The Culture Action Team is happy to share this year’s recipients of the Culture Champion awards. We received over 38 nominations this year and awarded 10 individual Culture Champions, as well as one team award.
The awards were presented on Friday, April 25, at Hope College’s annual Diversity Awards Presentation, co-hosted by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, the Office of Disability and Accessibility Resources, and Culture and Inclusive Excellence.
We are grateful for the work of the recipients and all Hope employees for creating spaces of belonging, understanding, and grace. Read about this year’s recipients below and hear how they are working to build great culture at Hope College!
Carla Bos
“Carla goes above and beyond for the students on campus, the students within our Holland community, faculty, and staff on campus. She is a shining light that makes everyone who meets her feel valued and important…It’s hard to believe Carla has been at Hope for a little over a year because it feels like she’s been here for 5. She has put in so much work in her programs and working with others across campus. When we talk about breaking down silos and being in community, Carla is someone who will be the first to help regardless of department. I feel like I’ve learned so much from her about being in community and seeing people for who they are.”
Erika Calvo-Ochoa
“Erika is vocal in her affirmations of students from diverse backgrounds. She is unafraid to support her students and colleagues visibly, with strong messaging about the critical importance of a diverse community. Erika doesn’t shy away from tough conversations and is clear about the challenges she has faced in teaching and research, and the microaggressions she sees. She works to educate her neuroscience students about the underpinnings of bias in our own neurology.”
“Dr. Calvo-Ochoa’s research involves providing meaningful research opportunities to students who have been historically marginalized from the process of scientific discovery…I am thoroughly inspired by her courage to speak out against social injustice and leadership in implementing specific actions directly improving belonging, understanding, and grace in Hope College.”
Sara Dorer
“Sara is a passionate advocate for equity, fighting for students, staff, and faculty alike. So much of her hard work goes unnoticed, but the depth of her commitment is deeply appreciated by all who benefit from her efforts.
Human Resources can often feel like an intimidating space, yet Sara has transformed it into a place where people can feel safe and supported. With her kind words and positivity, even on the tough days, she creates a space where everyone knows they are seen and heard. You can ask Sara the hard questions, and she will give you honest and compassionate answers. I’m forever grateful for her and know Hope College is a better place because she is here.”
Nate Haveman
“Nate Haveman’s leadership style embodies the idea of breaking barriers to embrace diverse forms of intelligence. If there is one thing I have learned from [Nate], it is that good ideas can come from anyone, not just people with the highest job titles.”
“From accommodations in our office to accessibility for our prospective students, Nate learns and acts with intention and determination. He challenges us to be advocates for our families, students, and colleagues.”
“He is always trying to move our team forward, making us more inclusive, united, and caring so that we can bring the best, brightest, kindest students to this campus and ensure that they have the best experience of belonging possible. Nate is an ally and an advocate.”
Alexandra Lewis
“Allie goes above and beyond in her work at the Kruizenga Art Museum to create a culture of inclusion and belonging. Some of the many ways she does this is by hosting special events with MSOs and creating collaborative exhibits featuring the voices and stories of underrepresented groups at Hope College. As Allie works with students to choose the art pieces they resonate with and what they want to say in the exhibits, she shows incredible care for their stories, their voices, and their well-being. Her work makes a huge impact both relationally.”
Brooke Odle
“Brooke has been a DEI champion throughout her time at Hope. She devotes a considerable amount of time to unofficially mentoring students of color and from minoritized backgrounds. As the only Black professor in Engineering, she is approached by many students of color in that department. She is intentional about sponsoring students from these
groups, finding opportunities that will help them boost their careers. As BSU’s advisor, she spares no effort in connecting with students, attending their meetings, and making them feel like they belong and are heard.”
Elexis Taylor
“Elexis has consistently gone above and beyond her job scope as an RD/RLC to connect with students. In particular, she’s made it a point to connect and be a role model to students who are first-generation, students of color, and LGBTQ+ students, to name a few. Elexis is also an advocate for our wider community, as she makes her voice heard by Hope leadership on search committees and in 1-1 conversations.”
Becky Thompson
“Becky is co-adviser for PRISM and a member of the Accessibility Taskforce. Since joining Hope just a year ago, she has gone above and beyond the requirements of her job (at the Center for Global Engagement) to connect with minoritized students on campus by volunteering her time as adviser for PRISM and attending numerous MSO events. As a result, she is often sought out by minoritized students who are looking for support, advice, or even very simply a conversational partner. In this sense, Becky plays a crucial role in ensuring Hope is a welcoming space for all students. She is a tireless advocate for intersectional justice, particularly in the realm of making study abroad accessible for ALL students.”
Terry VanKampen
“Terry is a joy-bringer! You could be having a bad day, or have something weighing on your mind, but then, you see Terry, and it’s like the sun has suddenly broken through the clouds on an overcast day! Terry has such a brilliant light that shines forth from him–it’s like he radiates joy! And he shares it so openly and willingly with others…It’s like he sees other people through eyes of joy, and you truly feel that when you’re on the receiving end!”
Allison Van Liere
“Allison is an advocate for marginalized students and communities on campus and works to amplify their voices. She is the library liaison for CDI, works with student groups to develop thought-provoking and beautiful displays, and is a mentor to her library employees. Given the current political climate, some students are struggling with mental health, and Allison recognizes this and offers support and encouragement for those who may need it. She does this with grace, kindness, and a wonderful sense of humor.”
Fried Center for Global Engagement
Habeeb Awad, Abe De La Rosa, Jasmine Lowell, Amy Quincey, Becky Thompson, and Katie Ulrich
“This office, both collectively and individually, represents SUCH a bright spot on our campus. They consistently devote themselves to educating and guiding our students (TCK, international, study abroad) in ways to find themselves and others. They connect faculty and staff (international luncheon, spring potluck, women of Hope) who don’t always have a chance to work together. This office absolutely represents belonging, grace, and understanding in such an authentic and joyful way.”