Matthew Nelson Elected Board of Trustees’ Chair

Spring Celebration Gala Set for April 16

College News

Vol. 12, Issue 4, Winter, 2017

A publication for Alumni & Friends

Dr. Patricia R. Harris’ inauguration as president of Kuyper College took place on Friday, November 10, at the College’s Boonstra Center.

Surrounded by the Kuyper board of trustees, faculty, staff, students and alumni, as well as representatives from Aquinas College, Calvin Theological Seminary, Cornerstone University, Grand Valley State University, Hope College, Azusa Pacific University, Western Theological Seminary, and the Christian Reformed Church in

North America, Dr. Harris became Kuyper College’s fifth president.

During the program speakers representing various College communities gave the traditional Greeting to the President.

Called upon to do so on behalf of the faculty, Dr. Judy Ravenhorst Meerman, professor of social work, said: “We are thankful for Dr. Harris’ commitment to excellence and her spirit

Dr. Patricia Harris receiving the Kuyper Medallion emblematic of her presidency

See INAUGURATION, Page 4

Matthew Nelson, a member of Kuyper’s board of trustees for the past four years, was elected as the board’s new chair. Nelson is a partner in the Grand Rapids law firm of Warner Norcross & Judd, where he chairs the firm’s Appellate Practice Group. He has successfully

represented clients in the United States Supreme Court, the Michigan Supreme Court, several federal courts of appeals, and the Michigan Court of Appeals. He has received numerous awards and has been named the Grand Rapids Appellate Lawyer of the Year by

Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer review publication in the legal profession.

Matt and his wife Susan, a Kuyper alumna, are active members of Harvest Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and the parents of three children, all of whom attend Grand Rapids Christian Schools.

On Monday, April 16, guests will gather for the annual Spring Celebration Gala at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Proceeds support Kuyper’s Annual Fund, helping students to continue bringing and sharing God’s grace throughout the world.

For ticket information call 616.988.3653 or email lrusticus@kuyper.edu.

Matthew NelsonChair, Kuyper Board of Trustees

Kuyper’s fifth president reflects on College’s mission, calls community to “Ora et Labora”

Presidential inauguration

PRAY&WORK

Dr. Patricia R. Harris

2 KUYPER COLLEGE NEWS

L E T T E R F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

Our CommunityA year or so ago, our admissions staff made a word cloud of responses from a recent alumni

survey describing what our alumni valued most about their time as students at Kuyper. It’s not

surprising that there was one word that stretched boldly across the word cloud—community.

Dr. Patricia R. HarrisPresident

This value of a caring community has been part of our DNA since the beginning of our College. In fact, it’s one of our key institutional values: “We actively work toward a campus environment, denominationally and ethnically diverse in nature, where mentoring, mutual care, accountability and encouragement are characteristic of students, faculty and staff.”

This institutional value is a high calling. As representatives of the body of Christ, we celebrate this community as a gift from God, and we acknowledge our responsibility to actively work at extending this community to others. This demands our commitment, courage and intentionality.

As you will read in these articles, students, staff and faculty find Kuyper to be a

place where we can fit and participate in an authentic and vibrant God-honoring community.

But fitting into Kuyper’s community is only part of the story—for our mission is to help prepare our students to fit into their places of service and ministry, their vocations. Given the vocational choices of our students, they will find themselves in some very diverse and difficult workplaces situated within the brokenness of our world, and we are committed to helping them flourish as healthy and whole social workers, educators, business and ministry leaders by bridging the gap between the classroom and the workplace. We are committed to graduating workplace-ready students to serve God and others in every square inch of the church and the world.

Please take some time to read about our recent initiatives that highlight how we are equipping our students with personalized learning opportunities, intercultural competencies, and workplace-ready skills. Then, please pray that our students grow in wisdom, knowledge, passion and skill. And finally, please give, and give generously, in support of our students. For we know that you are part of the Kuyper community too, and for this, we give thanks.

Grateful to serve,

At Kuyper, a key part of every student’s preparation for a career is the completion of an internship—either in the United States or overseas—which aligns with their gifts, interests, passions and career goals. This learning experience brings real-life perspective to what they have been learning in the classroom. It also provides them with excellent opportunities to develop the skills that will help them in their future careers and build their resume—all under the care and supervision of Kuyper’s experienced faculty and through the dedicated staff within each organization where students are placed as interns.

