In 2019 Alex graduated from Hope College with a degree in nursing. From August 2019 to March 2020, she volunteered as a maternal and child health promoter in the Peace Corps in Zambia. Unfortunately, she was sent home early because the global pandemic caused a worldwide evacuation of Peace Corps volunteers. Once back in the United States, Alex became a registered nurse for St. Joseph Mercy Hospital where she continues to work. She has also continued her education at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she will receive her master’s in nurse midwifery in April 2023. Striving to improve women’s health both domestically and globally, she also actively participates in academic research. In her free time she volunteers for HOPE Free Health Clinic where she addresses patients’ needs. “While I am consciously aware of a multitude of ways in which my education at Hope College has affected me, I do not doubt that more meaningful contributions remain yet undiscovered,” says Alex. Her impact on women and health is remarkable, and she will continue to share her passion and service with the world.
Alexandra Vroom ’19 receives the 2022 10 Under 10 Alumni Award from nursing professor Dr. Anita Esquerra-ZwiersThe 2022 10 Under 10 Alumni Award recipients with President Matt Scogin
Hope College is proud to honor Alexandra Vroom ’19 with the 2022 10 Under 10 Award. The 10 Under 10 Award honors emerging leaders who are making significant contributions by living out their callings; engaging in the local and global community through professional and/or volunteer involvement; and using their education to think about important issues with wisdom and clarity. Award recipients also communicate effectively to bridge boundaries that divide human communities and act as agents of hope living faithfully into their vocations. Designed for alumni who are within 10 years of graduation, these awards are presented by the Hope College Alumni Association. Make a nomination today.
In 2017 Allix Hutchison graduated from Hope College with a degree in elementary education with a focus in English language arts and English as a Second Language. She worked as a kindergarten teacher from 2017 to 2019 at Georgetown Elementary School, Hudsonville Public Schools, and then moved to a first-grade classroom where she currently teaches. Allix continues to be involved with Hope College as she opens her classroom to student teachers and provides guidance in her field. She also is deeply involved in her church’s leadership team, volunteering her time to support children’s worship programming and outreach opportunities. “I credit Hope with shaping me into a better teacher, mentor, advocate, leader, friend, colleague, encourager and Christ-follower,” she said. Through teaching and mentoring, Allix brings hope and joy to others.
Allix Hutchison ’17 receives the 2022 10 Under 10 Alumni AwardThe 2022 10 Under 10 Alumni Award recipients with President Matt Scogin
Hope College is proud to honor Allix Hutchison ’17 with the 2022 10 Under 10 Award. The 10 Under 10 Award honors emerging leaders who are making significant contributions by living out their callings; engaging in the local and global community through professional and/or volunteer involvement; and using their education to think about important issues with wisdom and clarity. Award recipients also communicate effectively to bridge boundaries that divide human communities and act as agents of hope living faithfully into their vocations. Designed for alumni who are within 10 years of graduation, these awards are presented by the Hope College Alumni Association. Make a nomination today.
In 2012 Nicholas Leonard graduated from Hope College with a degree in art education. Following graduation, Nicholas earned a master’s in art education from the University of Nebraska Kearney. He is currently working on his doctorate of art and design education from Northern Illinois University while serving as an art and design visiting lecturer. Through his publications and presentations at the regional, national and international levels, Nicholas has been able to help individuals engage with images and objects in a more intentional way as a form of culture care. Hope College equipped Nicholas to lead a life with a calling and “recognize the glory of God and his creation,” he said. Nicholas will continue to impact the lives of many through his dedication to students.
Nicholas Leonard ’12 received the 10 Under 10 Alumni Award from Art History Professor Dr. Anne Heath.
Hope College is proud to honor Nicholas Leonard ’12 with the 2022 10 Under 10 Award. The 10 Under 10 Award honors emerging leaders who are making significant contributions by living out their callings; engaging in the local and global community through professional and/or volunteer involvement; and using their education to think about important issues with wisdom and clarity. Award recipients also communicate effectively to bridge boundaries that divide human communities and act as agents of hope living faithfully into their vocations. Designed for alumni who are within 10 years of graduation, these awards are presented by the Hope College Alumni Association. Make a nomination today.
The 2022 10 Under 10 Alumni Award recipients with President Matt Scogin
In 2015 Isabel Morris graduated from Hope College with degrees in civil engineering and classics. Following graduation, Isabel received her doctorate from Princeton University in 2020, focusing on civil and environmental engineering. During that time, she worked as a geophysics program director for ArchaeoTek. Isabel then became an assistant professor of civil engineering at New Mexico Tech where she currently teaches. Beyond the classroom, Isabel is the faculty advisor of the climbing club where she organizes local climbing competitions and builds a welcoming community of climbers. Reflecting back, she said her time at Hope was instrumental in preparing her for the future. “A Hope education is indistinguishable from where I found my calling and readied myself to follow it,” she added. Morris serves as an excellent example of an emerging leader in her career and personal life.
