the website, and throughout the campus. The new visual

NWC happenings identity system was unveiled at an event for faculty, staff and students in August. A key component of the visual identity system is a wordmark, which features the relationship between motto of “God is light,” he the wordmark, the cross the name of Northwestern NWC and its constituencies; developed a cross for the extends into the word ‘col- College in a stylized typo- and developed a positioning visual identity system that is lege,’ illustrating how the graphic design that includes statement to guide the artis- reminiscent of a star. Christian perspective perme- a cross. The same cross joins tic process of developing a “The new look contin- ates all aspects of the an “N” and a “W” in the new new visual identity. ues the overt visual represen- Northwestern College experi- logo, which has some simi- John Vander Stelt ’83 of tation of Northwestern as a ence. The design is elegant, larity to the previous logo Maurice designed the new Christian college, which is and we feel that it visually that had been in use since logo and wordmark. Inspired important to us,” says Dr. represents the high quality of the late 1960s. by the college’s historic Bruce Murphy, president. “In Northwestern today.” “The new logo is not a radical departure from the previous one; it will seem familiar to alumni and friends of the college while utilizing a typeface that is much more timeless,” says Duane Beeson, director of public relations. “The word- mark complements the new logo and will be used more often, helping us to present a consistent visual message every time we say ‘North- western College.’” Beeson and 12 other members of the Visual Identity Committee—com- prised of faculty, staff, alumni and a student—began meet- ing in February 2004. The group reviewed North- western’s visual communica- Among the host of activities funded by the Lilly Grant this summer was filming for Prairie Pirates, a children’s movie tion efforts, which included a written and directed by Professor Jamey Durham, communication studies. He hopes to submit the film to independent film variety of logos and numer- festivals and seek airing on national cable television. Actors for Prairie Pirates included (left to right) Emily Anderson, ous typefaces; conducted a Orange City, and Durham’s kids: Rachel, Josh and Jack. position study that analyzed

6 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic Campusnews

Nine bring skills to NWC faculty NWC happenings Nine new full-time faculty members are teaching at Kristin McDonald NWC this fall. They include: Spanish • M.S. in educational leadership, Southwest Laurie Daily State University Education • Taught Spanish at Orange City’s Unity • Ed.D. candidate in educational leadership, Christian High School for 12 years and at Argosy University; M.Ed. in special educa- Ontario Christian High School in California for three years tion, University of North Carolina • Taught in Taiwan and served in Latin America • Previously directed a field-based special • Replaces Dr. Ron Takalo, who retired education teacher training program in New Hampshire, coordinated the special education program at Plymouth Dr. Jerry Nachtwey State College, and taught children with special needs in English North Carolina • Ph.D., Loyola University, Chicago • Replaces Dr. Barb Top, who retired • Published in Essays in Medieval Studies • Presented papers at conferences such as the Mark De Ruyter ’94 International Congress on Medieval Studies, Social work the Modern Language Association and the International • M.S.W., University of Nebraska at Omaha Congress of the New Chaucer Society • Formerly served as the manager of children • Sabbatical replacement for Dr. Michael Kensak and family services for Hope Haven in Rock Valley. Also managed a residential home Phil Scorza for young men and served as an in-home therapist for chil- Art dren and their families. • B.A. in graphic design, Iowa State • Replaces Jerry Fritsch, who has returned to a private coun- University seling practice • Twenty years of experience as a prof- essional graphic designer both in a corpo- Dr. Heather Josselyn-Cranson rate setting and as owner/operator of his own freelance Director of music ministries design service. Creative director for Creative Resource Inc. • Th.D. in liturgy and liturgical music and in Orange City since 1988. M.S.M. in sacred music, Boston University • Replaces John Kaericher, who retired • Previously the minister of education and music at Old West Church in Boston Dr. Rod Spidahl • Replaces Greg Scheer, who is serving as minister of worship Religion at Church of the Servant, Grand Rapids, Mich. • Ph.D., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; Amy McCann M.Div., Lutheran Brethren Seminary, Fergus English Falls, Minn. • M.F.A. in creative writing, with an emphasis • Missions department chair at Lutheran on poetry, from Eastern Washington Brethren Seminary since 1994. Has pastored Lutheran University and Presbyterian churches and worked in leadership train- • Formerly an editor for Tyndale House ing in Cameroon and in AIDS relief in Kenya. Publishers • Replaces Angel Santiago-Vendrell, who is pastoring a • Poetry published in Rock and Sling, Elixir, Third Coast and church in Boston Hotel Amerika • Dr. Joonna Trapp’s sabbatical replacement A previously announced addition to the faculty is Dr. Ruth Dankanich Daumer, who is serving as nursing program developer. A member of the nursing faculty at Briar Cliff University for 20 years, she served as department chairperson since 2000.

7 ▲ Fall 2005 Campusnews Northwestern Classic

Faculty/staff news

Jeff Barker and Karen Bohm Barker, theatre, led wor- Dr. Scott Monsma, sociology, presented a paper entitled ship at the Reformed Church in America’s General Synod in “Critical Integration: Christianity and Sociology” to the Schenectady, N.Y., in June. They also were guest lecturers for Association of Christians Teaching Sociology at their annual Dr. Tim Brown’s seminar at Calvin College entitled Keeping summer conference in Wheaton, Ill. and Talking the Word. While at Calvin, they performed Lookit Dr. Orv Otten, kinesiology, was recognized by the Iowa the Train! Department of Natural Resources in May for his efforts to Barry Brandt, athletics, has been named chairman of train future physical education teachers in the Fish Iowa! cur- NAIA Region Three and will serve another term on the NAIA’s riculum. NWC happenings Council of Athletics Administrators, which governs all sports John Paul, theatre, spent the summer designing sets for policies and national championship events. He also has been three shows at the Creede Repertory Theatre in Creede, Colo. appointed to serve on a realignment task force for the NAIA. The theatre was recently cited by USA Today as one of the Dr. Sean Cordry, physics, presented “Butterflies in the country’s top 10 professional summer regional theatres. Machine (Or ‘Renewable’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Harmless’)” at the Patti Thayer, academic support, facilitated a business annual meeting of the American Scientific Affiliation. The writing conference for MEDTEC employees in Orange City. conference was held in August on the campus of Messiah Dr. Jeff VanDerWerff, political science, presented a College, Grantham, Pa. paper entitled “Engaging Democracy: Politics at the Foot of Dr. Laird Edman, psychology, and his wife, Dr. Sally the Cross” at the biennial gathering of Christians in Political Edman, counseling services, co-wrote an article titled Science in Washington, D.C., in June. “Emotional Intelligence and the Honors Student,” published Mike Wallinga, computer science, successfully defended in the latest issue of the Journal of the National Collegiate his master’s thesis, “A Web-Based Meta-Tool for Bioinformatics Honors Council. Data Mining Tools,” at the University of South Dakota (USD) Dr. Robert Hubbard, theatre, performed his one-person and received a master’s degree in computer science in July. He show, Dancing with Jimmy, at Thunderhead Episcopal Center was also accepted into the computational science and statis- in the Black Hills of South Dakota in June. tics doctoral program at USD. Dr. Michael Kensak, English, presented a paper entitled MaryLou Wielenga, music, was an instructor at Pipe “What’s the Matter With Chaucer? An Interdisciplinary Study Organ Encounter, a camp sponsored by the South Dakota of Form and Meaning” at the Southeast Medieval Academy chapter of the American Guild of Organists and held at meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in September. This summer, Augustana College in Sioux Falls. During the weeklong camp Kensak taught a course, Theory of Language and Linguistics, she instructed students, performed in a faculty recital and over the Iowa Communications Network. The course was gave a presentation on organ repertoire. part of a federally funded initiative to train Iowa teachers to Recent staff promotions include Nick Scholten to assis- better serve students with limited English skills. tant director of enrollment, Sandy Van Kley to associate reg- Dr. Ann Lundberg, English, presented a paper, “The istrar, Rachel Van Roekel to associate director of admissions Uplift of the Grand Cañon Region: Clarence Dutton’s Moral and Deb Wolthuizen to assistant registrar. Geology,” at the Association for the Study of Literature and Environment conference in Eugene, Ore., in June.

De Jong joins development staff Greller, vice president for opment, who will provide development, is on medical administrative direction for Ron De he graduated from North- leave. Greller has been suffer- Northwestern’s forthcoming Jong, former- western in 1971, De Jong ing from complications from capital campaign. ly dean of will renew acquaintances a kidney and pancreas trans- In light of De Jong’s enrollment with alumni and friends of plant in 2001 and was transition, Mark Bloe- services, has the college as he works in scheduled to undergo a new mendaal, director of admis- been appoint- fund raising. kidney transplant in late sions, and Gerry Korver, ed associate vice president De Jong will also pro- September. De Jong will director of financial aid, will for development. A member vide leadership for the devel- work closely with Jay serve as co-directors of of the admissions staff since opment office while John Wielenga, director of devel- enrollment services.