Do Kuyper internships achieve their objective?

To find out the answer to that question we asked students. Here is what some had to say:

• “I learned that working with kids is anything but predictable, that ministry is difficult, that ministry is rewarding, that very few things are simple, and that intercultural ministry is just as much about being sure of who you are as it is about accepting who other people are.”

• “My internship made me more open to new ideas and revealed first-hand the importance of contextualizing the gospel to a particular audience.”

• “As social worker students we put our education to good use during our internship

in India, helping to create an annual review process, newsletters and various social work forms, such as home visit evaluations. We also conducted case studies on some of the children and created a siblings’ support group.”

• “I found that the challenges of my internship, which at one point seemed frustrating, served to actually stretch me and help me to make the most of this time of learning.”

• “My business leadership internship in a strategic marketing and research company with global clients gave me the opportunity to do the business of business at a professional level, making it a truly irreplaceable experience.”

Internships Help Students Gain Real-Life Experience

“Wow, really, someone wants to hear from me?” was the first thing that went through my mind when I was asked to write a piece for this section of the newsletter. What could I possibly have to say that would warrant a short article in the Kuyper News? I don’t have a theology degree, I’m

not a Bible scholar, and I spend most of my free time watching my kids in a variety of school and athletic events. Why would I be asked? After wrestling with what interesting things I could say, I made a plan. I was confident it was a good plan, a good topic, and…I wrote a first draft. Lucky for you, I read it. I laughed. It was horrible. So, I did what I should have done first—I asked God to help guide me with something to say. This led me to write this piece about our Kuyper community.

Students come to Kuyper because they feel this place is a great fit for them. However, what they may not realize is that they are a good fit for Kuyper. I love talking to students about their plans after they graduate. What I find most exciting is that Kuyper students, many of whom are young enough to be my own children, know their plans don’t matter. It is God’s plan for them that matters the most. They are excited to come and see how God is going to move in their hearts as He prepares them for their vocational life in ministry and service. A mentor of mine once told me, “Tell God your plans, and you’ll make him laugh. Trust God with your plans, and you’ll see Him smile. But be prepared as His plans are probably not the same as your plans.” It is so refreshing to know that the students I see daily are better at this than I am.

I have been a part of this community for two-and-a-half years, and I have seen some amazing growth in students. Not only are they developing spiritually, but academically, socially and emotionally as well. Why students mature at Kuyper happens for many reasons, but one of the most important has to be the Kuyper community—which is exactly what I needed when I started working here.

I cannot wait to see how God is going to use the students I interact with every day as they head out into careers where they will be leaders making a difference in the lives of so many.

My prayer is that they will continue to trust God with their plans—I am proof that it won’t work otherwise. “In My Words” is a feature of The Kuyper College News highlighting first-person stories by

Kuyper College faculty and staff.

I N M Y W O R D S

A Good Fit Both Ways

A 2015 study by Microsoft revealed the human attention span currently lasts a mere eight seconds—down from 12 seconds in the year 2000. Meanwhile,

the attention span of a goldfish is nine! Researchers believe this downward trend is directly linked to the rapid and increased changes in our world, our connection to

multiple electronic communication tools and the daily barrage of digital information.

It is no surprise then, that at times it is hard to recognize our world anymore. Americans who lived through World War II knew what it felt like to sacrifice, live frugally, and appreciate even the simplest luxuries. While their circumstances often forced them to go without, these individuals were called The Greatest Generation for their character, patriotism and work ethic, values which seem rarer to find today. The good news is that no matter what the future holds, we can take hope in knowing their values haven’t disappeared—they just need to be shared. Here are three questions to ask yourself:

1. What values do I want to pass along? What makes your heart beat? Are there any important experiences or life lessons you’ve never shared with those you love? You can help build a framework for what really matters simply by sharing the passions and beliefs you hold most dear.

2. How can I best share my values? Communicating your values doesn’t have to feel intimidating. It can be as simple as candid conversation over a cup of coffee or writing a letter. Many Christians are choosing to create or update their will so it aligns with their values—taking care of loved ones first and then including a gift to support a ministry they care about—such as Kuyper college. This is a creative way to share values and change lives.

3. What do I need to remember in order to experience rest in these days of constant change? As we face changing times we must remember our ultimate allegiance is to an everlasting kingdom. “You, O LORD, rule forever; Your throne is from generation to generation” (Lamentations 5:19).

