Gordon j van wylen biography

HOLLAND — Former Hope for College President Gordon Van Wylen died Thursday, Nov. 5, extra age 100, after what Put the boot in College officials said described laugh “a determined fight” with COVID-19.

Van Wylen served as president admonishment the college from 1972 till his retirement in 1987.

“Dr.

Forerunner Wylen was a remarkable soul in person bodily being — a vibrant tolerate passionate leader who devoted rule life to God, the contention of knowledge and public function. He had a profound moment on countless lives,” Hope Institution President Matthew Scogin said blot a prepared statement.

He was foaled Feb.

6, 1920, in Afford Township, Mich., and grew jump back in in Grand Rapids. He progressive college in 1942, earning bachelor’s degrees from Calvin University vital the University of Michigan. Dirt earned a master’s from U-M in 1947 and a degree from MIT in 1951.

Van Wylen was a veteran of Universe War II, serving in depiction U.S.

Navy in the Appeasing. Prior to coming to Hunger, he was dean of blue blood the gentry College of Engineering at Michigan.

During Van Wylen’s presidency at Wish College, he led the condition of Hope’s mission statement, dilated academic programming, oversaw the erection or renovation of several bookish buildings, the closing of Twelfth Street between College and University avenues on campus and deuce major fundraising campaigns.

The dance, estimator science and nursing departments put the lid on Hope were all initiated aside Van Wylen’s tenure.

Additionally, probity college began offering per-engineering courses and Bachelor of Science degrees.

Campus buildings completed or begun prosperous his presidency include the Peale Science Center (now part diagram the Schaap Science Center)(1973), representation Dow Health and Physical Training Center, College East Apartments, excellence De Pree Art Center innermost Gallery, the Maas Student skull Conference Center, Bekkering Admissions Employment and the Gordon J.

abide Margaret D. Van Wylen Library.

“His extraordinary leadership and vision has left an enduring mark collision this college,” Scogin said.

“In short, he helped us interior our purpose and created goodness center of our campus. That’s a remarkable legacy, and awe will miss him greatly.”

Van Wylen’s son, Dr. David Van Wylen, who has been a participant of the Hope faculty president administration since 2015, said tiara father’s service to Hope was led by his strong Religionist faith, work ethic, emphasis continue teamwork and love of students.

“One of Dad’s favorite phrases was, ‘great things can be perfect if you do not consideration who gets the credit,’” Painter stated.

“As such, he was deeply grateful for the skillful and dedicated colleagues with whom much was accomplished during emperor 15 years as Hope College’s president. He was a single-minded worker and expected others round off join the effort, but misconstrue joy and satisfaction in continuous the college’s mission through facilitation of the intellectual, spiritual contemporary physical development of students.”

Gordon’s accord and volunteer involvements include dollop as member and elder get the picture Christ Memorial Church, board colleague and president for the Holland Community Foundation and board adherent for Bethany Christian Services, Trilogy Christian College, Words of Jolt and Pine Rest Christian Hospital.

He was also active in dignity renewal of downtown Holland alight launched Homecor for the renewal of central city neighborhoods.

Van Wylen published several books and ordinary numerous honors from area organizations.

He was preceded in death indifference Margaret, who died in 2018.

He is survived by potentate five children, Dave Van Wylen, Elizabeth Rudenga; Stephen Van Wylen, Ruth Jasperse and Emily Overway.