8 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic Campusnews

Princeton Review NWC happenings recognizes Northwestern Estate gift benefits Northwestern is among numerous study abroad pro- 158 institutions selected for grams. “These opportunities college, church, 2006 “Best in the Midwest” allow us to experience life for designation by the Princeton a time in a situation many of Review, based on the opin- us would not encounter in ions of current students. any other way,” wrote one. community The colleges and univer- A student described sities recognized “stand out Northwestern as being Projects and programs that were important to the late as academically excellent “about experiencing God and Charlie and Cordelia Boyd will continue to benefit from their institutions of higher learn- appreciating people in aca- generosity, thanks to gifts from the Boyds’ estate. ing,” according to the demics, activities and all of The initial distribution of the estate took place in August, Princeton Review, and allowed life.” Another student wrote, with Northwestern receiving a check for $1.3 million and the their students to be surveyed “The people here are caring, First Reformed Church of Maurice, Iowa, and the city of anonymously. loving and generally all- Maurice each receiving $650,000 checks. The final estate dis- The Princeton Review’s around great people. It’s easy tribution will take place at a later date. academic profile of North- to get to know the other stu- Charlie Boyd moved to Maurice in 1940 to work for his western gives professors high dents and make lots of brother, J. Robert Boyd, at the Maurice Elevator. After serving marks. Students praised the friends.” in the Army, he and Cordelia returned to Maurice. Charlie and faculty for caring about them “We appreciate this De Orr Cose assumed management of the elevator in 1947 and and for incorporating a recognition from the later became part-owners. They sold it to the Farmers Christian perspective in the Princeton Review. It is espe- Cooperative Elevator of Orange City in 1965. Cordelia died on classroom. One said they are cially meaningful that the Oct. 1, 2002; Charlie died on Oct. 12, 2004. “super helpful in any way honor is based on what stu- When the estate gift became known, officials from NWC, possible, and they provide a dents say about us,” said the church and the town met to discuss the importance of great example for students to Northwestern’s president, Dr. using the proceeds in a manner the Boyds would have follow.” Bruce Murphy. “We are endorsed. Students also praised pleased that our students “We mentioned many of the things that were important to Northwestern’s extensive off- value the very things we seek Charlie and Cordelia and talked about how these resources campus programs, from to cultivate on campus: aca- could be used to either start new programs or enhance existing Summer of Service and demic rigor, strong relation- ones,” says Cornie Wassink, Northwestern’s director of planned Spring Service Projects to the ships and spiritual vitality.” giving. “The citizens of Maurice, members of First Reformed Chicago Semester and Church of Maurice, and the young people in our school district will benefit greatly from the generosity of the Boyds.” Northwestern’s portion of the proceeds will go into the Alum joins board college’s endowment to fund scholarships. “We plan to set up some scholarships directed to students from the Maurice The Rev. Nolan Palsma ’77, pastor of church and graduates of MOC-Floyd Valley High School,” Pitcher Hill Community Church in North says Wassink. “The Boyds were always pleased when local stu- Syracuse, N.Y., has been appointed to a four- dents chose to attend Northwestern, and these scholarships year term on Northwestern’s Board of Trustees will help make that possible.” as a Reformed Church in America (RCA) rep- First Reformed Church will use the funds to expand a resentative. number of ministry programs. One of the city’s projects will Palsma earned an M.Div. degree from Western be to renovate its ball field, especially appropriate due to the Theological Seminary. A member of the RCA’s General Synod Boyds’ interest in sports—Charlie was a fixture at half court of Council, he served as co-pastor at Pequannock Reformed MOC-Floyd Valley High School and Red Raider basketball Church in Wayne, N.J., for nine years before moving to games. It’s also likely some of the money will be used to help Pitcher Hill in 1990. One of his three children, Sarah, is a fund a new veterans’ memorial. sophomore at Northwestern.

9 ▲ Fall 2005 Campusnews Northwestern Classic NWC happenings

Fifty of this year’s freshmen are the sons or daughters of Northwestern alumni. Many of them gathered for a photo in Christ Chapel during Orientation Weekend. Theatre building wins another award

Northwestern’s DeWitt Theatre Arts Center has gar- nered another architectural award. The $7.9 million facility, completed in 2004, was named a Project of Distinction in College Planning & Management mag- azine’s Education Design Showcase competition. The building was featured in the June issue of the magazine. Earlier in the summer, the building was awarded a Silver Citation in American School & University’s 2005 Educational Interiors Showcase. The facility was featured in the magazine’s The DeWitt Theatre Arts Center, an adaptation and expansion of the Auditorium, has been called the best theatre facility of August issue. any college in the state by the executive director of the Iowa High School Speech Association. Northwestern responds to Hurricane Katrina The effects of Hurricane Katrina are being felt at Northwestern plans to provide three service opportunities Northwestern too. The college opened its doors to displaced in the Gulf Coast region over spring break and is considering students and offered two houses on campus to families left sending a team of students, faculty, staff, alumni and their homeless. families over Christmas break. Check www.nwciowa.edu/ Students, faculty and staff immediately began soliciting hurricanekatrina for more information. donations of money and goods. Among the efforts was an all- The winter issue of the Classic will cover the hurricane’s campus garage sale in mid-September; all proceeds went impact on NWC alumni and those who have been involved in toward hurricane relief. relief efforts.

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Facevalue TJ Buchholz TJ Buchholz Soccer coach, security director, nonconformist Describe yourself in three words. director. It probably comes back to my What’s been the best moment for you I was voted “most sarcastic” in my high fascination with the artists I enjoy for as a coach? school. My wife would say I’m stub- music and to my personality. I like to be Watching my team overachieve every born. And I’m pretty disciplined. different. year. When people think of soccer at Northwestern, it’s such a new thing to What’s the best thing about the roles Describe Northwestern in three words. see us at the top. Our conference cham- you fill at Northwestern? Christ-centered academics. That’s what I pionship is great, but watching them go I get to form relationships with my play- was drawn to. above and beyond what is expected has ers. Success is great, but it’s empty if I’m been the most satisfying. not able to bond with the guys.

From a security standpoint—my other hat here at NWC—I would say helping the campus be safe. It helps that there’s no crime rate in Orange City, but I think being smart and proactive about our security is important.

What appeals to you most about soccer? It’s such a tactical sport. There are no timeouts in soccer. I like that there are 45-minute halves, and I make adjust- ments in who is playing all the time, but I really don’t have a lot of contact with those players on the field. I do my best to prepare them, and they have to go out and perform the game plan.

How do you start your day? I wake up at about 4, 4:30. I don’t need an alarm clock. During the school year, I start my job by writing tickets. I’m very dedicated to physical fitness, so I’ll go to the weight room four times a week. I also have time for doing my own personal daily devotions. I have a quote I always think about in the morning: “Start every day with a purpose.” I try to decide, What is my day going to accomplish?

For awhile you wore dreadlocks. Why? I’ve always been fascinated with them. I know it raised eyebrows in Sioux A 1999 Northwestern graduate, TJ Buchholz was hired as the college’s head men’s soccer coach in 2001 at the County, including with my athletic age of 24. He says he’s very humbled to be a head coach.

11 ▲ Fall 2005 Studentprofile Northwestern Classic

by Sherrie Barber Willson ’98

Sitting through countless hours of music theory, Ruth Umthun echoed the classic Notes in cry of students everywhere: “When will I ever use this in

Ruth Umthun the real world?” Little did Umthun know she’d end up thankful for every bit of that knowledge. This past summer, the senior Another music major from Johnston, Iowa, spent a month in East Asia on a Summer of Service project, and as she struggled to learn a new language and adapt to a different country, music was her main tool for Culture bridging the cultural gap. Summer of Service student finds music a universal language Music and missions Music and missions are what brought Umthun to East Asia, via the PIONEERS mis- sion agency. Her goal was to study ethnomusicology—the study of music in its cultural context—in a non-Western country. “It combines the two things I want to do most in life: learn how different people live, and learn everything I can about music,” she says. “And I wanted to see a bigger picture of music than just Western/European music.” Umthun also sees music as a tool for communicating with people, and her larger goal was to use her research to help missionaries incorporate more indigenous forms of worship. “You rarely run across someone who doesn’t like music,” Umthun says. “It’s a Ruth Umthun, shown with her host sister in East Asia, says a Summer of Service project transformed her faith. way to open the door to com-

12 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic Studentprofile

municating with people, so it Umthun took daily lessons eignness just hit me like a and returning to East Asia to Ruth Umthun can be a great gateway to in a native instrument called sack of rocks,” she says. “I continue her research. Before talking about Christ.” the yueqin. The instructor, was traveling alone; I didn’t she went, she says, she however, played from mem- know where to change thought of it as just another A lifetime of ory, so if Umthun wanted money; I didn’t know how to location to cross off her list of preparation something written, she had find my connecting flight; I places to visit. But she ended to do it herself. couldn’t get food because I up falling in love with the Someone asked “There I was, in the didn’t have any foreign place. Umthun, “Why East Asia?” middle of my lesson, furious- money. I just sat down on “The people are just so Her answer: “God has pre- ly scribbling the rhythm and the floor—there were no hospitable and gracious. pared me to go there my notes down,” she recalls, chairs open—and tried not They don’t use ‘please’ and whole life. laughing. “I was like, ‘Wow, to cry. But God really looked ‘thank you’ that often, but “None of my experi- ences up to this point were wasted; I drew on all of them while I was there,” she says. For example, the camping trips she took with her family were ideal preparation for her visit to a village where she slept on a bed of boards with just a sheet over them, ate with her fingers and had primitive bathroom facilities. And last year Umthun