To learn more, or to set up a meeting with the Barnabas Foundation to review your estate plans, please contact the Kuyper Advancement Office at 616.988.3662 or by email at gvandergoot@kuyper.edu.

S T E W A R D S H I P

Ways to Impact the Next Generation

Greg Vander GootSenior Advancement Representative

BRINGING GOD’S GRACE INTO TODAY’S CULTURE 3

“What I find most exciting is that Kuyper students, many of whom are young enough to be my own children, know their plans don’t matter. It is God’s plan for them that matters the most.”

of collaboration. She has modeled how to care for and value each person at Kuyper, whether their work is in or outside the classroom. As a faculty, we are confident in the leadership of Dr. Harris and are excited and committed to work with her to move the College forward for years to come.”

Student body president Geoffrey Hulsether described “President Patti” as someone who is always smiling. “In every interaction she has with students there is genuine happiness, and you can feel that you’re valued,” he said. Speaking directly to Dr. Harris, Hulsether added, “We are very grateful that you are involved in all of our lives—you know our names, you know many of our stories, you’re very willing to talk with us and are very interested in listening to what we have to say.”

A poignant moment came when Dr. Libbey Horton, assistant professor of education at Hope College and Kuyper College class of 2006 graduate, gave the Greeting to the President on behalf of the Kuyper alumni. She spoke of Dr. Harris from a perspective that only she and her three siblings could when she said: “Eleven years ago, I had the opportunity to share my hopes and dreams for my graduating class. It is an honor to stand once again here, but now talking about the future of Kuyper College as my mom steps into the role of president.”

Dr. Shirley Hoogstra, president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, delivered a moving keynote address. She spoke of the heroes of obedience found in Scripture, who were called to take up an assignment from God. “The stories always reveal something about the person called,” she said. “And always reveal something about the caller—almighty God.” As she described the calling of Moses, she detailed how he had been prepared

by God, both in Egypt, while living in Pharoah’s palace, as well as in the land of Midian, as a shepherd to his father-in-law’s flocks. And how he had been given both resources and promises from God: “I’ll be with you, and I will be in the midst of it all,” which, she said, “God always gives to leaders who’ve been given a complicated and worthy kingdom assignment.” Then

she added, “Moses obeyed God’s call, and Moses was a life called into being. And Patti Harris,” she continued, “you have a life that is being called again into being.”

Dr. Hoogstra shared about the period when Kuyper was seeking to find its new president, and time she spent with Dr. Harris in “the idyllic green and lush northwest corner” of Washington State. “You [Patti] were talking about the possibility of God’s call on your life to

lead this beautiful community. And you shared with me your vision for Kuyper and expressed your deep love and affection for this mission. You also spoke knowingly of the challenges, which did not repel you, but actually compelled you to offer your academic prowess, your steadfast heart, your deep faith to a cause, to a community of students, faculty and staff. So Patricia, I am so grateful to be a witness today to your presidential investiture, and like Moses, God has called your name. And so, when the days are glorious or when the days are difficult, remember God’s promises to those He calls: I am with you; I am in your midst.”

During the investiture of Dr. Harris and before he presented her with the Kuyper College Presidential Medallion, Matthew Nelson, chair of the board of trustees, delivered the Charge to the President on behalf of the board. Paraphrasing Psalm 16 which had just been read by board of trustees secretary Karen Helder, he charged Dr. Harris to: “In all things, take refuge in God for apart from Him there’s no good thing. Keep the gospel always before you and lead Kuyper College in the path of life. In your leadership of Kuyper College, always share the joy of God’s presence—for the joy of the Lord will be your strength.”