Isabel Morris ’15 receives her 10 Under 10 Alumni Award from Engineering Professor Dr. Courtney Peckens.
Hope College is proud to honor Isabel Morris ’15 with the 2022 10 Under 10 Award. The 10 Under 10 Award honors emerging leaders who are making significant contributions by living out their callings; engaging in the local and global community through professional and/or volunteer involvement; and using their education to think about important issues with wisdom and clarity. Award recipients also communicate effectively to bridge boundaries that divide human communities and act as agents of hope living faithfully into their vocations. Designed for alumni who are within 10 years of graduation, these awards are presented by the Hope College Alumni Association. Make a nomination today.
As a freshman at Hope, I knew I was going to pursue social work because of my passion for meeting individuals where they are and walking alongside them through their unique life circumstances. Being given the opportunity, as a freshman, to participate in the DiscoverWork Program was a blessing that added so many unforgettable memories to my Hope experience.
My very first DiscoverWork opportunity, I was able to travel to Atlanta, Georgia where I shadowed Lindsay Allward-Theimer ’11 at Junior Achievement of Georgia. Shadowing Lindsay at JA Georgia showed me what educational social work looks like. Being able to connect with the youth that benefited from their programming and seeing the relationships built between students and staff was inspiring. I spent four days with Lindsay so outside of shadowing her at work I got to know her dog, her husband, and her city. Lindsay took me downtown Atlanta, got me to try new foods (which is very rare because I am so picky!) and shared so much wisdom pertaining to my life at Hope and beyond. Lindsay has supported me throughout all four years at Hope. Lindsay traveled to Holland twice a year while I was a student and made it a priority to see me, catch up and treat me to a meal. My relationship with Lindsay has gone far beyond my DiscoverWork opportunity and into every year at Hope and now into post-grad.
My second DiscoverWork opportunity, I was able to travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to shadow Tawny Brooks ’00 of Brooks Law LLC for three days. Tawny is an attorney who specializes in children’s law which includes: delinquency, termination of parental rights, guardian ad litem and so much more. I was so thrilled to see how social workers operated in the courtroom on behalf of youth and families. I was inspired by Tawny’s passion for advocating for children/youth and her dedication to each individual case but also to growing her business. Shadowing Tawny assured me that I do want to pursue macro social work to continue making large-scale change and improving some of the heart-wrenching systemic issues that affect so many people.
Last, but not least, I had my final DiscoverWork opportunity at Hope College where I traveled to Washington, D.C. to shadow Robert Bradford ’02 at Sheridan School. Rob is the Middle School Head at Sheridan, so for the first time ever I got to see how an independent school operates. My passion for youth and social justice sort of exploded at Sheridan. I was like a sponge soaking up every ounce of information I could but also asking the tough questions that came to mind. Rob, Sharon and their two children were a joy to stay with for the week. This opportunity showed me where I could fit in at an independent school as a social worker as well as the intricacies of operating a school as the Head.
All of my DiscoverWork opportunities allowed me to shadow different aspects of social work, youth, social justice and education… all of my passions! I was able to get to know each individual more deeply, understand their path to their current role and take in the wisdom they had to pass along. I got to learn things that I like and will pursue in the future but also things that I do not like and will avoid in the future… all while exploring new cities, new foods and growing my network! DiscoverWork was a blessing to my Hope experience and all of the hosts that welcomed me are individuals who continue to cheer me on as I chase my dreams outside of Hope College.
STUDENTS and HOSTS! SIGN UP TODAY FOR THE JANUARY 2023 DISCOVERWORK CYCLE!
THREE Hope College Connection LIVE! events are happening this fall and we couldn’t be more excited! These events bring together alumni and friends of Hope with current students for a time of networking, sharing expertise and asking/answering questions.
The Hope College Connection LIVE: H-Club
The first event this fall is The Hope College Connection LIVE: H-Club. It is designed to provide an opportunity for meaningful connections between current student-athletes and our large community of alumni athletes, otherwise known as H-Club.
WHEN: Monday, October 3 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm | Brief Remarks at 6:30 pm WHERE: DeVos Fieldhouse
This event is sponsored by: LVZ Financial Planning
The Hope College Connection LIVE: Grand Rapids
The second event is The Hope College Connection LIVE: Grand Rapids. This event will bring together alumni and friends of Hope from all different industries to network with students interested in working in the Grand Rapids area.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 1 | 5:30-8:00 pm WHERE: Founders Brewing Company
Register at hope.edu/grconnection. There is no cost to attend but registration is requested.