“I came to see that God truly is everywhere. I knew that, of course, but it was like knowing satellites are While studying ethnomusicology in an East Asian country, Ruth Umthun learned to play the yueqin, a native instrument. orbiting the planet—you believe it, but it’s not real to you really do use this theory out for me and blessed me they are polite in actions,” stuff!’” immeasurably. she says. “And I really appre- you. But while I was there, “I came to see that God ciate their love for music. God became real to me.” Strengthening truly is everywhere,” she They make instruments from her faith says. “I knew that, of course, commonplace things they While her objective was but it was like knowing satel- find, and they make music lites are orbiting the planet— spontaneously. While work- had a feeling she should to help others learn about you believe it, but it’s not real ing in fields or even at wed- work on becoming better at Christ, the experience trans- to you. But while I was there, dings or funerals, they make sightreading and piano— formed Umthun’s own faith. God became real to me. I up songs and sing together in practice that came in handy She had been struggling with saw how he was watching call-and-response style.” when she had to teach music questions and wondering out for me constantly. It She’s now considering a to little kids and play the how God could become real sounds like a simple thing, two-year missions trip back pump organ (for the first to her. But from the moment but it was a lesson I needed.” to East Asia. “I feel like I time ever) in East Asia. she landed in East Asia, she Umthun’s future plans have just gotten started.” And those music theory felt God’s presence and her include studying ethnomusi- classes were helpful too. dependence on him. cology in graduate school Besides researching music, “When I landed, the for-

13 ▲ Fall 2005 Facultyprofile Northwestern Classic

For six months during 2004–05, Dr. Carl Vandermeulen and OUT OF his wife, Jan, lived in South Africa. The English and commu- nication studies professor was there FRICA as part of a yearlong A sabbatical, during Northwestern professor chronicles sabbatical experiences on another continent which he worked on a manuscript for a 8 November 2004 and-for-all fall, a cleansing, a clearing out book about the I’m observing and assisting at The of the old to make way for a new. I’m teaching of creative King’s Court Christian School, located on beginning to think of a sabbatical that way. writing. It was his the edge of the mountain above the town I substitute-taught for three days—an third visit to the of Modjadjiskloof. The school includes exhausting experience. The students are country, having been pre-registration (kindergarten) through incredibly noisy and seem to regard that as there previously to secondary. About 85 percent of students a natural state of affairs. The teachers say are black, though most teachers are white. they’re loud because in their communities, prepare and lead a We’re staying in the house of an a person speaking quietly would be sus- summer study Afrikaner couple, Alida and Cobus pected of gossiping about someone else abroad course for DuPreez. They prefer Afrikaans (like present. Individually, the students are con- NWC students. Dutch or Flemish) at home but use siderate and engaging, but as a group, they English at school and church. Most South cannot seem to stop interrupting each Alan Paton’s novel, Africans know at least two or three lan- other. guages, so some mix languages, tossing in Cry, the Beloved a lively word or phrase now and then. 21 November Country, first sparked It’s mountainous here, so we catch Down the coast to Durban. We got a Vandermeulen’s inter- more rainfall. A trail leads to a clearing good room high up on the Durban water- est in South Africa. along the river—murky and jungle- front with an amazing view of the beach The reconciliation bound. Cobus warns me to be alert for and ocean, which means anyone standing work taking place in hippos and especially to avoid getting at our window would also have had a between them and the water they hide in. good view of us getting mugged a little the nation since Hippos kill more people in Africa than later, when we decided go for a little walk apartheid—as well as any other large animal, primarily by run- along the beach before dinner. It was still what he calls the ning over them in a mad dash for water. daylight and there were quite a few people “miracle” of Nelson Not much autumn here, none of around, so it should have been safe. Mandela’s presiden- those crisp days when trees loaded with No injury but to pride—though that cy—heightened that gold heave a last gasp and let it all fall to one takes a few days to heal. The domi- the ground. Here, the tobacco tree drops a nant way of life in South Africa is “be interest. The follow- few huge leaves all day and night, so that watchful,” which mainly means, Watch ing excerpts come each Tuesday and Thursday when Elias out for yourself and your own. from his journal. the gardener comes, his first task is to rake “Security” means having walls and the leaves again (to remove hiding places fences and barbed wire and armed guards Photos by Carl Vandermeulen for snakes), pile them up to dry, and burn or big dogs around yourself and your those that have dried since the last time he property. The result, as a Durban shop- gathered. keeper quipped, is, “In South Africa, most There’s something to say for a once- of the people live in prisons, while the

14 ▲ Fall 2005 Carl Vandermeulen profile Fall 2005 ▲ 15 Faculty The only continuing One of the causes of In South Africa, even in South One difference criminals run free in the free criminals run streets.” consequence is greater watchfulness and suspicion, tension. We and thus greater South hear on the radio that society. Africa is a high-stress question it. don’t We 19 December: Privilege At Illala Weavers in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu At Illala Weavers Natal, artists demonstrate the weaving of the famous Zulu baskets. South Africa’s social problems South Africa’s among is the clear preference the privileged to have people with low expectations for job satisfaction—as well as for pay—to do unpleasant work for them. people of moderate means help to have full-time hired do such things as carry out some the trash, prepare meals, wash the dishes and clothes, clean the house, mop the floors, empty the kitty lit- mow the lawn, rake ter tray, the leaves, plant and weed and the flowers and garden, wash the car. not to harder Africa is that it’s NorthwesternClassic Dr. Carl Vandermeulen and his wife, Jan, were guests of another teacher at King’s Court school, living in the second story of Court school, living in the guests of another teacher at King’s and his wife, Jan, were Carl Vandermeulen Dr. and Thursday morning, when window each Tuesday their bedroom them from country house. This view greeted their host’s hiding places for snakes. to remove by the tobacco tree was to rake leaves dropped first task Elias the gardener’s Facultyprofile Northwestern Classic

Tsitsikamma National Park on the Garden Route in the Western Cape province offers a rugged shoreline resisting crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. Porpoises patrolled just beyond the rocks, which were also useful for framing sunsets.

see the people who do your dirty work for you because they probably live on your property. But people do learn not to see what is inconvenient to see. Returning from the Transvaal, we came through Venters- dorp, which Alida said was the headquarters of the ultra-right party. “They’d push all the blacks into the sea if they had their way,” she said. I said, “Then I suppose they don’t employ blacks on their farms.” She said, “That’s the funny part, they do. But they’re very harsh with them.” Yes. If you couldn’t resist employing people you despised, someone would have to suffer for the awkwardness of the situation.

9 March I guess you’re not a tourist any more when the dogs rec- ognize you. They never bark when we drive in. Much of the The rolling terrain of Ithala Game Preserve, once part of the kingdom of the famed time as I write, I have one or two dogs sleeping at my feet— Shaka Zulu, provides an ideal background for classic African wildlife scenes. and at the moment, Patches’ head is resting on my foot. Fluffy

16 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic Facultyprofile

Besides catching a few rainbow trout in a pond in the Drakensberg Mountains near the country of Lesotho, Carl photographed flowers such as this water lily.

the Pooh is more often here, harder the first time I drove fries that are good and not still a pup, preferring refuge the Neon, because it has heavily salted. from the loud dogs and liking much the same size and feel One thing I miss is a nice long naps. She’s a moan- as the Hyundai Elantra we sense of eventfulness that er, so when she rolls over and drove there. The country- comes with being for a limit- stretches in her sleep, she side and roadsides feel ed time in a place where, makes loud satisfied moans. empty after driving where every day, I’m likely to see It feels that good to roll about the roadsides were populat- something I’ve never seen High school students climb the steps to the King’s in one’s sleep. ed by people and goats and before. Expecting to be Court Christian School in Modjadjiskloof, Limpopo. cattle. amazed, I keep my eyes Back home The South African open. People have asked us if experience is a regular over- But that’s true wherever we experienced re-entry lay on our experience here. we are, and if we keep our For more journal entries and culture shock. Not shock, We came past a little boy eyes open, we are likely to photos of Vandermeulen’s but a lot of adjustments. peeing in his front yard see and hear amazing things. sabbatical in South Africa, visit Switching back to driving today and asked, “Are we in In Michigan for a few days www.nwciowa.edu/southafrica. on the right wasn’t too diffi- South Africa?” We say the late in May, I came upon a cult in our mini-van, but same when we get French pair of sandhill cranes walk- ing through an open grassy field. They set up a raucous din of hooting and clacking when I stopped to photo- graph them, and then I saw the reason—three or four lit- tle heads bobbing in the grass. And then I noticed lilacs, beautiful this year, and went around looking for and pho- tographing lilacs for a couple of days, discovering again that when I seek, I find.

Since Jan has been a buyer for Hands Around the World in downtown Orange City, A member of the NWC faculty since a store that sells fair-traded handcrafts and other goods from around the world, the 1981, Dr. Carl Vandermeulen teaches Vandermeulens’ travels took them to craft stops, where sellers were happy to pose in the English and communication with some of their goods, and to craft villages supporting local artists. studies departments.

17 ▲ Fall 2005 Coverstory Northwestern Classic Women in the military Women

Giovy Carnet ’95 and her daughter, Dielle, enjoy togetherness in their Sioux City home.

by Amy Scheer like Giovy Carnet ’95, who of something that could (Trudeau ’05) Schmidt took a baby doll to the bat- make a difference,” she says, joined the Air National One evening in the fall tlefield, who toted a breast adding, “I wanted to have the Guard so she could attend of 2002, a young girl and her pump to her Air National possibility to go somewhere, Northwestern. mother were talking. The Guard training, who had to see different things, without While serving their mother said, “I will be leav- lie on her side to shoot her having to pay for it.” country, patriotism soon ing,” and the girl began to weapon while five months stirred within these women,

cry. pregnant. no matter their initial impe- “If you love me, why do “I shot ‘expert’ that tus for joining. Connie Miller you keep leaving me?” the time,” she says. “Everyone “Most people who have ’93, who now works as a girl asked, then stormed off. was joking, ‘You have to be been there [Baghdad] military intelligence specialist Later she returned to the pregnant to shoot ‘expert’ for the Air National Guard, room where her mother was around here.’” know we need to be says “to walk out to packing a suitcase, her What attracts women to there. If you have the gravesites and fold the flag in favorite doll in hand. this traditionally male career? front of a weeping widow is “I’ve been thinking,” she For Bridget VanderVinne, power to help someone one of the proudest said. “If I can’t go with you, who attended Northwestern and you don’t, you’re moments, knowing they gave then Baby Jeff will go with just six weeks in 2003 before you that freedom.” you and keep you safe.” being deployed to Baghdad, wrong.” For VanderVinne and

the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Schmidt, their love of this * * * played a large role in her country grew from what they About 16 percent of decision to join. witnessed in Iraq. people serving in the U.S. “It made me realize I The promises of adven- “My deployment was armed forces today are wanted to do something. I ture and educational benefits voluntary,” says Schmidt, women. Some are mothers, wanted to attempt to be part are common themes: Angie who spent a few months of

18 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic Coverstory Women in the military

Connie Miller ’93 works as a military intelligence specialist for the Iowa Air National Guard.

