JUNE 2008 VOL. 11 NO. 3

1 A PUBLICATION OF WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

“No one can lay anyfoundation other than theone that has been laid;that foundation is JesusChrist” (I Corinthians 3:11).The text above served

as the centerpiece of myinauguration as the tenthpresident of Western The-ological Seminary. Since that Octoberevening in 1994, this text has served as aconstant reminder that the foundation ofour institution was laid by God long beforeI was born, and that I was simply one ofmany faithful builders over the years.During the past fourteen years it has

been my privilege to serve with a skilled,gifted and dedicated group of faculty, staffand trustees who have built on that foun-

“Everybody just loves him.” That’swhat you’ll hear when you talk to peo-ple who attended churches heserved. You’ll hear it from thosewho worked with him at the clas-sis, regional synod, or denomina-tional level. Everybody loves theman with the shock of white hair,the warm personality, the outgoingspirit, the hearty and ready laugh,and the deep love of God and God’schurch at the core of his life.Frederick “Fritz” Kruithof is the

embodiment of Jesus’ command, “Just as Ihave loved you, you also

should love one another. By this everyone willknow that you are my disciples, if you havelove for one another.” That love has led Fritzto a life of service to the greater church, notjust to a local congregation, although he hasdone that with distinction.Fritz was vice-president of the Regional

Synod of the Great Lakes in 1998, the vice-president of General Synod in 1997-98, andPresident of General Synod in 1998-99. Hereceived the Hope College Distinguished Alum-nus Award in 1999 and has served on theHope College Board of Trustees since 1991.

A Man for All Seasons is an aptdescription of I. John Hesselink. He isfirst and foremost a theologian whoknows his namesake, John Calvin,almost as well as he knows himself.He was a personal acquaintance oftheologians Emil Brunner and KarlBarth. But John also is an avidsports fan, ever faithful to theDetroit Tigers and the Hope Collegebasketball and football teams. Heloves music ranging from classical tojazz, and reads the sports page and newsmagazines, as well as good literature and

poetry. He admires Japanese prints,which he and his wife Etta have collectedthrough the years. His vocational careerincludes missionary, teacher, seminarypresident and professor, and scholar.For a person with such broad interests

and capabilities, John had a humblebeginning. He is the son of a MidwestRCA pastor, grew up in the church, andconfessed his faith in Christ at the tenderage of twelve. Two years later John wasdeeply saddened by the premature deathof his mother. He attended high school inPella, Iowa, where he says he did every-

Distinguished Alumni of 2008

(continued on page 2) (continued on page 3)John and Etta (center) are commissioned asmissionaries at General Synod held at

Central College, May 1953.

dation and “constructed another floor” ofthis institution which has prepared leadersfor the church since 1866.This summer I will complete my presi-

dency, and after a semester’s sabbatical Iwill begin teaching full time at Western asthe Marvin and Jerene DeWitt Professor ofChurch History. Dr. Timothy Brown, myfriend and our long-time professor ofpreaching, will be my successor in thepresident’s office. He is eager and able tobuild upon our sure foundation, who isJesus Christ.Recently people have asked me what I

will miss most about being the president.Invariably, I respond that I will miss thepublic responsibilities which came with theoffice. I have thoroughly enjoyed meetingand greeting people across the church. It

has been a joyful privilege to preach forscores of congregations, to dine with thosewho love Christ’s church, to tell about themission of the seminary, and, yes, to solicitfinancial support, prospective students andprayers for the community of faith andlearning that I came to love and cherish.Please accept my deep gratitude for your

prayers and your support. You have sus-tained our ministry as we have built uponthe foundation of Jesus Christ. I am confi-dent that you will continue to supportWestern under the leadership of Dr. TimBrown.Cordially and gratefully, in Christ,

A Note from President Dennis N. Voskuil

Frederick “Fritz” Kruithof ‘64by Bob Terwilliger ‘72

I. John Hesselink ‘53by Eugene Vander Well ‘53

JUNE 2008

Do you know a Western TheologicalSeminary Alum who should be consideredfor the Distinguished Alumni/ae Award?If so, please submit a ministry biography

and the reasons you believe this personshould be recognized as a DistinguishedAlum.Nominations for each year are due by

October 31 of the previous year. Themembers of the Alumni/ae Council care-fully consider each person nominated andmake their decision in November.

Send your nomination to:Rev. Bruce WeirksWestern Theological Seminary101 E. 13th St.Holland, MI 49423

or email: bruce@westernsem.edu

Nominations for Distinguished Alumni/ae The Council

Who do you recommend?

