Alumni & Family Engagement

They had started their studies at different times, but their journeys concluded simultaneously with the college of education’s celebration on April 29 for graduates of all of its programs (which because of the COVID-19 pandemic was held via Zoom). In addition, Awad and Benda were each chosen by their respective cohorts’ classmates to be the featured student speakers for the Ed.D. and M.Ed. programs during the event. “I just think that speaks so highly of a Hope education,” Awad said. Awad also received the Diane L. Cooper Award, which recognizes an outstanding student in the student affairs leadership program for commitment to learning as demonstrated by academic performance, scholarly practice and leadership in student affairs, and strong relationships with faculty, students and colleagues.

Awad is continuing in her leadership role in student life at Hope, while Benda hopes to move west and continue to work in higher education serving students. Benda’s career arc comes as no surprise to Awad, who worked closely with her while Benda was at Hope.

“Nancy was an involved student. She was a star tennis player, but also a SAC leader, Nykerk play coach, and an orientation director,” she said. “I got to know her best when she was the orientation director for August 2016. Nancy was impressive in the role and such a joy to work with. She brought a contagious enthusiasm to work and left things better than she found them. I am so grateful to know her and cannot wait to see what a difference she makes through her career path.”

“As an active student at Hope, I experienced so much growth and development through my involvement outside the classroom and it inspired me to commit my career to helping other students have similar opportunities to lead and grow,” Benda said. “College is such a pivotal time where you get to learn about yourself and who you want to be. At Hope, my relationships with other students, faculty, and student life administrators were invaluable in shaping my career goals. As I start my career in higher education, I look forward to helping students figure out who they are and what their next steps might be.”

The Hope College Alumni Association Board of Directors appointed four new members and elected two new officers in May.

The board’s new members are: Toni Gordon, a 2009 graduate from Perrysburg, Ohio; Mary Kempker, a 1960 graduate from Zeeland; Dr. Kiersten Krause, a 1997 graduate from Holland; and Grace Purdue, a junior from Grand Rapids.

Newly elected as president is Jonathan Liepe, a 1991 graduate from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Continuing as vice president is Scott Watson, a 1986 graduate from Indianapolis, Indiana; and continuing as secretary is Tish Boerigter, a 1982 graduate from Portage.

Chandler Alberda of Austin, Texas, formerly Senior Class Representative, was appointed representative of the most recent graduating class. Terrell Solberg of Traverse City, formerly Junior Class Representative, was appointed Senior Class Representative.

The board members who have completed their service are: Alec Nelson, a 2019 graduate from Bon Air, Virginia; Brad Norden, a 2004 graduate from Holland; Barb Mackey, a 1969 graduate from Urbana, Ohio; and Sam Tzou, a 2013 graduate from Holland.

Toni Gordon earned a master’s degree from The University of Pennsylvania in Higher Education Administration after graduating from Hope with majors in psychology and sociology. Her career has taken her to several colleges and universities, including Hope College as a residential life coordinator for Kollen Hall. While at Hope professionally, she also taught a First-Year Seminar, advised the Black Student Union (a group she was also involved with as a student) and spoke at Chapel.

After leaving Hope, she went on to work at Purdue University and Bowling Green State University, where she now serves as assistant director of diversity education and Retention Initiatives. She develops and delivers cultural competency programs, teaches first-year seminar for students of color and serves on numerous committees such as Title IX and retention committees on campus as well as for the State of Ohio.

Along the way, she has developed a passion for community work and social advocacy, often with Cornerstone Church in Toledo, where she worships and teaches youth ministry. Also serving the community of Toledo with her sorority that she joined at Hope College, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She has stayed involved and up to date with student organizations with which she was involved while a student at Hope, including the Phelps Scholars Program and Black Student Union.

Mary Kempker graduated from Hope with majors in psychology and sociology. She went on to be a kindergarten teacher at Holland Public Schools; a conference services director at Hope College; and a small business administration (SBA) loan program director, a program affiliated with the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce (now the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce)

She has been even more active in retirement. She volunteers at Calvary on 8th Reformed Church, Holland Duplicate Bridge Club and Holland Hospital, and previously served on the board of the Holland Junior Welfare League and the Tulip Time Board of Directors. She has also cruised to every continent except Antarctica.

Kempker and her family are deeply connected to Hope College. Her late spouse, David L. Kempker, graduated in 1954. Her daughter, Susan Kempker Westrate, also now deceased, graduated in 1987. Her sons, David J. Kempker and Daniel J. Kempker graduated in 1983 and 1984 respectively. She received a Meritorious Service Award from Hope College in 1993 and has established the David and Mary Lammers Kempker Scholarship Fund at the college.

Kiersten Krause majored in psychology and minored in biochemistry at Hope, where her co-curricular activities included the Nykerk Cup competition, for which she was selected as a directing song coach, and residential life. Following graduation, she attended medical school at Des Moines University, after which she completed her internship at Botsford Hospital and her OB/GYN residency at Spectrum Health and St. Mary’s Hospital. She joined OB/GYN Associates of Holland in 2008 and became a partner in 2009.

While maintaining a full-time practice, she staffs the Hope College Health Center GYN clinic and sits on the Medical Staff Performance Committee at Holland Hospital. Her activities also include being a member at Valeo Training with other Hope graduates.

Grace Purdue is studying chemistry and interested in becoming a science communicator or researcher. She has been involved in numerous co-curricular activities at Hope. She has served as a class representative to Student Congress, where she chaired the Administrative Affairs Task Force. She participated in the Nykerk Cup competition as a freshman and sophomore, and will continue to be involved this coming fall, serving as the junior secretary. She has also served as an assistant director for New Student Orientation, and has participated in Campus Ministries-organized Bible study, intramural sports and the student-organized Dance Marathon held on behalf of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, and works in the Hope College Ticket Office. She is a 2018 graduate of Forest Hills Northern High School.