2004 in Tallil, Iraq, working on an Air Force base. She Miller, who has taught military classes on terrorism and worked from a supply store set up inside a former Iraqi national security, agrees. “Sometimes it may not be the right school, in a library with murals of Saddam Hussein and signs decision [to go to war], but it’s a decision. Something needs to declaring “Saddam is God.” be done.” Those who are anti-war can express their opinions VanderVinne was an Army construction equipment oper- because wars were fought for the freedom to do so, she says. ator in Baghdad for one year. She helped build Camp Victory, VanderVinne, whose camp in Baghdad was separated sleeping in hot tents so air-conditioned bunks with plumbing from Iraqi houses by a large wall, spent one Easter Sunday could be built for other soldiers. dodging fire sent over the wall by a band of Iraqis. “Bullets are Both women visited children in schools or hospitals. hitting the ground all around you. It’s kind of like you’re in a VanderVinne says, “You hand out candy to a little girl with no video game,” she says. “You think about it later: ‘Dang it. We shoes, and she looks at you like you’re a hero. That makes it could have just died.’” all worth it. They’re seeing history, and you’re a part of it.” Because her base was being attacked, VanderVinne was A few months into her time in Baghdad, VanderVinne able to help defend it, though women cannot be placed into and her unit bought a television off the street from some direct combat. Without this experience, women are unable to Iraqis. Her group was angered by the anti-war protesting they advance to certain high-ranking positions in the armed forces. saw on the news. “We’re going on these missions every day Miller had long disagreed with that policy, until she saw and seeing people building houses out of trash. They clearly the pairs of husbands and wives serving and thought about a need a new government. Most people who have been there child losing both parents. VanderVinne puts a positive spin on know we need to be there. If you have the power to help it: Keeping women out of harm’s way, she says, “is the world’s someone and you don’t, you’re wrong.” way of trying to show respect to women.”

19 ▲ Fall 2005 Coverstory Northwestern Classic

Carnet wrote a chil- dren’s book about taking Baby Jeff to the desert. While creating it, she Doll’s tour of duty instructed her illustrator to avoid all portrayals of becomes subject human faces, except for that of a sleeping child on of children’s book the last page. She didn’t It was late on a school night when Dielle want her readers to be told her mother that tomorrow was show and distracted by a white or tell. The object must start with the letter J, and it black face, a male or must be “cool.” female one. “A soldier is a

Women in the military Women Carnet’s eye went to Baby Jeff. She grabbed soldier,” she says. the pictures of the doll on a Humvee and with an M16, taken when Carnet worked as a bay Bridget VanderVinne ’07 hangs a U.S. flag supervisor for a military checkpoint in Saudi on a semi during her deployment in Iraq. Arabia. Late that night, she scribbled out a story tracing Baby Jeff’s journey through the Middle East. The next morning, the school principal called Carnet. Everyone in her office was weep- “Sometimes it may not be ing. “This is the sweetest story I’ve ever read,” she said, and she encouraged Carnet to publish the right decision [to go to a children’s book. After doing some research, war], but it’s a decision. Carnet decided to self-publish. “I didn’t want a tribute to my daughter to be changed in any Something needs to be done. way,” she says. Those who are anti-war can My Name Is Baby Jeff tells of Baby Jeff bat- tling the sand and the heat (soldiers would put a express their opinions helmet and goggles on her) because wars were fought for and visiting the “boot cemetery,” where soldiers the freedom to do so.” would sling their boots over a fence, believing the act would prevent them from having to return to the desert. This past summer, Baby Jeff took another tour of duty. Carnet’s brother Jesus ’96, an Army helicopter pilot, took the doll Giovy Carnet wrote with him to Jeff My Name is Baby Afghanistan. to tell of the adventures her daugh- ter’s doll had during her deployment in My Name is Angie (Trudeau ’05) Schmidt worked the Middle East. on an Air Force base in Tallil, Iraq, Baby Jeff can be in 2004. purchased at www.trafford.com or by calling 1-888-232-4444.

20 ▲ Fall 2005 Working With Parents Fall 2005 ▲ 21 In addition to class pre- They also must choose Assignments: sentations, students also paper write a research exploring some aspect of par- enting a child with special needs and collaborative rela- tionships between parents and educators. among assignment options that include spending time with the family of a child with special needs, attending planning sessions between of a educators and parents child with special needs, developing special needs information packets for fami- lies, or developing a special for stu- needs presentation classroom. dents in a regular dents—most of whom are well-meaning, hard-working and values-driven—that it’s not their job to fix any family (even a dysfunctional one) that includes a child with special needs, but simply to be an extended part of it. Nearly every class period Guest speakers: includes one or more guest includes one or more speakers, both special educa- of tion teachers and parents with disabilities. children Among them is Pam Megill, coordinator parent-educator Education Agency 4 for Area Megill is like in Sioux Center. coor- all AEA parent-educator the state, who dinators across must themselves be the par- ent of a child with special needs. “Students are surprised “Students are Special education teach- her stu- reminds Top ebration of uniqueness. whether the that to realize with special of a child parents or parents good needs are not—no matter how they with their or interact treat still vital to the child—they’re education. If you can child’s empathize with them and they’re understand where then you can coming from, achieve a collaborative rela- tionship that will be the best for the child,” says Top. ers, she says, need to remem- the ber that although they are the parents professionals, time with the spend far more child than they do. As a idea to ask a good it’s result, them for advice. Tara Bonestroo ’03, center, took Working With Parents when she was a special education student. Now she uses what she when she was a special education student. Parents With took Working ’03, center, Bonestroo Tara partner- Education Agency 4 in Sioux Center, learnedearly childhood special education teacher for Area in her position as an their kids with special needs. possible for ing with families to achieve the best education and environment

Education Plan

course

Special education stu- Special education teach- “What about a single Special education teach- Of

NorthwesternClassic Parents With Special Needs Special With Parents dents in Dr. Barb Top’s dents in Dr. class Parents With Working learningare that their job as teachers will be bigger than they thought. Sometimes they’ll need to educate their often, More students’ parents. they’ll need to accept their teaching students’ parents them. ers must meet the demands of the No Child Left Behind Act. They also must strive for learninga “least restrictive” for their stu- environment says, her stu- dents. But, Top grasp the dents often don’t lengths they will need to go to develop a truly to in order Individualized “What mom?” asks Top. in who are about parents their early 20s—or in their late 40s? What about parents who themselves have mild disabilities?” ers have to work with familial the child attitudes toward with a disability that range denial to acceptance, from embarrassment to a cel- from (IEP) for each of their stu- dents—one that accommo- family, dates the student’s just as whose needs are diverse as their child’s. Instructor: professor Top, Barbara Dr. emeritus of education Class: With EDU 314: Working Parents Alumniprofile Northwestern Classic

Kent Redeker Higglytown

HeroAlum helps create Disney Channel show

by Tamara Fynaardt Their idea, a show about cel- ebrating the everyday heroes Heroes don’t have to be all around us, beat out the as super as Spiderman. For a storylines of other writing preschooler with a skinned teams to make it on the air knee, anyone with a Bert and last September as Higglytown Ernie Band-Aid is a hero. So Heroes. is the baker who puts the In Higglytown, the sprinkles on donuts and the superheroes are gardeners, plumber who retrieves your teachers, veterinarians and Cracker Jack prize from the sanitation workers voiced by bathtub drain. Sharon Stone, Smokey Robinson, Sean Astin, Jamie * * * Lynn DiScalla and other stars of the stage and screen. Wild Brain animators Redeker, who grew up have come up with an ani- in Stickney, S.D., now lives in mation concept they think Burbank, Calif., with his will appeal to preschoolers: a wife, Amy Whetsel, a special community populated by effects artist. As a student at cute, clever characters who Northwestern, the communi- fit inside one another, like cation studies major became Russian “matryoshka,” or involved in theatre, eventual- nesting, dolls. Disney likes ly adding a theatre minor. Kent Redeker visits the recording studio where the Higglytown actors the idea. Now if the charac- While his theatre voice their parts. He’s interested in someday working on an animated ters only had a story … involvement was mostly feature film. “Who doesn’t want to?” he asks, citing the two Toy Story Kent Redeker ’93 and behind the scenes, Redeker movies and The Incredibles as “about as good as it gets.” Holly Huckins to the rescue. says, “The greatest benefit I