2

grief counselor, and along with otherchurch responsibilities through the years,she helped in both those capacities. In theearly years of ministry she taught Vacation

Bible School, SundaySchool, and Youth Club.She led Bible studies,helped with youth lead-ership, directed youthchoirs, and served onvarious classical com-mittees. The Kruithofshave three sons, Kirk,Brad, and Ryan; adaughter-in-law, Pam,and three granddaugh-ters, Maggie and twinsKara and Molly.Ordained in the Clas-

sis of Philadelphia, Fritzstarted his ministry at

Talmage Memorial Reformed Church. Hewent on to serve five churches in Michi-gan, serving a total of 36 years as solopastor or head of staff. Since 2006, Fritzhas been the Calling Pastor for Bethany inKalamazoo as well as one of the Senior

Pastors for the Reformed Church, call-ing on retired ministers and spouses inMichigan.For the past 20 years, Fritz has been

in a collegial relationship and account-ability group with Dave Bruininks, JimBaar, Daryl Vetter, and Larry Terlouw.Throughout his years of distin-

guished ministry, people have come toknow Fritz Kruithof as the man every-one loves. In return, he demonstrateson a daily basis his love for others, hislove for God, and his love for Christ’schurch. And by that, people know thathe is one of God’s precious disciples.

Fritz was bornto Dr. Bastianand MarieKruithof, and asthe son of a pas-tor and college

professor, he had the opportunity tomove around more than most. Hisearly years were spent in New Jer-sey, but then the family moved toHolland, Michigan. Fritz served aspresident of his 8th grade class atHolland Christian, a precursor ofthings to come. His first two yearsof high school were in Edinburgh,Scotland, where Fritz played rugby.He returned to Grand Rapids to fin-ish his education at Wyoming ParkHigh School.Fritz attended Hope College,

where he won the Pietenpol Prize, showingpromise in ministry. As a senior, he waselected class president. At Western Semi-nary, Fritz was again elected president,

this time of the senior class. What is thisthing with Fritz and presidencies?Fritz married Sharon Lee Weaver in

1963, and together they set off on a careerof ministry in the Reformed Church.Sharon is a trained nurse and certified

A PUBLICATION OF WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARYJUNE 2008

WTS grad 1964

Kruithof family, 1970s: Sharon, Ryan, Kirk, Fritz, and Brad

Fritz prepares for a sermon at Hope Reformed Church,South Haven, MI, 1987.

Fritz and Sharon Kruithof

Frederick “Fritz” Kruithof ‘64

b. Paterson, NJ 10/19/39Hope College ’61, WTS ‘64Reformed churches served:(1964-1967) Talmage Memorial, Philadelphia, PA(1967-1969) Faith, Muskegon, MI(1969-1974) Church of the Master, Warren, MI(1974-1978) Remembrance, Grand Rapids, MI(1979-1991) Hope, South Haven, MI(1991-2000) Second, Kalamazoo, MI(2000-2005) Minister Congregational Care, ChristMemorial, Holland, MI

(2006-) Calling Pastor, Bethany, Kalamazoo, MI(2006-) Senior Pastor, RCA

Fritz Kruithof

(continued from page 1)

Donald DeYoung ‘55, PresidentMike VanDoornik ‘60,

Vice President & NecrologistNorman Ratering ‘62, Secretary

Barbara Boss ‘05Harold DeRoo ‘48Paul Fazio ‘93

Roger Kleinheksel ‘63Bruce Mulder ‘99

Deborah Swanson ‘07Norm Swier ‘77

James VanderRoest ‘92Gerard VanHeest ‘52

2007-2008

3A PUBLICATION OF WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

in Japan John becameacquainted with EmilBrunner who was servingas a visiting professor atthe International Christ-ian University.After five years John

went to Basel, Switzer-land to study with KarlBarth. They becameclose friends even withtheir theological differ-

ences. John was instrumental in arrangingfor a historic encounter between Barth andBrunner that effected a personal reconcilia-tion. After completing his doctorate, Johnand his family returned to Japan, where hetaught theology at Tokyo Union Seminary.In 1973 Dr. Hesselink was invited to be

the president of Western Seminary. Assist-ed by his secretary and a business manag-er, John toured the churches and raised $4million for the new Cook Center library andthe endowment. In 1985 he returned toteaching fulltime in the chair of A. C. VanRaalte Professor of Systematic Theology.His passion for Reformed theology wasmatched by his warm concern for his stu-dents.Dr. Hesselink retired from the seminary

in 1998 but continues to be active in a vari-ety of ways. He especially enjoys mentoringoverseas graduate students and helpingthem with their theses. He has served as

visiting professor at two Japanese seminar-ies and has lectured in a host of othercountries. John continues to preach andteach in local churches and is active in hisown congregation, Third Reformed of Hol-land.He has authored five books, three on