Dr. Shirley Hoogstra, president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, delivers keynote address

INAUGURATION from Page 1

4 KUYPER COLLEGE NEWS

Matthew Nelson, chair, Kuyper board of trustees, delivers the Charge to the President on behalf of the board

During meeting with in-country staff and leaders

Student body president Geoffrey Hulsether describes “President Patti” as someone who is always smiling

Dr. Judy Ravenhorst Meerman, professor of social work, gives Greeting to the President on behalf of the Kuyper faculty

After the presentation of the Presidential Medallion, Dr. Harris addressed the audience. “Today I stand before you as the new president of Kuyper College,” she said. “But more importantly I kneel before our Lord and God, offering Him the work of my hands and asking Him for wisdom, for strength, for grace and for courage.” Then, as she held it in her hand, she called attention to the three-word motto engraved on the Medallion, which she described as encapsulating the history and way of life of the College since its very founding. “Ora et Labora, pray and work, is a motto that has been lived at Kuyper since its foundation 78 years ago,” she said. “These words are partners. One does not supersede the other, but rather these two activities interact to create a balance in the way we live as Christians”—she continued, as she quoted Benedict of Nursia who coined the motto back in the sixth century. “This motto is purporting an attitude as well as an activity—and at Kuyper, prayer permeates and punctuates our work.” She then proceeded to share several events where the praying and the working by students and board, faculty and staff members was crucial in the formation and continuity of Kuyper’s mission. Referring to the continuity of mission she said that “while times change, cultures change, jobs change and academic programs change, one thing is certain: at Kuyper College we are still very intent on preparing our students to be ready for their careers; to be rooted in a biblical, Reformed worldview; and to be called by God to serve.” She added that, “Lord willing, at Kuyper’s next president’s inauguration,” and then with a smile interjected, “I’m not suggesting that happens anytime soon, there will be more flags around this gymnasium representing more students that are ready for their careers and who are called by God to serve every square inch of His world. And along with more flags there will be more stories of God at work.”

In closing she said, “As I reflect on the abiding mission of this College, the stories of our students and alumni, and the incredible expertise and dedication of our faculty and staff, I am so grateful to serve as the next president. And I humbly, I eagerly and gratefully accept the charge placed on me as president, God helping me. And I turn to all of you, asking for your support—Ora et Labora—may those be your words as well.”

After Dr. Harris’ remarks, Dr. Doug Felch, emeritus professor of theological studies, gave the benediction, and after the recessional—“Now Thank We All Our God,” the assembled gathered in the Walters Dining Hall for a reception.

BRINGING GOD’S GRACE INTO TODAY’S CULTURE 5

Dr. Libbey Horton, assistant professor of education at Hope College and Kuyper Class of 2006 graduate, gives Greeting to the President on behalf of the Kuyper alumni

“As I reflect on the abiding mission of this College, the stories of our students and alumni, and the incredible expertise and dedication of our faculty and staff, I am so grateful to serve as the next president. And I humbly, I eagerly and gratefully accept the charge placed on me as president, God helping me. And I turn to all of you, asking for your support—Ora et Labora—may those be your words as well.”

6 KUYPER COLLEGE NEWS

In a recent communication, Dr. Harris wrote:

“First, we focus on hands-on learning and offer quality internship placements so students can be workplace ready wherever God leads them. Second, we help students to be rooted in a biblical worldview, integrated into all areas of their study, so they can engage with others, even cross-culturally, and finally, the Coordinator of Vocation, Calling, and Community Life and faculty advisors come alongside each student to help them discern their calling.”

According to Dr. Harris, Kuyper College has confidence that its relationally attentive learning environment will prepare current students to be successful graduates who are ready to engage the culture for Christ with excellence. Three significant ways Kuyper does this is with personalized learning opportunities, preparation to be interculturally competent, and training in workplace-relevant skills.

Personalized Learning OpportunitiesKuyper’s new Ministry Leadership program complements the widely known and highly respected Social Work program, the fast-growing Business Leadership program, and the innovative Interdisciplinary Studies program. Within each of these four robust programs, every individual student can choose a specialization that will round out their skill set. For example, a Business Leadership student who plans to use their degree in an urban or international missions setting could choose a specialization in Intercultural Studies. Or, a Ministry Leadership student who wants to work in the communication operations in a nonprofit or church setting could choose a specialization in Social Media and Marketing. The Kuyper curriculum is intentionally

designed to have the flexibility to shape a student’s education to fit the needs and goals of each student. Students also receive personalized attention from mentorship through faculty advisors, relationships with professors who invest into each student’s passions and skills, and participation in the newly formed Vocation and Calling Formation program.