22 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic Alumniprofile Kent Redeker got [from attending NWC] Redeker will move on to was hooking up with [theatre something new. Perhaps one professor] Jeff Barker when I of the two shows he’s already was just starting to be inter- developing—another pre- ested in writing. He was very school cartoon for Disney encouraging and helpful in and a Nickelodeon show for making me feel like I could older kids—will make it on really do it. If I’d been in a the air. bigger writing program as an Meanwhile, he can catch undergraduate, I don’t think up on his own cartoon I would have been given that watching; favorites include individual attention.” SpongeBob SquarePants, Powerpuff Girls and Invader ZIM. While Redeker and “Celebrating the fact that Huckins get little fan mail from their pint-sized fans, anyone can be a hero if Higglytown Heroes fares well they help those around in focus group testing with both preschoolers and their them—I think we stum- moms—except those few bled on an idea that was zealously overprotective par- ents who have asked ques- better than we realized.” tions like “Will the show give my preschooler the idea he Higglytown Heroes can open his head and pull Disney Channel things out of it?” 7 and 11 a.m. CST After earning an M.F.A. “Kids don’t think that from the American Film way,” says Redeker, laughing Institute, Redeker’s first break and pointing out that chil- Eubie is the loving and lovable heart of the group of was landing a job as a writer dren’s programming doesn’t Higglytown friends. with Fox Family Channel’s have to be grounded in reali- Cautious and a little eccentric, Wayne is detail orient- Angela Anaconda (1999), a ty for kids to learn real les- ed and likes being prepared. show about not quite fitting sons. “They just accept that Wayne’s sister Twinkle has an enormous imagination, in that appeals to kids in ele- the Higglytown people are dreaming up sailboat-sized solutions for puddle-sized mentary school. the way they are. Kids get it. problems. Redeker also has done “Too much of children’s A little boy who lives large, Kip is the energetic leader freelance writing for Disney’s programming is just people of the group—even if he doesn’t always know exactly Teamo Supremo, a PBS show writing to market research,” where he’s going. titled Make Way for Noddy, says Redeker of shows where and the Larryboy videos all the boys play sports and Although a squirrel, Fran is more of a Jiminy about the Veggie Tales’ Larry all the girls shop. “I think in Cricket—a guardian angel who keeps the kids out of the Cucumber. some ways, with Higglytown, trouble. Redeker has another sea- we’ve stayed above that. As befits the world of preschoolers (or, maybe even son and a half of Higglytown Celebrating the fact that any- better, college students), one of the biggest heroes in Heroes to write. When it is one can be a hero if they help Higglytown is Pizza Guy, who has a surfer-dude attitude over, the show will have cele- those around them—I think and both cycle and ’copter delivery vehicles. brated 130 everyday heroes we stumbled on an idea that Learn more about the Higglytown gang by visiting who perform super service in was better than we realized.” playhousedisney.com. their communities. And

23 ▲ Fall 2005 Alumniprofile Northwestern Classic

Don’t worry. “Worry makes a big difference” in one’s health, Miller says. And she has a story to back that up. In 2001, Miller was diagnosed with Lessons stomach cancer. She was given three options: have her stomach removed, undergo chemotherapy or do nothing. She chose the latter, and doctors expect-

Catherine Miller ed she would die within a few months. “I never even worried about that— just prayed,” she says. for Life Today, there’s no tumor. “I outlived them all,” she says, her eyes sparkling.

by Duane Beeson Our whole church looks up to her as a Have faith. role model of how to be content.” “Her faith keeps her going,” says On the day before her 99th birth- Sage. “She just turns things over to the day, Miller visited with her daughter, Lord. She doesn’t get worked up, and Janice Sage, and Brasser and his wife, she has the attitude that whatever hap- Karen (Hagge ’88), at her care center. pens is meant to be.” Miller was cheerful, humble and gra- cious. That night, she became very sick. Her gallbladder needed to be removed—and she was hospitalized for several days. “I think she had been feeling pretty miserable for a long The 1924 Girls’ Glee Club poses for a time,” says Sage, “but she just yearbook photo. doesn’t complain. She’s tough, and she won’t say anything. “The grandkids all think What are the secrets to a long life? she’s wonderful,” Sage says. Catherine (Ver Hoef ’25) Miller, “They can talk to her, and she’s believed to be Northwestern’s oldest nonjudgmental. She tries to see alum, isn’t one to tell others what to do. the best in everybody.” But by looking at her long life—she turned 99 in August—perhaps a few lessons can be learned. Catherine Miller, 99, remembers the excitement among students and faculty when Science Hall Be content. (the first wing of Van Peursem Hall) was opened in 1924. And she recalls the fright of hav- Kevin Brasser ’85, Miller’s former ing to present a long, memorized neighbor and fellow member of essay in that building for her Paullina, Iowa, Presbyterian Church, class’s graduation. “I was in a says he’s never heard her complain. trance that day,” she says. “She’s always complimentary of others.

24 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic Alumniprofile

Sage fondly remembers her mom’s daily time of read- Catherine Miller ing the Bible and devotionals, and she knows that Miller continues to keep family members in her prayers. The academy alumna also keeps a regular appoint- ment to watch Hour of Power. “She really likes Robert Schuller—she knew his fami- ly from living in Alton.” Work hard. After graduating from Northwestern, Miller became a telephone operator. Later, she worked as a bookkeeper and at a dress shop. In 1956, she and her husband, Lawrence, opened Students and faculty gather in front of Zwemer Hall in 1924. Miller Motel in Paullina. She ran it—while he managed Breathe sulfur. Miller uses a walker to the local lumber yard—until To this day, if Miller gets “She just turns things over get around today, but she still 1984, when she was 78. a sore throat, she practices enjoys being driven around “She was a hard worker, what she preached for to the Lord. She doesn’t get northwest Iowa and the and she did a good job of decades: gargle with salt worked up, and she has the NWC campus to see the teaching all of us kids to water. progress that has been made. work,” says Sage. “We never went to the attitude that whatever hap- She remembers the doctor unless it was a dire pens is meant to be.” horse-and-buggy days—even Use Watkin’s emergency,” Sage says. “I’m riding to church on a bob- salve. beginning to think maybe sled during the winter—and Home remedies were a there’s something to all those is amazed by how much has way of life in the Miller home remedies.” hobbies—bridge, flowers, changed in her lifetime. Even home. She was a big fan of scrapbooking, crossword so, Miller doesn’t think she’d Watkin’s salve, aloe vera, Have some puzzles, word searches, read- do much differently if given Vick’s on a wool rag, and cas- chocolate. ing and watching Jeopardy. the chance to start over tor oil. “She still had a couple Miller never smoked At Northwestern, she sang in again. bottles of that in her cup- and never drank, says her the choir, participated in “I’ve enjoyed living,” board when we moved her daughter—and never fol- YWCA activities and played she says. out of her house a couple of lowed a good diet. “She loves on the girls’ basketball team. years ago,” says Sage. her sweets,” says Sage. The Is your ear hurting? Brassers often bring choco- Pour warm milk Oldest alum? lates or ice cream to her. If you know someone who graduated from in it. Got the Miller, who has outlived sniffles? Northwestern before 1925 and is still living, please let us all four of her siblings and know. Contact editor Duane Beeson, 712-707-7116 or one of her five children, also [email protected]. stayed active with a variety of

25 ▲ Fall 2005 Annualreport Northwestern Classic

“Generous hands are blessed hands.” Proverbs 22:9a (The Message)

NWC ❉ ANNUAL REPORT ❉ 2004–05

F und raising 2004–05 Y our gift dollars ❉ Total giving was $2,860,421 from 7,356 donors. Did you know that without your annual gifts to the Northwestern Fund, tuition ❉ The average gift to the Northwestern Fund was $164 (up $10 from 2003–04) from at Northwestern College would have to be $1,205 higher each year for every 2,496 alums. student? For the year ending June 30, 2005, annual Northwestern Fund gift ❉ The percentage of alumni giving to Northwestern was 29%. (The national average for income represented 9 percent of the total dollars expended for educational alumni giving to all colleges and universities in 2004–05 was 13%.) and general purposes. ❉ The Tower Society included 213 members this year. ❉ The Heritage Society grew by 8 members this year to 570. ❉ Church giving was $348,831 from 360 churches. ow does Northwestern Northwestern Fund (operating) 2003–04 2004–05 H spend each $100 given? Alumni $394,576 $408,641 Friends $397,943 $419,290 Foundations/grants $113,284 $142,583 General Physical plant Instructional & academic Corporations $135,818 $124,885 institutional expenses ($7) support ($35) Churches $408,700 $348,831 ($12) Other $7,740 $20,913 Subtotal $1,458,061 $1,465,143

Capital and endowed gifts (non-operating) 2003–04 2004–05 Alumni $620,679 $361,360 Student services Friends $651,721 $523,101 & admissions Foundations/grants $161,742 $74,543 ($15) Corporations $84,461 $95,611 Churches $1,000 $0 Financial aid Estates $151,592 $222,953 ($31) Other $333,405 $117,710 Subtotal $2,004,600 $1,395,278 Grand total $3,462,661 $2,860,421