Calvin. His most popular book is the veryreadable On Being Reformed, which has

been translated into Japanese, Korean andChinese. In addition to serving on manycommittees and commissions, John was thePresident of the General Synod of theReformed Church in 1995.John loves the Reformed Church that

nurtured him, and the RCA loves him inreturn. You cannot go anywhere in theReformed Church where John is not knownand appreciated. His many good friendsthroughout the world consider him a com-mitted Christian, a fine scholar, and a loyalfriend. John Hesselink has served Christand his Church well.

thing but study hard. He was active inmusical groups and sports, and his writingand speaking skills were first developedthere.John entered Central College unclear

about his vocational goals, but he unex-pectedly heard the call to missionary ser-vice his freshman year. John arranged tointerview a mission executive visiting thecampus. She asked him how long he hadbeen considering becoming a missionary,and John replied, “I never thought of it.”The seed was plantedthat day, and later heconsidered his callconfirmed when hemet his future wife,Etta Ter Louw, whofelt called to be amissionary sincechildhood.John entered New

Brunswick Seminaryand later transferredto Western Seminary,where his appetite fortheology was whet byDr. Osterhaven’sclasses in systematictheology. After grad-uating with honorshe and Etta headedfor Japan whereJohn engaged in student evangelism.While teaching Bible in a Tokyo high schoolfive of his students became Christians, oneof whom later became a pastor. John alsotaught in a Japanese prison where he bap-tized three condemned criminals beforethey were executed. During their first term

JUNE 2008

I. John Hesselink ‘53

John’s first book is published in November, 1983.On Being Reformed has been translated into

Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

John has tea with Karl Barth after completing doctoral studies in Basel, Switzer-land, June 1961. Karl Barth, John Hesselink, John Ter Louw (father-in-law),Fraulein von Kirschbaum (Barth’s assistant, and to her right her nephew).

Seminary Dean Elton Eenigenberg charges Dr. Hesselink as president of WesternTheological Seminary, Inauguration service at Third Reformed, September 1973.

b. Grand Rapids, MI 3/21/28Central College ’50, WTS ’53Basel University, Switzerland, D.Theol. ‘61(1953-1973) Missionary to Japan(1961-1973) Professor of Historical Theology, TokyoUnion Seminary

(1973-1985) President, Western Theological Seminary(1986-1998) Albertus C. Van Raalte Professor ofSystematic Theology, Western Theological Seminary

(1998-present) Professor emeritus, Western TheologicalSeminary

(1995-1996) President, General Synod, RCAHonorary degrees: Hope College LHD, Central College DD

I. John Hesselink

(continued from page 1)

Dinner party in Tokyo, July 2005, with friends and formerstudents of Western Theological Seminary.

Hesselink’s children celebrate Nathan’s graduation fromInterlochen Arts Academy, June 1984.

Judson, Gregory, Ann, Nathan, and John III.

John & Etta Hesselink

In cooperation with Journey at WTS,Donald J. Bruggink ’54 is leading aseminar to Turkey “Cradle of Christiani-ty” in June, and in October he will lead aseminar to Rome and Sicily. As generaleditor of the Historical Series of the RCA,he announces the 57th volume: LiturgyAmong the Thorns.

On June 4 Paul E. Hostetter ’54 wasgiven the Distinguished Alumnus Rewardby his high school, Manheim TownshipHigh School, Lancaster County, PA.

For the past ten years, Aaron Koskamp’54 has been the Moderator of the EwartPresbyterian Church south of Grinnell, IA.Three semi-retired pastors take turnsleading the weekly worship services.

Don Nienhuis ’54 currently conducts aweekly home Bible study on the book ofRevelation. In May he traveled to Lon-don, England and Lake Balatan in Hun-gary. He visited the Reformed Center inDebrecen. The trip was compliments ofhis daughter Nancy, an administrator atAndover Newton Seminary in Boston.

Having served many RCA and CRC con-gregations in New Jersey and New York,John Nyitray ’55 is happy to be back inHolland, MI. He and Marie are worship-ing at Harlem Reformed, where their sonJohn Nyitray ’82 is pastor.