Intercultural Competence “We live in a global society and are part of a global network,” noted Dr. Lisa Hoogeboom, professor of Intercultural Studies. “Each of us is connected to things that happen on the other side of the world, and a good number of us will travel internationally for work or ministry. And then we must consider that in the United States alone, hundreds of people groups live side by side, right outside our doorstep.” These realities demonstrate the need for intercultural competence. According to Dr. Hoogeboom, there is often a lack of understanding between cultural groups, which puts us all at a loss and creates barriers when seeking to work well together. “One of the barriers is the stereotyping of groups that are unlike our own. Another is that communication styles between different cultural groups are often a mismatch.” To bridge this gap and to ensure that Kuyper graduates

are culturally competent, every student is required to take the Intercultural Communication course, and most will have an additional course that likewise requires up to 50 hours of outside-the-classroom, face-to-face interaction with people from a cultural group that is different from the student’s.

Workplace Relevant SkillsCompetent, creative, relational, critical thinkers are all sought-after qualities in the fast-paced and ever-changing workforce of today. As the demand for graduates who are equipped to fill these shoes grows, Kuyper is taking steps to ensure that its graduates are ready to take the lead in meeting those needs.

All Kuyper curriculum is designed around a method developed by our faculty referred to as ALEA—an acronym for Ask, Listen, Engage, and Answer. As a result, students become well accustomed to asking hard questions, pausing to

hear the perspectives of a diverse array of voices, interacting with those perspectives respectfully yet critically, and formulating answers to the original questions that are well-researched. In addition, while in the process of earning their degree, every Kuyper student will intern within their field of study. This experiential, hands-on learning environment not only challenges students to develop their professional skills and apply class knowledge in the workplace, but also requires intensive research as a culmination of their years of study, pushing them to continue to ask deep questions about their given industry and answer them in tangible and practical ways through their internship experience.

Kuyper’s philosophy of education fuels the formation of a curriculum that equips students with praxis-based skills and a global perspective so they are ready to enter the workplace with confidence.

PA R T O N E

ReadyThe recent changes in leadership at Kuyper College have led to a renewed emphasis on student success with an increased awareness of the changing needs and expectations in higher education and the workplace. Kuyper’s president, Dr. Patricia Harris, has been consistently sharing the message in numerous settings that the outcomes of a Kuyper College education can be summarized with three words: Ready. Rooted. Called. This first of a three-part series on these themes focuses on what it means for our students to be ready.

CalledreadY,

andROOTED

Community Notes

MARRIAGES• Aaron and Andrea (Klaassen) Potter (2016) were married on June 30, 2017. • Isaac (2018) and Maegan (VanderWest) Riddle (2018) were married on October 15, 2017.• Brian and Becca (Eekhoff) Pohler (2013) were married on November 3, 2017.• Jason and Marissa (Freyling) Stevens (2013) were married on November 3, 2017.• Christopher and Sarah (Dickinson) Holcomb (2010) were married on November 25, 2017.

BIRTHS • Rob and Sheryl (Bos) Schripsema (2008) welcomed home Jayden Kathleen on January 15, 2015,

and Colin Thomas on October 3, 2016.• Marcus (2012) and Jodie (Gazen) DeBoer (2009), along with big sister Evelyn, adopted Calvin

Chan on January 20, 2017. • Jeff (2008) and Katy Kroondyk, along with big sister LillyAnn, welcomed home Elizabeth (Eliza)

Wilma on July 8, 2017.• Jay and Rebecca (Clauson) Tucker (2012) welcomed home Kiralyn on August 23, 2017.• Melvin and Amber (Dykstra) Eledge (2009), along with big brothers Tripp and Abbott,

welcomed home Beatrice Louise on September 1, 2017.• David (2011) and Rachael (Lefeber) Zigterman (2010), along with siblings Evelyn and Obadiah,

welcomed home Serenity on September 14, 2017.• Matthew (2013) and Lori Hochhalter welcomed home Walker Thomas on September 25, 2017.• Eric (2010) and Kristeen (Lanning) VanderWall (2010), along with siblings Jackson, Nora

and Lincoln, welcomed home Joanna Harriet on October 10, 2017.• David (2010) and Sara (DeYoung) Bosscher (2010), along with big brother Will, welcomed

Matthew Hudson home on October 16, 2017.• A. J. (2012) and Elizabeth Hochhalter, along with big sister Lyla, welcomed home Noah Michael

on November 19, 2017.• Josh (2016) and Melissa (Schulte) Hoogeboom (2016) welcomed home Eliana Stuart on

November 20, 2017.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT• Eric Buist (2008) joined the staff of Applied Imaging as parts administrator.• Matthew Hochhalter (2013) joined the staff of Calvary Holland as the director of worship arts. • Jamie Balcom (2011) accepted the position of youth & sports director at Rejoice Community

Church in LeMars, Iowa.