26 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic Annualreport

A lumni giving N ew scholarships 2004–05 Best giving percentage Casualty Insurance Underwriters Inc. Scholarship Class of 1937 ...... 77% Gossen & Jennie De Boer Entrepreneurial Scholarship Class of 1945 ...... 69% Hebrews 12:1 Scholarship Classes of 1941 and ’48 . . . .61% Erlene Kading Elementary Education Scholarship Classes of 1933 and ’47 . . . .60% Kuhl-First Reformed Church, Sioux Center, Scholarship Harry Kuhl Memorial Agriculture Scholarship Best giving overall John & Mary Muilenburg Scholarship Class of 1943 ...... $130,647 Class of 1953 ...... $94,502 Class of 1975 ...... $75,385 Class of 1972 ...... $71,605 ndowment Class of 1965 ...... $64,746 E 1996 ...... $14,900,000 Best giving to the Northwestern Fund 1997 ...... $19,300,000 Class of 1965 ...... $24,870 1998 ...... $26,000,000 Class of 1953 ...... $23,483 1999 ...... $29,200,000 Class of 1955 ...... $23,055 2000 ...... $33,700,000 Class of 1969 ...... $21,505 2001 ...... $33,400,000 Class of 1983 ...... $19,080 2002 ...... $31,400,000 2003 ...... $31,800,000 2004 ...... $34,400,000 P lanned giving 2004–05 2005 ...... $35,700,000 Bequests received ...... $85,412 Irrevocable planned gifts consummated . . . .$227,000 Revocable planned gifts consummated . . . . .$284,000 Gifts-in-kind ...... $66,056 Gifts for endowed scholarships ...... $422,488 Read and review the full Annual Report 2004–05 at 2004–05 memorial gifts www.nwciowa.edu/annualreport. Mr. & Mrs. Steven De Vries and Mr. & Mrs. Thomas L. De Vries Use the password give2nwc to in memory of Thomas De Vries Sr. & Jane De Vries Ms. Lorraine Hand, Rev. Keith Hook, Ms. Janet Manchester, and access the report. If you prefer a Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Mitick Jr. in memory of Alvin Hook Ms. Barbara Nielsen in memory of Orval Nielsen hard-copy printout, please request one Mr. & Mrs. Laurence Grooters in memory of Marjorie Weeks from the college’s development office: 712-707-7106.

27 ▲ Fall 2005 Alumninews Northwestern Classic

Alumnicorner Deaths ing, Schipper served as a manager at McDonald’s for nearly 10 years Al “Slick” Slickers, age 83, a former and worked as a substitute teacher Brrring … Brrring … Brrring … “Hello, for four. He attended First my name is Allison, and I’m a sophomore at Northwestern College employee, died Dec. 3 at his home in West Evangelical Free Church of Rapid Northwestern College. Is this a good time to Lafayette, Ind. He and his wife, City. He is survived by his wife; a talk?” Milly, served as hall directors of son; three brothers, including Gary Ring a bell? That’s good, because it means Hospers Hall from 1976 until 1980, ’79; and a sister. Class notes you are one of our faithful donors! It’s time when they became the directors of for the fall phonathon, so approximately 40 the Rowenhorst Student Center. Northwestern College students like Allison They retired in 1983 and moved to Class notes Karen Woudstra will spend hours and hours on the phone Sheridan, Wyo., to manage a trailer park. They fully retired and ’79, director of with parents, friends and alumni all over the ’64 alumni and parent returned to Lafayette in 1989. country. They’ll be asking about you and While in Orange City, they were Roger Wyngarden, Constantine, relations your college experiences, asking if you have active at First Reformed Church. A Mich., is retired from General prayer requests for our students and staff graduate of Central College, Slickers Motors. His wife, Leona, was diag- who are involved in prayer ministries on campus, and giving served in the Navy from 1941 to nosed with ovarian cancer five years 1946 and was awarded a Purple ago and is in remission after under- you the opportunity to stay connected with your alma mater going chemotherapy treatments. by making a donation. Heart. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, including She recently returned from I have to admit that when I get a call from someone I Margo Taylor ’78. Guatemala, where she picked up don’t know, I wonder, “Who is this, and what do they want?” their seventh grandchild. (This is a Guess what? Student callers are wondering about you too: Richard Anderson ’50, age 74, died correction of a class note that “Who is this? How will he respond?” But many of you warm on April 30 in Vancouver, Wash. He appeared in the summer issue of up as soon as you know the caller “wears red” like you do. earned a bachelor’s degree at the Classic. We apologize for the Your phonathon call is on Northwestern’s dime, so feel Augustana College (S.D.) and error.) free to chat a bit. Students love to hear your stories, and received master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from Kansas ’69 many say they are inspired and encouraged to know what State University. A professor of David Dierenfeld, Nicollet, Minn., God is doing in your lives. They also want to fill you in on physics at the University of and his wife, Cheryl, are now what’s new and happening at Northwestern. They’ll encour- Missouri-Rolla for 34 years, involved in professional foster care, age you to come back to campus for Homecoming, for your Anderson was professionally associ- parenting teenage boys. reunion or for a visit anytime. You’re already connected to the ated with numerous organizations, person on the other end of the line because you’ve con- including the Optical Society of Terry Hill has returned home to tributed to a rich NWC heritage—one that stays strong America, the American Association Sanborn, Iowa, after a 23-year mili- of Physics Teachers, and the through the gifts you continue to give. tary career and another 10 years in Missouri Academy of Science. He is northern Virginia. He retired from Do you know how much you impact today’s students survived by his wife, Mary, and one the Army in 1992 and then joined with your gifts each year? Without your generosity, tuition daughter. VISTA Technology Services Inc., would be $1,200 higher for every student. Your faithful sup- which he now serves as a principal port also helps ensure they have access to technology and Thomas Barry Parks ’65, age 67, died consultant. His wife, Nadeen (Vander other instructional tools that enhance their education. on March 29 in Springfield, Mo., Velde ’71), held a number of mana- It’s evident NWC alumni recognize the unique value of after a long battle with cancer. He gerial positions and is currently what Northwestern offers. Our alumni participation rate in taught for two years and later assisting her mother with a drapery worked in human resources, spend- business. They have three married the Northwestern Fund is five percent higher than the ing the last 10 years of his career at sons and are enjoying their six national average. And many of you support the college not Positronic in Springfield. He is sur- grandchildren. only financially, but you also serve as board members, visit vived by his wife, Thelma “Terry” during Homecoming, attend and bid at the Gala Auction, (Lyftogt ’64). ’74 mentor students seeking careers similar to yours, and pray for Grace Peterson spent 20 years at faculty, staff and administrators. Marvin Schipper ’76, age 50, died Faith Academy in the Philippines, May 23 at a Rapid City hospital fol- where she taught music and band. I think ours is one of the best alumni associations. lowing a liver transplant and two Thank you. She returned to the United States in years of medical complications. He 2001 and began teaching music at and his wife, Deb (Schut ’77), Grandview Park Baptist School in moved to a ranch in Box Elder, Des Moines. S.D., in 1983. In addition to ranch-

28 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic Alumninews Class notes Brenda (De Wild) Van Roekel and an NCAA Div. II conference. She Cheryl Waggoner recently moved to Choir School. She and her hus- Karen (Sikma ’75) Vander Pol trav- spent the last seven years at West Des Moines, where she is a band, Jason, have two children, eled to Babadag, Romania, for two Minnesota State University, sales and catering representative at David (6) and Lydia (1). weeks in June to participate in a Mankato, as the head women’s bas- Holiday Inn. mission project with For God’s ketball coach and then the assistant Michele (Guthridge) Reeves is work- Children International. They athletic director. ’91 ing as a corrections security case- worked in a state-run orphanage Susanne (Caines) Bolt of Temple worker at the Minnesota with children from ages two to 18. Julie (Elsner-Horne) Crist works as a Terrace, Fla., recently accepted a Correctional Facility-St. Cloud. She chiropractor in Crete, Neb. position as director of outreach and and her husband, Dallas, have a ’76 prevention with Metropolitan son, Alex (1). Alan TeBrink retired in 2004 from ’89 Ministries, which serves over his position as a captain in the Dr. Mark Jensen is starting a year- 11,000 hot meals each week to Kevin Kroeze and his wife, Amy, Colorado state patrol. Following a long sabbatical in the Corrosion people who are homeless. She and recently moved to Visalia, Calif. He 26-year career with the patrol, he and Coatings Research Center at her husband, Richard, also serve as is a police officer in Visalia, and became the first commissioned lay North Dakota State University in youth pastors at Brandon Assembly. Amy is a stay-at-home mom. pastor in the southwest Colorado Fargo. He served the last two years area and accepted a part-time posi- as chair of the chemistry depart- ’92 ’98 tion with the Allison Community ment at Concordia College in Shelby Keating lives in Orange, Kristie (Johanson) Happeny, Church. He and his wife, Brenda Moorhead, Minn. Calif., where she has been working Brandon, S.D., is a source water (Kok ’77), live in Durango. for Herman Miller, an office furni- specialist for South Dakota Rural ’90 ture business, since 1999. Water and travels extensively ’79 Sharon (Olson) Johnson, Worthington, around the state. Her husband, Connie (Bastemeyer) Albers, Minn., serves as coordinator for ’96 Henry, is a truck driver. Northfield, Minn., is now employed the Nobles County Integration Collab- Joshua Blakesley is the associate pas- Tara (Simmons) Kluth is living in by St. Olaf College, working in the orative, a consortium of six adjacent tor of Community Church of office of advancement as an admin- school districts. The collaborative Rochester, Minn., where she is a Honolulu, a United Church of stay-at-home mom to her three istrative assistant. She says she promotes student success and cul- Christ congregation. enjoys seeing the work that goes tural integration by offering oppor- sons. She is also on the steering into fund raising for a private insti- tunities for individuals from diverse committee of a Mothers of Jennie (Morgan) Emmert, Preschoolers group at their church. tution and appreciates the similari- backgrounds to learn from one Indianapolis, is working part time ties between NWC and St. Olaf. another. as a development assistant, recruit- Dr. Mark Mouw graduated from ing and promoting for St. Paul’s Dr. Timothy Westcott, assistant pro- Palmer College of Chiropractic in fessor of history at Park University in Parkville, Mo., was recently awarded a Gilder Lehrman Institute Alumni: What’s new with you? of American History Fellowship. The weeklong fellowship will take Let us know so we can tell your friends and classmates. Send to: Office of Public place at the institute in New York Relations, Northwestern College, 101 7th Street SW, Orange City, IA 51041. Or City. e-mail to [email protected]; fax number is 712-707-7370. Deadline for the winter ’05–’06 Classic is Oct. 21. ’82 Elaine (Bakker) Lawrensen and her family have returned to Orange City following two years at Black Forest Academy (BFA) in Kandern, Germany. BFA is a school for mis- sionary kids from Europe, northern Africa and Asia. Her husband, Barry, has returned to North- Name ______western’s audiovisual staff. Address ______’87 Home phone ______Class of ______Ann Walker now lives in Orlando, E-mail ______Fla., where she serves as the assis- Current employer(s) ______tant to the commissioner of the Sunshine State Conference office,