Holland America Line has asked Douglasvan Gessel ‘56 (Th.M.) and his wifeJoyce to continue as Protestant Chaplainvolunteers in 2008-2009. Working withthe priest, rabbi and Imam on board,Doug and Joyce counsel, conduct dailyBible studies, conduct Sunday worshipservices, and serve as escorts on landtours. They are in their 18th year of vol-unteer service for Holland America Cruis-es, having sailed around the world seventimes.

At the age of 80, Charles H. Kamp ’58retired from a part-time pastorate of theFirst Presbyterian Church, Antwerp, OH.

For the last six years Lawrence J.Doorn ‘59 has served as Chairperson ofthe Board of Directors of Family HealthCare in Baldwin, MI. He was recentlyawarded the 2008 Board Member of theYear by the Michigan Primary Care Asso-ciation.

Wendell Karsen ‘63 has been quiteactive since retiring from his position asdirector of the WTS Master of Theologyprogram in 2006. He led mission expo-sure tours to China (2006) and Tibet(2007). He participated in an internationalgathering on human rights inTaiwan at the invitation of thePresbyterian Church in Taiwan(December 2007) and recentlyreturned from a 5-weekpreaching/teaching mission tofour islands in Indonesia (April-March 2008). There, amongother engagements, hepreached and lectured at Evan-gelical Christian Seminary

(GKE) in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantanwhere WTS graduate Kinurung Maleh’06 (Th.M.) serves as president. Rev.Maleh sends his greetings to the Semi-nary community.

After ten years at Eastlawn Reformed inMuskegon, MI and 33 years at HurleyReformed in Hurley, NY, Charles Stickley’64 is retired and doing a lot of volunteerwork. He also serves as a contract min-ister in churches in the Mid-Hudson Clas-sis. He and Esther live in Hurley, NY.

Norman J. Kansfield ’65 teaches in theTheological School of Drew University.

He is on the editorial board of Out inScripture (www.HRC.org/Scripture) andserves as Theologian in Residence in theZion United Church of Christ, Strouds-burg, PA. He and his wife were involvedin a serious car accident the end of April.

George Boerigter ‘66 reports that hiscompany, SoundOff Signal in Hudsonville,MI, was honored as Western MichiganWorld Trader of the Year in 2007, thesmallest company ever to win the award.Also, SoundOff Signal has crossed the100 employee mark.

Over 40 years of service in the Holland,MI area, Ralph Kickert ’68 has directedthe Good Samaritan Center (1968-70),directed the Community Action House(1970-73) and has been a Chief Proba-tion Officer for the 58th District Court(1970-2001).

George Brown, Jr. ’69 has been appoint-ed the Associate Editor, Historical Seriesof the Reformed Church in America.

James L. Moore ’72 is enjoying retire-ment and loves the Rockies, living in Col-orado Springs, CO. He preaches when

Tom Kragt, Ron Kelley

NOT PICTURED: Joseph Bliss*, Timothy Boeve, Paul Bradford, David Breen,Devasirvatham Paul David, Gary DeWitt, Mark Heijerman, Gale (Hagen)Hoekstra (M.R.E.), Lary Jackson, Randall Knoll, Gordon Laman (D. Min.),Molefe Lekalakala, Keith Lohman, Vernon McNear, Ntlaweni JoshuaNgwenya, Keith Reiter, Clyde Rensink, David Ruisard, Gary Westra

* deceased

Front: Art DeHoogh, Lou Benes, Richard Huls, Charles Kamp, Tom KeizerBack: Harris Verkaik, Kermit Hogenboom, Gerald Osland, John DeJong, Gerry Heem-stra, Gerald VanderVelde, Sam Hofman

NOT PICTURED: Gary Aitken*, Lloyd Arnoldink*, Donald Cozadd*, Leonard DeBeer, Paul DeVries*,William Estell*, Irven Jungling, Corstian Klein*, Edward Korthals*, David Mack, John Moerman*,Peter Mondeel, Robert Nykamp, Wayne Olson, Fenton Strickland, Albert Studley, E. Don Teusink*,Howard VandeGuchte, Richard VanderVoet, Sidney VanGelder, Jan VanOostveen, Gilbert Visser,Leonard Weessies*

AlumLine

Alumni/ae Day

David Maris, Ralph Kickert (M.R.E.), Vern Sterk, John Verhoog, Jim Stralow

NOT PICTURED: Kenneth Bergner, Ronald DeBoer, Richard Detrich, Totahill Mathai George (Th.M.),Forrest Harms, Roger Mulder, Walter Pickup, Jr., Kenneth Reynen, Leonard Reynolds, Jon Schoon*,Larry Schut, Marinus Spierenburg, Ruth (Kleinheksel) Stanley (M.R.E.), Cornelius VanDeHoef *, DennisVanderBeek (M.R.E.), John VanderRoest, Bertus VanderWoude, Donald Veltman, Jack White*

The Class of 1954 organized a special reuArlene Martens, Eugene Heideman, Mar

Blauw, Barbara Koskamp, Aaron K

Wendell Karsen (in back) with the Missiology cEvangelical Christian Seminary.