This event will be hosted by Kyle Sutton ’13 and Sara Yockey ’15 Sutton.
This event is sponsored by: AMDG Architects
The Hope College Connection LIVE: Balancing Purpose and Passion
The third event is Hope College Connection LIVE: Balancing Purpose and Passion. This will be a virtual event with a panel discussion featuring Hope alumni and a student moderator.
WHEN: Thursday, November 3 | 11:00 – 11:50am Virtual Webinar on Zoom
Register at hope.edu/balance. There is no cost to attend but registration is required for the Zoom link.
This event is sponsored by: Versiti Blood Center of Michigan.
This event is a collaboration between Hope College Alumni & Family Engagement, the Boerigter Center for Calling & Career, and the Alumni of Color Advisory Council.
If you have questions about these events, please contact Amanda Root at roota@hope.edu. If you are interested in sponsoring a future event, please contact Tricia Cranmer at cranmer@hope.edu.
WOW! The Kletz Garage Sale was a HIT! Most items were sold out within 24 HOURS. That’s amazing!
When we first came up with the idea of a Kletz Garage Sale, we weren’t sure how it would go. Some of us were convinced we’d see an outpouring of interest while some thought it would be a slower trickle. <ENTER AWESOME ALUMNI WHO LOVE HOPE COLLEGE> Clearly, memories of the Kletz hold special places in the hearts of many because “outpouring” ended up being an understatement!
One of the best parts of the sale is getting to meet the alumni and friends of Hope who purchased items. We asked everyone to tell us a little more about where the items would be heading. Many people have a specific spot in mind for their Kletz memorabilia and others aren’t quite sure where it will end up – but they just had to have that special item!
We met Wayne ’96 and Jennifer ’99 Barrett who were purchasing chairs for their family campground on the east side of the state. They drove over, loaded up their items and drove home. Fun fact: they met at Hope!
We also met Gregory Daniels ’73 who purchased a booth and a table (with an intentional missing corner). His sister sat in the Kletz booths when she was at Hope, he sat in the Kletz booths when he was at Hope and his daughter and son-in-law both sat in the Kletz booths when they were at Hope! Now that’s generational! Note: they did flip the table over and tied everything down before they drove home.
This sale was a fun project for our office and an amazing way to interact with alumni! It also proves that alumni of Hope LOVE Hope College! We truly believe we have the best alumni! This sale helps prove that theory!
WHERE IS THE MONEY GOING THAT WAS RAISED IN THIS SALE?
All funds will go towards creating an Alumni Lounge within the renovated Kletz space, which will continue the legacy of the Kletz being a space for meaningful connection.
WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR THE KLETZ SPACE?
The lower level of DeWitt is being transformed to house an innovative and collaborative space which will house the Office of Alumni and Family Engagement, The Boerigter Center for Calling and Career, and The Center for Leadership. The future is bright for that space and we are looking forward to all the opportunities it will provide students and alumni alike!
Faculty and staff members talking in the Kletz before the start of the school year.Students doing homework in the KletzKletz sign lit up in DeWitt
The lower level of DeWitt is being transformed to house an innovative and collaborative space that will house the Office of Alumni and Family Engagement, The Boerigter Center for Calling and Career, and The Center for Leadership. The future is bright for that space and we are looking forward to all the opportunities it will provide students and alumni alike!
But while we are excited about the future, we know that The Kletz’s history is full of special memories for our alumni. Curly fries, open mic nights, Hope-themed lattes, tuna melts, late-night study sessions…the list goes on. Some of you may have gone on a date with your future spouse in those purple booths. Or maybe you worked at Cool Beans. Or watched the final episode of “Friends” with your own friends on the clunky big screen. Or perhaps you lost your frisbee on the top of the glass ceiling while playing disc golf outside. Did you have your CD signed by Dee-1 after his SAC Series performance? So much life was lived under that glass!
So, if you still crave the quesadillas or if you lost your Kletz cup three moves ago, we have an opportunity for you to own a small piece of the magic that was The Kletz. Before construction began, we saved the iconic furniture and fixtures to offer to you! Take a look at our Kletz “Garage” Sale at hope.edu/kletzsale – maybe a purple booth is exactly what your basement is missing! All funds will go toward creating an Alumni Lounge within the renovated space, which will continue the legacy of the Kletz being a space for meaningful connection.
Note: the sale ends at 5:00 pm on Friday, August 19, 2022.
Every year, the Holland Bowl Mill creates beautiful wooden bowls that are used as our physical awards for the 10 Under 10 award recipients. Below the recipient’s name and graduation year, the bowl states that they are “an agent of Hope living faithfully into their vocation.” While this year’s recipients’ vocations range from social work to art education to medicine, they have all used their unique talents and passions and their Hope educations to impact their local and global communities.