29 ▲ Fall 2005 Alumninews Northwestern Classic

2002. He and his wife, Dr. Lynne director for the Johnston (Iowa) Mouw, opened a new practice spe- Community School District. Prayercorner cializing in chiropractic and spine rehabilitation in Council Bluffs, ’00 Tension can be a catalyst for learning. Iowa, last January. Kelly Brouwer graduated from When Peter learned to walk on water with Western Theological Seminary in Jesus in Matthew 14:22–33, he first felt ter- ’99 May and was ordained in rified and frightened, and he even doubted. Dan Faber is living in Omaha, September. She is serving as a chap-

Class notes He cried out, “O Lord, save me.” Later he where he is in his second year of lain at Loyola University Medical worshipped Jesus, saying, “Truly you are the internal medicine/pediatrics resi- Center in Chicago. son of God.” dency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His wife, Angie Jessica (Nissen) Earnshaw received a College is a time of life when most stu- (Halverson ’02), recently left her master’s degree in education from The Rev. Harlan dents experience the tension of transition. teaching job to be a stay-at-home Baker University last May. She lives VanOort ’82 They move from their homes, they search mom. in Kansas City with her husband, Chaplain for identity, they discern their calling, and Damon, and teaches sixth grade in they discover new vistas in the world. The Ben Petty works for IBM in Atlanta Lee’s Summit, Mo. challenges—even the crises—can produce beautiful changes. as the team leader of the group pro- It is important to manage this tension. Like a violin viding network services to Equifax, Jackie (Van Engen) Freese recently a credit bureau. His wife, Marianne completed a master’s degree in string, if the stress becomes too great, it can break. The (Koolhaas ’00), is a technical physician assistant studies from the Northwestern community is constantly alert to the care and recruiter at Equifax, where she University of Nebraska Medical nurture of students. coordinates all U.S. and offshore Center. She continues to work at But if there is no tension, the violin makes no music. It is contractors. Iowa Lakes Orthopaedics. Her hus- also important to understand the difference between normal band, Ryan, is now the branch tension and conflict that needs to be resolved. Good tension Brian Town graduated in July from manager of Iowa State Bank in should not be mistakenly viewed as conflict. Sometimes when Viterbo University in La Crosse, Sanborn. The Freeses live on an Wis., with a master’s degree in acreage near Spencer. the tension is removed, the benefit is also removed. administration. He has started a Join in a prayer in the midst of normal Christian college new job as the assistant athletic crises: O Lord, challenge us with your presence and your call- ing. Comfort us when we are afraid. Save us when we feel like we are sinking. Help us to trust you. Lead us to a greater knowledge of you and your world so we can worship and serve you. Amen.

Micah Johnson taught at a Christian Krista Meckling recently moved to Searches are open for the following positions: school in Lake Worth, Fla., for four Fort Wayne, Ind., where she works years. He recently moved to as the coordinator for membership Gainesville to work in computing services and communication for the Faculty services at the University of Florida, North American Coalition for Elementary education (tenure track) where his wife, Amy, is a pre-veteri- Christian Admissions Professionals. ESL and TESL (possible tenure track) narian student. He also operates a She previously worked in the Missiology and religion (tenure track) financial services business part time. admissions office at Spring Arbor Spanish (tenure track) University in Michigan for five Jennifer Lundmark is in her fifth years. year of teaching 7-12 instrumental All openings begin in August 2006. Job descriptions and music in the Galva-Holstein (Iowa) Stephanie (Waage) Turcotte graduat- application details are posted at www.nwciowa.edu/ Community School District. She ed in May from Des Moines employment. Northwestern seeks individuals who are also manages the high school con- University Osteopathic Medical Reformed and evangelical in theology and committed to cession stand, serves as yearbook School. She is now a resident in the distinctives of a Christian liberal arts education. adviser and teaches private piano emergency medicine at St. Francis lessons. She is working on a mas- Medical Center in Peoria, Ill. Northwestern College complies with federal and state regulations ter’s degree in music education concerning nondiscrimination in employment. Women and minorities through VanderCook College of ’01 are encouraged to apply. Music in Chicago. Lenette (Nienoord) Baron is a social worker at Austin Medical Center

30 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic Alumninews

Hospice in Austin, Minn. Her hus- Ashley (Jones) DiMauro is working by adoption, Erick Matthew, Haverdink ’97, son, Andrew Dale, Class notes band, Jason, is a medical secretary in the soils reporting and word pro- joins Conley (7), Emma (5) and joins Emily (1). at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. cessing departments at Midwest Cora (3). Jon and Marilee (Johnson ’99) Lace, Laboratories Inc. in Omaha. Beth Sibenaller and Philip Woodall daughter, Olivia Jean, joins Jon II Justin Grimm graduated from ’89, son, Benjamin James. (3). Luther Seminary in May and Stacy Wittler teaches second grade Ivan and Dawn (Van Berkum ’90) Susan (Menning ’99) and Dan Nelson accepted a call as a mission devel- at a public elementary school in Crane, son, Andrew Jay, joins ’99, daughter, Avery Rae. oper from the North/West Lower Central City, Neb., and is the head Will (2). Jason and Kathleen (McLane ’99) Michigan Synod of the Evangelical cross country coach and assistant Al and Rhonda (Friese ’91) Slight, Riggs, son, Anakin Blaine, joins Lutheran Church in America. He track coach at the high school. daughter, Amy Elaine, joins Jacob (5) and Adaiah (4). will be helping start a mission con- Jessica (3) and Samuel (2). Karen (Van Zanten ’99) and Matt gregation in the greater Traverse ’04 Dennis and Audrey (Verburg ’93) Westenberg ’00, daughter, Emily City area. Peter Boerema works at Hematech Halverson, son, John Lyman, Joy, joins Kaitlyn (2). in Sioux Falls, cloning transgenic joins Scott (7). Sharla (Jager ’00) and Rob Amanda Speakman has been hired as cattle for human polyclonal anti- Becky (Vander Stoep ’93) and Matt Roozeboom ’01, daughter, Riley a resident director at John Brown body production. His wife, Megan Ray ’93, daughter, Adria Lynn, Joy, joins Jager (2). University in Siloam Springs, Ark. (Blunck ’05), is a medical technolo- joins Allyson (5) and Anna (2). Andrew and Stephanie (Waage ’00) gist for the Sioux Valley Hospital Jill and Jeremy Vance ’93, daughter Turcotte, son, Jack Andrew. ’02 laboratory in the areas of chemistry, by adoption from China, Lenette (Nienoord ’01) and Jason Tricia (Henderson) Chacon teaches hematology and blood banking. Bethany, joins Brandon (13), Baron ’01, daughter, Lydia fourth grade at Colegio Monterrey, a Allison (10) and Cara (3). Callista. Christian bilingual school in San Jeannine Lovas was accepted to an Pam and Scott Dykstra ’95, daugh- Jonathan and Tricia (Henderson ’02) José, Costa Rica. She is also in her exclusive writing workshop at ter, Lilyan Joy, joins Drew (2). Chacon, daughter, Isabel. second year at the University of Windbreak House, hosted by Don and Diane (Cuthrell ’95) Salton, Angie (Halverson ’02) and Dan Faber Costa Rica, pursuing a master’s author Linda Hasselstrom on her daughter, Jadey Lee Ann, joins ’99, son, Josiah Daniel. degree in teaching English as a for- ranch near Hermosa, S.D. Lovas Sydney (7) and Cale (5). Makila (Hallett ’02) and Ben Lors ’00, eign language. lives in Des Moines, where she Amy and Kevin Kroeze ’96, son, daughter, Danielle Faith, joins works as a historical interpreter, Brent Thomas. Seth (2). Jen McAlpine is a missionary work- specializing in 1850 domestic life, Clement and René (Ramaker ’96) Pam (Menschner ’03) and Art DeVos ing with a team in Sarajevo, Bosnia, at Living History Farms. She plans Messerli, daughter by adoption, ’02, son, Ashton Douglas. through PIONEERS. Her team to apply to graduate programs in Samantha Ann. Michael and Jamie (Zeutenhorst ’04) works with the professional com- writing. Tina (Ter Horst ’97) and Dean Kamerman, daughter, Jaylee Beth. munity, using English classes and Calsbeek ’97, daughter, Amelia business seminars to open doors for Jenny Tjeerdsma is beginning her Joy, joins Avery (4) and Bennett Marriages relational evangelism. To learn more second year in the Doctor of (2). Julie Elsner-Horne ’87 and Larry about their work in Sarajevo, visit Physical Therapy program at the Kristen (Bernardy ’97) and Jonathan Crist, Crete, Neb. www.teamsarajevo.org. Arizona School of Health Science in De Bie ’99, daughter, Keziah Joy, Kristie Johanson ’98 and Henry Mesa. joins Kaelene (3). Happeny, Brandon, S.D. Kim Tjeerdsma teaches third grade Brian and Sheri (Zimmerman ’97) Micah Johnson ’00 and Amy at Kinsey Elementary in Sioux Carmen (Walker) Woudstra and her Gunderson, daughter, Elena Joy. Miclean, Gainesville, Fla. Center. husband, Lee ’02, recently moved to Tina (Jackson ’97) and Derek Vande Carrie Odell ’01 and Eric Anderson, Arlington, Texas. Carmen is teach- Slunt ’97, son, Micah Dellen, associate dean of residence life, ’03 ing ninth grade integrated physics joins Noah (2). Orange City. and chemistry at Harwood Junior Mike and Myra (De Haan ’97) Van Trudi Hansen ’02 and Jim Scott Bock works on Offutt Air Zee, daughter, Eliza Grace, joins Force Base in Omaha doing com- High School in Bedford. Lee is VanderPloeg Jr., Holland, Mich. working as a network services tech- Ella (2). Kristi Kurtzleben ’02 and Joe Wick puter programming for the govern- James and Tara (Simmons ’98) Kluth, ment. His wife, Angie (Husman), is nician at Custom Information ’03, Omaha. Services. son, Tobias Andrew, joins Evan Ashley Jones ’03 and Chad the band director at Woodbine (4) and Aidan (2). (Iowa) Community School. DiMauro, Bellevue, Neb. New arrivals Nathan and Amy (Schneiderman ’98) Kara Dehmlow ’05 and Lance Schulte, son, Gabriel Henry, joins Knaack, Madrid, Iowa. James DeVos will begin teaching Anne Youmans and Charles Koriene (10), Braeden (5) and high school science in Cherokee, Contreras ’83, son, Gabriel Chris Jacobsen ’05 and Sarah Cael (2). Huibregtse ’05, Plainsboro, N.J. Iowa, in January. His wife, Jaylene Charles. Anne and Duane Teerink ’98, son, (Wiersema), is in her second year of Becca and Stanley Koopmans ’83, Teresa Larson ’05 and Cody Cameron James. Templin, Denver. teaching high school English in daughter, Marielle Joy, joins Randy and Jennifer (Christiansen Cherokee. James is the golf coach at Liesel (5) and twins Steven and ’99) Dolphin, son, Tyce Aaron. The couples reside in the city listed. the high school, and Jaylene coach- Schyler (2). Cora (Bleeker ’99) and Marlon es cross country and speech. Heidi and Doug Hochstetler ’89, son