A PUBLICATION OF WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY4JUNE 2008

1983 25 years

1968 40 years

1958 50 years

May 12, 2008

invited and teaches adults the Heidelberg Catechism atthe Presbyterian church he and his wife attend.

On April 1 Daniel Ramaker ’74 retired from the min-istry at Steen Reformed Church in Steen, MN. He andKaren have moved to Bronson, MO.

Jack Klunder ’77 is serving New Life ReformedChurch of Grand Rapids, MI. He and his wife, Mary,became grandparents with the birth of Caleb StephanByland last October. Their son-in-law, Tanner Smith‘08, graduated from WTS this year and has accepted acall to First Reformed in Sioux Center, IA.

In March the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland electedEugene Sutton ’81 as its first African American bishop.

The Rev. Canon Eugene Sutton is the director of Wash-ington National Cathedral’s Center for Prayer and Pil-grimage.

Armando C. Arellano ’95 has been serving at GarfieldHeights United Methodist Church in the Cleveland areasince 2005. His wife, Deborah, is a registered nurse inOhio, and their two boys are now in high school.

Laurie Nic ’98 is the Director of Caring Ministries(member care and evangelism) at Vicksburg UnitedMethodist Church, Vicksburg, MI. Laurie and Dave havetwo daughters in high school, Kathalyn and Kara.

Jonathan Cooper ‘01 is serving as a Chaplain in theFederal Bureau of Prisons. He is currently located atthe Federal Correctional Complex in Victorville, CA.

Jeff Walton ’02 earned a Masters in Philosophy at theUniversity of Lancaster, U.K. in 2005 and will be pursu-ing a doctorate in Philosophy in the fall of 2008.

The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba’03 Th.M., ’07 D.Min. has been elected Bishop ofMityana Diocese in Uganda. This new calling involvesoverseeing 470 churches within a population of900,000 people. Prior to this new post, Stephen andhis wife Margaret served as Provost/Dean of Sts. Philipand Andrew’s Cathedral Mukono in Uganda.

Paul Van Maaren ’05 and his wife,Courtney, welcomed their second daugh-ter, Olivia Noel, on March 30, 2008.

Jeff Roessing ’07 and his wife, Melissa,announce the arrival of their first child,Tsepo Robert Roessing on May 7, 2008.The name Tsepo is a shortened version ofthe South African word Tshepo, whichmeans “hope,” or “to have hope or faith.”

On to Glory...Raymond R. Van Heukelom ‘40b. Mahaska County, IA 7/13/14d. Holland, MI 4/18/08Central College ‘37; WTS ‘40Reformed Churches served:1940-1947 Corinth, Byron Center, MI1947-1953 Emmanuel, Chicago, IL1953-1961 First, Holland, MI1961-1979 First, Orange City, IAAlso served as:1943-1946 Chaplain in U.S. Army1967-1968 Vice President, General Synod1968-1969 President, General Synod

Clarence F. Greving ‘50b. Prairie View, KS 8/3/15d. Orange City, IA 2/29/08Central College ‘47; WTS ‘50Reformed Churches served:1950-1956 Newkirk, IA1956-1959 Overisel, MI1959-1965 Hollandale, MN1965-1980 Alton, IA1980-1985 First, Sioux Center, IA

Collins D. Weeber ‘56b. Grand Rapids, MI 9/21/29d. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 2/16/08Hope College ‘53; WTS ‘56; CA Graduate School ‘76Reformed Churches served:1956-1963 Eastmont, Grand Rapids, MI1963-1968 Christ Community, Palm Springs, FL1968-1973 Family, Canoga Park, CA1973-1980 New Hope, Canoga Park, CADismissed to Presbyterian Church, 1980Coral Ridge Presbyterian, Ft. Lauderdale, FLOld Cutler Presbyterian, Miami, FLTrinity Presbyterian, Oahu, HIDMin Dir., Knox Theol. Seminary, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Corstian Klein ‘58b. Armour, SD 1/28/26d. Bellingham, WA 4/28/08Seattle Pacific College ’55; WTS ‘58Reformed Churches served:1959-1962 Maranatha, Wainfleet, Ontario, CAN1962-1964 First, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN1964-1969 Hope, Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN1969-1970 Prairie View, KS