NEWS• On November 12, 2017, Dr. Branson Parler, associate professor of theological studies at Kuyper,

was ordained in the Reformed Church of America at 4th Reformed Church. • Eric Kas (2012) is planting Good News Gatherings, a church in southeast Grand Rapids:

gngchurch.com.• Jesse VanderKodde (2010) is headed to Asia to work as an anchor/host for First Leap TV,

an interactive children’s educational show. • Shelley Eckenwiler (2016) joined the staff of The Anchor Church in Tampa, Florida,

as a children’s director.

EVENTSYouth Ministry Lunch ‘n Learn

February 22 at 12:15 p.m. in the West Dining Room

Spring Break March 5–9

Honors Convocation and Student Scholar DayApril 13 at 9:00 a.m.

in the Vos Chapel

Spring Celebration GalaApril 16 at 7:00 p.m.

at Frederik Meijer Gardens

CommencementApril 27 at 7:30 p.m.

As alumni, we invite you to get involved and stay in touch by calling

the Alumni Office at 877.229.0941 or sending us an email to

alumni@kuyper.edu with your contact information or the most

recent news about you.

BRINGING GOD’S GRACE INTO TODAY’S CULTURE 7

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGRAND RAPIDS, MIPERMIT NO. 1199

3333 East Beltline N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525

(616) 222-3000 | www.kuyper.edu

Address service requested

We grew up just down the street from the church we still attend. We were all very involved in our youth group, regularly attending service trips and weekly meetings. I played tennis in high school, although I was never very good. Because classes were generally easy for me, I tended to skate

by in doing only what was necessary, so I was able to slack off and still get passing grades. I worked at a small aluminum sign shop my senior year. I also helped my dad out when he was re-shingling condominium roofs across the street from my high school.

I can’t remember a time before I knew Christ. Even from a young age I remember being very spiritual, and belief in God was natural to me. I’ve always had an affinity for theology and the big questions of life. My “after Jesus” experience would probably just be the here and now of everyday life. I still need Him desperately, and I often forget to lean on Him instead of on my own understanding. He has not forgotten me, however, and continues to appear in times of need to give me “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.”

When it came time to choose a college, one of my pastors attended Kuyper and suggested I check it out. I did and found out that it was not only close

to home, but it had unwavering devotion and dedication to incorporating Scripture into all walks of life. This has proven to be true. Kuyper is an intense Christian community that dedicates itself to study, thanks to an incredibly loyal and gifted faculty which seeks not only to deliver information, but also cares about students on an individual level and serves their needs. As a result, I’ve received a formative education that is preparing me for further education. And part of that preparation was my Israel trip this past May term, which was incredible. Seeing the Land of the Text while studying God’s Word gave valuable context to both the Old and New Testaments. I was specifically blessed by the hospitality of a Jewish rabbi and his wife, who invited my friends and I to their home for a meal; there was plenty of singing and celebration which, I believe, is how the Lord intended the weekly holy day that is the Sabbath to be.

Kuyper has prepared me for seminary like no other school could have, laying a foundation of theological conservatism while avoiding closed-mindedness. I have also gained a powerful training in the spiritual disciplines, allowing me to grow closer to God spiritually and academically. After graduation I’ll be heading on to seminary. I’m not sure where, or even necessarily for what—it’s up in the air between an MDiv and a Master of Theological Studies—but it will certainly be theology- and ministry-focused. There are a lot of unknowns, but I’m looking forward to what God has in store for me.

Noah MatthysseHudsonville, MichiganMajor: Pre-Seminary

N O A H M AT T H Y S S E | C L A S S O F 2 0 1 8

My parents had only one child, my older brother, but they wanted just one more. With a little help from

the GIFT fertility program, my mother soon became pregnant and gave birth to not one but four children

(quadruplets), of which I was one. Ten years later, the single baby they’d prayed for came along naturally

in the form of my youngest sister.

Students to Watch

“Kuyper has prepared me for seminary like no other school could have, laying a foundation of theological conservatism while avoiding closed-mindedness.”