31 ▲ Fall 2005 Alumninews Northwestern Classic

Miniprofile Alumnus on the cutting

Luke Haverhals edge of energy research

by Derrick Haskins ’06 It could be awhile before vehicles powered by fuel Growing up on an Iowa cells show up on a car lot farm sparked Luke near you—mainly due to a Haverhals’ interest in how combination of safety, tech- things work. Today that nological and economic interest finds expression in issues researchers are work- his doctoral program in ing to address. For example, chemistry and research on although the technology fuel cells. exists to produce a fuel-cell- “There was always powered sedan, it would cost something to see or take the consumer around apart and wonder at,” says $200,000 to purchase one. the 2000 NWC graduate of In addition, there are a his agricultural background. number of safety issues con- His fascination with the nat- cerning fuel cell technology. ural and mechanical led him “My supervisor’s first rule of to study chemistry at North- power sources is, if it makes western and then go on to a good power source, it also the University of Iowa. There makes a good bomb,” says Haverhals is among a grow- Haverhals. As a result, it is ing number of researchers important that the technolo- Luke Haverhals and others on his research team took their fuel-cell-powered vehicle working to provide cleaner, gy released to consumers is to the Iowa State Fair in August. more efficient sources of safe and cannot be modified energy. for unintended uses. computers and MP3 players someday help improve the Haverhals is part of a Haverhals notes it could are beginning to enter the lives of people in developing research team working to take 50 years or more for market in Asia, and the mili- countries where vital infra- build and test fuel cells that fuel cells to replace the inter- tary is interested in develop- structure is not available, and are safe, clean and economi- nal combustion engine as the ing fuel-cell-powered devices he credits Northwestern as cal. In principle, fuel cells power plant used in automo- for use on the battlefield. the foundation for his vision. operate much like batteries. biles. Although mainstream “With fuel cells, you can “Northwestern was a But unlike a battery, as long use of fuel cells for trans- potentially make power any- good place for me to be able as fuel is supplied, a fuel cell portation purposes is many where and with different to dream about how to be a does not run down or need years off, fuel-cell-powered fuels,” Haverhals explains. Christian in a large, diverse recharging. electronics such as laptop He hopes the research that world.” scientists are conducting will

32 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic Alumninews Class notes Legacy Northwestern has been a big part of Cliff and Jo Leslie’s lives. Cliff’s commitment to the college meant driving athletes to road games, fixing leaks on the Zwemer Hall roof and cleaning up after campus pranks. Jo earned two degrees at NWC, hosted many students for meals, and joined Cliff at numerous fine arts events.

When asked to give a gift to help build Christ Chapel in the 1980s, the Leslies said yes—but. They also wanted to start a scholarship because students meant so much to them.

“I just loved the community of Northwestern,” says Cliff. “I appre- ciate that Northwestern has never lost its focus—it’s there to help students grow in the Lord.”

Cliff Leslie, shown with his wife, Jo (Van Wyk ’45, ’66), considers For information about establishing an endowed scholarship like being involved in the construction of Christ Chapel a highlight of the Leslies did, contact Cornie Wassink, director of planned giving, his 17-year tenure as Northwestern’s maintenance director. 712-707-7109 or [email protected]. In 18 years, he’ll be ready for college. Will you? Right now he’s most concerned about eating, sleeping, feeling loved and exploring the world around him. In 18 years, he’ll be thinking about girls, cars, sports, eating, sleeping …

College may seem like a long way off, but now is a good time to start think- ing about financing his education. The Independent 529 Plan, sponsored by Northwestern and over 240 private colleges, lets you lock in tomorrow’s tuition at less than today’s price.

Visit www.independent529plan.org or call 888-718-7878 to learn more about this prepaid tuition program.

Little Raider Jotaro Yoneyama is the son of Satoshi and Shiho Yoneyama ’95.

33 ▲ Fall 2005 Northwestern Classic

NWC gift selections order form (All items displayed on back cover) Name ______E-mail ______Address______Phone ______City______State______Zip______

Item Color Size Quantity Price Total price A Holloway Bison spectrum nylon vest that reverses to non-pill fleece (S-XXXL) Red $36.95 Reversible zip front. Decoration and zippered pockets on nylon side and side entry pockets on fleece side. Red nylon with black fleece. B J. America vintage washed full-zip ultraweight fleece (S-XXL) $39.95 White appliqué arm stripes, front hand pockets, and rib on collar, waist and cuffs. Heather gray with black sleeves. Also available in solid red or solid gray full-zip hood. C J. America heavyweight fleece hooded pullover (S-XXL) $29.95 Available in oxford gray and black. D Ouray girls’ nuvola cotton sueded hooded pullover (girls S-L) Pink $21.95 80% cotton/20% poly blend nuvola cotton fleece. Front kangaroo pocket. Available in posy pink. E Gear cotton long-sleeved tee (S-XXL) $15.95/$13.95 100% cotton. Generous fit. Available in red long-sleeved tee ($15.95). Also available in heather gray or red short-sleeved tee ($13.95). All sizes, unless stated, are men’s adult. Subtotal

Shipping/handling To place an order: Shipping (See chart) Up to $50: $7 • Use this mail-in order form; Total Over $50: $9 • Call 712-707-7195; or (amount enclosed) • E-mail [email protected] Make checks payable to: Northwestern College Bookstore Method of payment ■ Check or money order ■ MasterCard ■ Visa ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

Signature required for purchase ______Expiration date ■■■■■■ (as shown on credit card) Mail to: Bookstore, Northwestern College, 208 8th Street SW, Orange City, IA 51041 Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery While supplies last

35 ▲ Fall 2005 Non-Profit Northwestern College U.S. Postage 101 7th Street SW Paid Orange City, IA 51041 SP&D Ph. 712-707-7000 (switchboard) www.nwciowa.edu

Change Service Requested I am Northwestern “Language learning has always been part of the liberal arts, Our world is changing. Foreign languages are increasingly important and locally we see a great need as the world becomes more interconnected. Our classes teach lan- for knowledge of Spanish.” guage and culture—you can’t separate those two. Language is not something for the classroom alone; it has to be a way of life. That’s why I try to educate students on the immigrant experience and create opportunities for them to interact with other cultures. I am an immigrant; Piet Koene you can tell by the words I choose and by my accent. Those may not be Instructor in Spanish pressing differences, but they are noticeable. Your donation to the 2004 Iowa Professor of the Year Northwestern Fund equips students to open channels of communication and foster understanding between cultures.

A whole education for your whole life.

Contact Jennie Smith, director of the Northwestern Fund, to find out how you can help broaden the worldview of Northwestern students. Phone: 712-707-7110; e-mail: [email protected]; visit: give.nwciowa.edu

Show your G Raider pride!

C H Make it a Red C Christmas E A F B B D with gifts that show your loyalty! A D (order form on page 35)

E Thanks to our “model family”: Nancy (Walhof ’87) and Mike Landhuis ’86 and their children (from left), Josh, Katie and Zach.

36 ▲ Fall 2005