John A. Wurpts ’67 (M.C.E.)b. Adrian, MN 10/1/42d. Ames, IA 3/1/08Northwestern College ‘64; WTS ‘671967-1970 Speech & Drama teacher, Southern NormalSchool, Brewton, AL

1970-1977 Teacher, Ogden, IA

Joseph Bliss ‘83b. Columbus, OH 6/2/37d. Columbus, OH 3/15/08Reformed Bible College ‘80; WTS ‘83Reformed Churches served:1983-1985 Thousand Isles, Alexandria Bay, NY1985-1990 Closter, NJAlso served:Presbyterian Church, Allendale, MISaint Luke’s Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MI

Necrologist: Mike VanDoornik

union this year. L to R: Don Nienhuis, Cecil Martens,ry Heideman, Paul Hostetter, Bernice Blauw, StuartKoskamp, Margaret Hospers, and Alvin Hospers

class at

5A PUBLICATION OF WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY JUNE 2008

As you can seeacross the page,Western Seminaryhosted classreunions for the 25,40 and 50 year grad-uates on May 12,Alumni/ae Day.The following day,

Western’s Board ofTrustees met and wrestled once againwith the difficult task of setting tuitionfor the coming school year. This isalways a tough conversation, becauseeven as we continually look for ways todecrease the cost to each student, ithas been necessary to increase tuitionevery year. The decision rests on achoice—decrease services or increaseincome.I wondered what the tuition was for

our reunion classes. I found out thatin 1958 there was no tuition. In 1968it was $300, and in 1983 it had risento $1,280.As it turned out, the Board reluc-

tantly decided to increase tuition by8.75% next year, bringing the total to$11,136. This is likely the largest per-centage increase in recent history, andyet tuition will still only cover roughlyone-third the cost of educating eachstudent.In 1958, the RCA covered 100% of

the cost of operating its seminaries.Today that share is only 8%. Yourfinancial gifts cover another third, andinvestments earnings offset the rest.As you can see, your support makes asignificant difference, for without it,Western’s tuition would be truly pro-hibitive for many.Not all of us are called to attend

seminary, but we are all blessed withthe opportunity to be partners withthose who are. Each time you make afinancial gift to Western Seminary, youare a partner in preparing leaders forthe Church of Jesus Christ. Thankyou for your partnership. Workingtogether, wouldn’t it be wonderful tomove tuition rates for our future pas-tors and leaders in the other direction?

Ken NeevelVice President of Advancementand Communication

Would you like to know more abouthow you can partner in the work ofWestern Seminary? Please contactKen Neevel at ken@westernsem.eduor 800-392-8554.

1958 vs. 2008The Difference in $$

Let classmates and colleagues know aboutthe milestones in your life. Send your newsitems to “Alumline”, Western TheologicalSeminary, 101 E. 13th St., Holland, MI 49423;fax 616-392-7717; or carlaw@westernsem.edu.

O n May 12WesternTheologi-

cal Seminary grant-ed degrees to its

largest class ever atits 132nd commence-ment service held in

the Dimnent Memorial Chapel on the campusof Hope College.The seminaryawarded 44 Masterof Divinity (M.Div.),six Master of Theol-ogy (Th.M.), threeDoctor of Ministry(D.Min.) degrees,and one Certificatein Urban PastoralMinistry (CUPM).This class

includes Western’shistoric first gradu-ating distance-learning students.These nine stu-dents from acrossthe country haveearned their Master of Divinity degree afterfive years of study including online learningand twice-yearly intensives held on campus inHolland, MI.Dr. Mark Noll addressed the graduates on

the subject, “Proclaiming Christ, Who Is

A PUBLICATION OF WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY6

Raymond AddoTh.M.

Accra, Ghana

Ekpenyong AkpanikaTh.M.

Calabar, Nigeria

Daniel DeVriesM.Div.

Maurice, IA

Eric DipzinskiM.Div.

Oak Harbor,WA

Miriam IppelM.Div.

Grand Rapids, MI

Lynne KammeraadM.Div.

Holland, MI

Dara NykampM.Div.

Holland, MI

Scott NypM.Div.

Brantford, Ontario, CAN

Jason SemansM.Div.

Fremont, MI

Anna Shrikissoon-Sharma, Th.M.

San Fernando, Trinidad

Heather Van LeeuwenM.S.W., M.Div.Sioux Center, IA

Matthew van MaastrichtM.Div.

