class Notes ’74
Glenn Van Ekeren has published volume two of Little Leadership Lessons … From an Old Guy. He is the president of Vetter Health Services in Omaha, Nebraska.
’77
Randy Oostra of Holland, Ohio, president and CEO of ProMedica, has been recognized by Modern Healthcare magazine as one of 2020’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare. This award honors individuals deemed by their peers and senior editors to be the most influential in the industry in terms of leadership and impact. This is the fourth consecutive year he has been named to the list. He also serves on Northwestern’s Board of Trustees and is a member of the Ohio and Michigan hospital associations and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
’79
Mark Voss retired from the Iowa Department of Transportation after 37 years of supervising the Ames and Marshalltown Driver and Identification Service Centers. He continues to live in Ames.
’87
Julie Powell is a CPR instructor at West Des Moines (Iowa) EMS. Her primary role is to supervise more than 60 basic life support instructors, in addition to leading continuing education classes, overseeing the city’s first-aid program, and visiting local elementary schools to provide ambulance tours and discuss safety and first aid.
’88
Steven Bruder, Cherokee, Iowa, retired after eight years as principal of South O’Brien Junior High and High School. He previously served as principal at Sibley-Ocheyedan High School in addition to teaching at four other school districts in northwest Iowa.
’90
Barb (Ehlers) Austin of Luverne, Minnesota, completed a master’s degree in human services
and is now program manager/program assistant for the Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council-Head Start.
Red Ties
’92
C ORK Y K OE RSE LMAN ’82
Dr. Robin Pals-Rylaarsdam is the new provost at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She brings more than 20 years of experience serving in higher education, including her tenure as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Xavier University, professor and administrator at Benedictine University, and a professor at Trinity Christian College and Azusa Pacific University.
Associate Director of the Alumni Network
We made it through an unusual but very successful year of on-campus living and learning. Now summer is upon us. The Bultman Center is undergoing a major renovation, and the Frank and Lois Vogel Welcome Center
’93
Michelle TeGrootenhuis, K-8 literacy instructional coach for the MOC-Floyd Valley School District, was named the 2021 Iowa Reading Teacher of the Year by the Iowa Reading Association. She also teaches in Northwestern’s online Master of Education program.
is nearing completion. What an exciting time! We would love to see you on campus again—and for you to see Northwestern again! Mark your calendars now for Raider Nation Celebration, Sept. 17–18. I hope you can return to campus and celebrate God’s goodness
’99
Andrew Manz, Bennington, Nebraska, is the SAFe release train engineer for production operations and support application teams at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
’01
Kara (Christoffer) DeGroot, a certified nurse practitioner, has joined CCM Health as an outreach service provider with the ENT department. She serves patients at the Montevideo, Minnesota, clinic location. She and her husband, Jon, reside in Prinsburg with their two sons. Dr. Matt Foss was awarded the 2021 Mid-American Conference Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success by the University of Toledo for his work in supporting and developing students both inside and outside of the classroom. An associate professor of theatre and film, he has fostered student participation and performances with the National Tennessee Williams Festival and the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival;
with us as we dedicate the Vogel Welcome Center, host events, play games, induct Hall of Fame athletes, recognize our new distinguished alumni, and hold reunions and banquets. This year we are doubling up on our banquets and recognizing a two-year span of classes: the 40-year anniversaries of the classes of ’80 and ’81 and the 50-year anniversaries of the classes of ’70 and ’71. This should be a great time to meet again at Northwestern, renew friendships, reminisce and give thanks to God for his faithfulness through the years. The Vogel Welcome Center includes office space for alumni. When you come this fall—or anytime during the year—stop in and let us know you’re here. Someone from the alumni team will be happy to give you a tour of campus and a small “welcome-back” gift. You will be astonished by all that has changed. It is always encouraging to visit with returning alumni and hear your stories. Since I have the privilege of visiting with alumni from all over our country, I have noticed one thing that always stands out: You, quite simply, stand out! I am continually amazed by the many ways God has blessed our graduates and how you have been “salt” in your spheres of influence. By his grace, you are pursuing God’s redeeming work in the world.
Northwestern Classic
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