The 10 Under 10 Awards are designed to highlight our young alumni and demonstrate the amazing things they are able to accomplish in the short amount of time since their graduation. The 10 alumni who are honored with this award represent the many, many more graduates who are serving as amazing role models for current Hope students.
We are so proud of the 2022 cohort and look forward to celebrating them during One Big Weekend at the 10 Under 10 Soirée on October 21, 2022. It will be a special evening to highlight their accomplishments and celebrate their contributions.
We are delighted to announce that the 2022 recipients are:
Sara Duhr ’12 Bazydlo | Licensed Clinical Social Worker at John D. Dingell VA Medical Center Eden Collins ’12 | Assistant Professor of Art at Stephen F. Austin State University Joshua Cooper ’17 | Voter Protection Director – Democratic Party of Illinois 2022 Coordinated Campaign Allix Hutchison ’17 | First Grade Teacher at Hudsonville Public Schools Alecia Ivery ’13| Midwest Lead Consultant & National Trainer at The Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport Nicholas Leonard ’12 | Art and Design Education Visiting Lecturer at Northern Illinois University Isabel Morris ’15 | Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at New Mexico Tech Samantha Poon ’14 | Attorney, Department of Homeland Security Marco Tori ’12 | Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / LCDR, United States Public Health Service Alexandra Vroom ’19 | Registered Nurse at Trinity Health – St Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor
After a short break, a successful DiscoverWork cycle happened this past spring!
Unlike an internship, DiscoverWork opportunities are short-term, unpaid opportunities to meet with and shadow a professional to gain a first-hand perspective of his or her day-to-day work life. This job shadowing experience allows undergraduates to explore different industries as well as gain a better understanding of the connections between academics and the world of work. Shadow experiences can span from a few hours to a few days and can be in person or virtual.
Students and hosts who have participated in the past have overwhelmingly expressed how valuable the experience was for them.
MEET JOHN AND KAYLA
Kayla Carpenter ’24 and Dr. John Donkersloot ’11
One match this past spring was Dr. John Donkersloot ’11 (pictured on the right), Trauma Surgery Fellow at Hurley Medical Center, and Kayla Carpenter ’24 (left), a current Hope student.
John’s reflections on the DiscoverWork program: “Going through the DiscoverWork program with Kayla was an incredibly rich and rewarding experience. The various hurdles of medical school, residency, and afterward are things I wished I knew while studying for Organic Chemistry, and sharing these experiences with someone in the midst of premedical studies was very satisfying. The connections made by DiscoverWork were very meaningful, and I look forward to continuing to invest in mentoring Hope College students through the program for years to come!”
Kayla also had positive reviews about her experience: “Getting connected with Dr. Donkersloot through the DiscoverWork program is an experience for which I’m immensely grateful. Not only was I given the unique opportunity to shadow Dr. Donkersloot in the Intensive Care Unit at Hurley Medical Center and see a robot surgery, leg amputation, and several other procedures, but I also got a glimpse into his life as a physician outside of the hospital. Seeing where Dr. Donkersloot is today and knowing that not too long ago, he was in the same classrooms and labs that I’m currently in was an encouraging experience. His advice and insights into the medical field gave me more confidence not only in what I’m doing at Hope but also in the simple fact that I am at Hope and getting exceptional preparation for a future in medicine.”
MEET ROB, MARKETEA and JAZMIN
Jazmin Martinez ’23, Rob Bradford ’02 and Marketea Abbott ’22
Another match this past spring was Rob Bradford ’02 (center), Head of the Middle School at Sheridan School, and Hope students Marketea Abbott ’22 (right) and Jazmin Martinez ’23 (left).
Rob’s reflections: “The DiscoverWork Program is an absolute delight. I had the opportunity to host two Hope College students this year and it was the perfect choice. Marketea and Jazmin were stellar students who fully integrated themselves into our family as well as into my school. They asked tough questions, challenged my professional thinking, and brought joy to our week. We loved having them with us and we love hosting Hope students!!”
Marketea’s reflections: “While at Sheridan School, I was able to learn about both the benefits and drawbacks of independent schools. Rob and his coworkers were so open, honest and genuine when connecting with me. I will always love the time spent with the Bradford family! From Sheridan School to the Bradford home: I laughed, learned and truly enjoyed myself.”
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A DISCOVERWORK HOST?
Hosts have an opportunity to:
Make a positive and lasting impact on the career exploration process for an undergraduate student(s)
Aid in informing students about the helpful and required skills needed to enter the workforce
Develop personal connections with current students in a coaching/mentoring capacity
Have a chance to meet potential new talent for future summer interns or full-time employees
Increase the exposure of your company and career field/industry