Hamilton, MI

JUNE 2008

Before All Things” based on the scripture,Colossians 1:9-20. Dr. Noll is the FrancisA. McAnaney Professor of History at theUniversity of Notre Dame and is widelyconsidered a leading historian of theAmerican church.Scott Nyp, a distance-learning master

of divinity graduate from Brantford,Ontario, Canada, and Kathryn Davelaar,

a master ofdivinity gradu-ate from Hol-land, addressedthe audience onbehalf of theirclass. Ekpen-yong Akpanikafrom Calabar,Nigeria spokeon behalf of themaster of theol-ogy graduates.Apollos Handanof Chori,Kaduna, Nigeriaspoke to theaudienceregarding the

experience of pursuing a doctor of min-istry degree, which he received that night.

The liturgy for the event was written bygraduates Miriam Ippel, EkpenyongAkpanika, Larry Karow, and RichardPeterson.Afterward guests greeted graduates on

the lawn outside Mulder Chapel, and areception was held for the graduates inBurggraaff Atrium.

Dr. Tom Boogaart congratulatesTh.M. graduate Ekpenyong Akpanika

Music was led by Dan Michael ‘08, Marcus Roskamp,Brittney Salverda, PJ VanKley, and Rachel

Klompmaker (piano)

Commencement SpeakerDr. Mark Noll

Western’s first distance learning M.Div. graduates: RuthFitzgerald, Debbra Yurk, Jill Carattini, Dan DeVries, Scott Nyp,

Courtney Porter, Larry Karow, Chad Strabbing, Jennifer Bendelius.

131st Commencement

May 12, 2008

7A PUBLICATION OF WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Robert BellapuTh.M.

Hyderabad, India

Jennifer BendeliusM.Div.

Olivebridge, NY

David BoesM.Div.

Holland, MI

Matthew BoschM.Div.

Kalamazoo, MI

Benjamin BrooksM.Div.

Colorado Springs, CO

Jill CarattiniM.Div.

Atlanta, GA

Kathryn DavelaarM.Div.

Holland, MI

Jamie DykstraM.Div.

Platte, SD

Ruth FitzgeraldM.Div.

Grand Ledge, MI

William Forsythe IIIM.Div.

Colorado Springs, CO

Dereje GecheTh.M.

Nakamte, Ethiopia

Shawn GerbersM.Div.

Jenison, MI

Apollos HandanD.Min.

Chori, Kaduna, Nigeria

Stephen HayesM.Div.

North Ridgeville, OH

Lawrence KarowM.Div.

Fort Thomas, KY

Jerena KeysM.Div.

Big Rapids, MI

Kathryn VanNoordKooyman, M.Div.Grand Rapids, MI

Michael MerryM.Div.

St. Paul, MN

Daniel MichaelM.Div.

Tualatin, OR

Mark MilkampM.Div.

Grandville, MI

John MondiTh.M.

Churo, Kenya

William Pekich, Jr.M.Div.

Grand Rapids, MI

Richard PetersonM.Div.

Livonia, MI

Mark PoppenD.Min.

Wellsburg, IA

Courtney PorterM.Div.

Pendleton, IN

Rebekah PrattM.S.W., M.Div.Grand Rapids, MI

Nathan PyleM.Div.

Holland, MI

Mark ReynosoM.Div.

Oak Harbor,WA

Timothy SluiterM.Div.

Apple Valley, MN

Tanner SmithM.Div.

Grinnell, IA

Chad StrabbingM.Div.

McBain, MI

Judith TiemeyerCUPM

Holland, MI

Aaron VanDerVeenM.Div.

Cedar Lake, IN

Judy Van DykeM.Div.

Holland, MI

Karl Van HarnD.Min.

Grand Rapids, MI

Matthew WaterstoneM.Div.

Holland, MI

Wei, JingM.Div.

Wuhan, China

Travis WestM.Div.

Lansing, MI

Joshua WierengaM.Div.

Holland, MI

Timothy WilsonM.Div.

Hudsonville, MI

Paul YtterockM.Div.

Detroit, MI

Debbra YurkM.Div.

Yorba Linda, CA

JUNE 2008

Class of 2008

Non-ProfitOrg.USPostagePAID

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WESTERNTHEOLOGICALSEMINARY101E.13thSt.,Holland,Michigan49423

June 2008, Vol. 11, No. 3Editor: Carla Plumert Weese Art Direction: RCA Production ServicesEditorial Council: Dr. Dennis Voskuil, Dr. George Brown, Dr. MatthewFloding, Ken NeevelThe Commons is published three times a year for alumni/ae andfriends of Western Theological Seminary by the Office of Advancementand Communications, Kenneth Neevel, vice president, 101 E. 13thStreet, Holland, Michigan 49423. 1-800-392-8554 or 616-392-8555;Reproduction in whole or in part by permission only.

Welcome!

Special Gifts toWestern Theological Seminary

In In Honor of David & Susan KingmaRichard and Joyce Kingma

In Honor of Rev. Dr. Dennis VoskuilCynthia Holder Rich and Mark Rich

In Memory of Frederic DolfinHenry and Cornelia Poppen

In Memory of Marjorie HagerGeorge and Willa Brown

In Memory of Antonio MoncadaJeannette Moncada

In Memory of Bea VanderKolkRoger and Joan VanderKolk

In Memory of Emily MouwTrudy BerkelChrist Memorial Reformed Church

Agape CircleRichard and Marian DeMolDirk DeRooJohn and Etta HesselinkPaul and Sandra HuberJune C. RossPaul and Ione TrapCarolyn VeldhoffJim Watt

Gifts made February 27-May 13, 2008 Faculty NewsFaculty NewsIn March Assistant Professor of

Reformed Theology Todd Billings starteda theology blog for an online journal ofTheology and Culture known as TheOther Journal. The blog, “Beyond GenericChristianity: Living Deeper into an AncientGospel,” is found atwww.theotherjournal.com/blog.php?id=9.

Dr. Billings was awarded a WabashCenter Summer Research Fellowship fora research and writing project, “Introduc-ing Theological Interpretation: Scripture,Revelation, and Interpretation.” This pro-ject will assist with a book he is writingunder contract with Eerdmans.

Associate Professor of Continuing The-ological Education Cynthia Holder Richwill be a Resource Person to the Commit-tee of the Presbyterian Church (USA)General Assembly that will be dealingwith the recommendation to include theBelhar Confession in the PC(USA) Book ofConfessions. The General Assemblymeets in San Jose, CA from June 21-28.

The Winter 2008 Reformed Reviewincludes her article entitled, “Seeking aContextual Cry of Faith: Race in the USand the Belhar Confession.”

George Hunsberger, Professor ofCongregational Mission and Director ofthe Doctor of Ministry Program, will be aResident Member of the Center of Theo-logical Inquiry at Princeton Seminary dur-ing his upcoming sabbatical. He and hiswife Katherine will be in Princeton fromAugust 1 through February 28 of 2009.He will research and write on “The Mis-sional Voice and Posture of Public Theolo-gizing,” preparing a book-length treat-ment of that theme.

Associate Professor of EducationalLeadership and Director of the DistanceLearning M.Div. Program Meri MacLeodtraveled to Moscow in April to be a keynote speaker to the Euro-Asia AccreditingAssociation on distance learning at theMoscow Theological Seminary. Throughthis amazing opportunity communicated

through an interpreter, Dr. MacLeodreports, “WTS is really getting on themap with our Distance Learning pro-gram!” Western now has a studentfrom Korea in the program too.

During Western’s spring break inApril, missiology and evangelism profes-sors Vern and Carla Sterk traveled toBluefields, Nicaragua, where they led aconference in Spanish for Miskito pas-tors, their wives, and midwives. Rev.Adrian Bobb, a 2001 graduate of West-ern Theological Seminary, and his wife,Dr. Bernadette Kelly, were the hosts andtranslators at this event.

Associate Professor of Ethics andTheology David Stubbs co-taught aHope College May Term class, “TheSacred and the Profane,” with BradRichmond, the director of the choralprogram at Hope. They took 14 HopeCollege students to England to listen tothe music of the cathedrals and thepubs and reflect on how the sacred andthe profane have been misconstrued inmodern times.

Dr. Stubb’s article, “The Shape ofSoteriology and the Pistis Christou [Faithof Christ] Debate,” recently came out inthe Scottish Journal of Theology .

New Testament Professor RobertVan Voorst published an article onJesus in Jewish tradition in the newEncyclopedia of the Historical Jesusedited by Craig Evans. Several articles,including a large article on James, werepublished in the third volume of the NewInterpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible.

Dr. Van Voorst has been elected tothe executive committee of the ChurchHerald Editorial Council.

He recently taught adult SundaySchool classes on the Church of JesusChrist of Latter-Day Saints at FerrysburgCommunity Church (CRC) and on theActs of the Apostles at Third ReformedChurch, Holland.

Chris Barsy-EckmanFaculty Support Distance

Learning

Stephen MichaelsElectronic Services and

Systems Librarian

John FunchesMaintenance Support