2003-2004 McGregor Sophomore Scholars

McGregor Sophomore Scholars Events:

Fall Retreat, October 17-18, 2003,
Dinner/Discussion with Dr. Mary Stewart Van Leeuwen, November 5, 2004,
Dinner/Discussion with Dr. Allen Guelzo, March 4, 2004,
Toronto Trip, April 16-18, 2004, and a spring picnic, May 12, 2004

Student Biographies:

Ashley Adams is from Columbus, Ohio. She is a nursing major who hopes to become an oncology nurse to aid people in the discomfort and despair of cancer and to proclaim the hope of Christ to patients. Ashley is currently taking Biology 206, Sociology 151, Psychology 212, Religion 121 CAS 101, Per. 139 and CAS 220. She is participating in the following extracurricular activities: Leading her floor’s Bible study, being a campus tour guide, and Wandering Thespians. Her special interests or hobbies are: theatre/drama, reading, music – country, pop, musicals (an ecletic collection), watching “Everwood”. The most exciting or satisfying experience of her life has been going on a missions trip to inner-city Washington, D.C. during the summer after freshman year and senior year of High School.

Matt Anderson is from Wheaton, Illinois. He is undecided about his major but may possibly be a lawyer or health care consultant. He is currently taking World Literature, Mythology, Managerial Accounting, International Relations and Theology. He participates in college youth group and also enjoys music and playing Golta. The most exciting experience in his life was seeing a bullfight in Spain.

Sarah Bodbyl is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is majoring in Biology and hopes to pursue Veterinary Medicine or wildlife biology. She is currently taking Philosophy 153, Plant Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Exchatology. She is also a teaching assistant for Biology 141 and 111 and is undecided whether to participate in track this year. Her special interests and hobbies are horse training, camping, fishing, hiking, reading and running. Her most exciting and satisfying experience has been counseling and wrangling for Grace Youth Camp’s Paradise Ranch.

Ruth Clifford is from Apple Valley, Minnesota. She is a Special Education major and hopes to teach 3rd or 4th grade special education. She is currently taking Biology 115, Math 221, Music 105, RIT, Orchestra, Health Education, and Oboe lessons. Her extracurricular activities include: Orchestra, working in Admissions, and spiritual leadership in her dorm. Theology and playing the oboe are her special interests and hobbies. Teaching English in Mexico during her senior year of high school was one of her most exciting and satisfying experiences.

Stephanie Clow is from Spring Lake, Michigan. She is major in Elementary Education and hopes to be an elementary school teacher of elementary school counselor. She is currently taking PE 221, Math 221, Art 215, Physics 112 and Spanish 302. Her extracurricular activities include: Dance Guild, Bible Study and Jams leader, Volunteering for Youth Group for Middle School students. She also enjoys singing, playing the guitar, tennis and running. One of the most satisfying experiences in her life was in high school when she mentored children with troubled home lives.

Kate De Nooyer is from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She is a business and studio art major and may possibly work as an art director or editor. She is also considering graduate school for business. She is currently taking Econ 221, Studio Art 250, Art History 101, IS 171, and Bus. 203. Her extracurricular activities include: Visual Arts Guild, work at a gift store, young life, and she is hoping to coach children’s soccer. She also enjoys photography, music, skiing, and drawing/painting. Her most exciting and satisfying experience was a program in high school called Teen Heart.

Samuel deWalle is from Lethbridge, Alberta. He is majoring in psychology, pre-medicine but is unsure what his vocational plans are. He is currently taking Psychology 212 and 255, Biology 205 and Chemistry 103. His extracurricular activities include visual arts guild and social justice committee. He enjoys playing video games, running, sports, traveling and friends. Traveling to Europe and Africa two year ago was one of his most exciting and satisfying experiences.

Sarah Funk is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is undecided about her major, but possibly wants to work for a non-profit organization. She is currently taking Cultural Anthropology, Understanding Literature, Energy, Resources and Stewardship, Visual Rhetoric and Outdoor Activities. Her extracurricular activities include leading worship in church and young life. Her special interests or hobbies are singing, playing piano, lifting weights, reading, babysitting and hanging out with friends. Her most exciting or satisfying experience was when she had the opportunity to work on the house of an amazing elderly African American woman in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. (More so, getting to know her.)

Shelly Funk is from Grandville, Michigan. She is majoring in History and Secondary Education, and hopes to teach History or be a school counselor at the middle school level. She is currently taking Biology 111, Tennis, Econ. 151, Religion 131, History 266, and Education 102. Her extracurricular activities include coaching basketball and softball and working at D&W. She also enjoys reading, music, sports and TV. One of her most exciting and satisfying experiences was having her basketball team beat Jordan’s in the final game last year.

Amelia Hicks is from Washington, D.C. along with various towns in Virginia and Michigan. She is majoring in Classical Languages and is pursuing a minor in Gender Studies. Her vocational hopes and plans are for some kind of involvement in third world education, but perhaps eventually a career in linguistics. She is currently taking Greek 203, Religion 121, Communication and Gender 270, Latin 300 and Orchestra. Her extracurricular activities include: PAX, Christian Feminists, In God’s Image, and cello lessons. She enjoys the cello, writing and reading. One of the most exciting or satisfying experiences for her was when she went on a choir tour in England, performing/exploring London, Stratford, Lichfield and Bath.

Alison Hoff is from Westmont, Illinois. She is majoring in business and political science and hopes to work for government on international issues and attend graduate school. She is currently taking Political Science 101 and 285, Computer Science 171, Business 203, Econ 222 and Spanish 329. She enjoys tennis, ping pong and going to sporting events. Her most exciting or satisfying experience has been working at a law firm.

Jonathan Hurst is from Petesborough, Ontario. He is majoring in Biology and plans to be a medical doctor or do medical research. He is currently taking Chemistry 261, Biology 243 and Physics 221. He enjoys windsurfing, reading, biking, motorcycle restoration, and sailing. His most exciting or satisfying experience was first playing gyke this summer windsurfing.

Becky Jelsema is from Grandville, Michigan. She is majoring in History and plans to be a physician, although she is not sure what she is going to specialize in yet. She is currently taking Botany, Organic Chemistry, Medieval History, and Communication and Culture. Her extracurricular activities include tutoring, jogging, and floor board. Her special interests are reading, hanging with friends and playing piano. A mission trip to Guatemala was one of the most exciting and satisfying experiences in her life.

Jared Jonker is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is an English major and is planning to go into international business. He is currently taking Intro. to Cinema, British Lit. I, International Relations, Micro Economics and Linguistics. He participates in the National Student Leadership Forum and on the Barnabas Team for extracurricular activities. His interests and hobbies are: backpacking, kayaking, reading, visiting with friends, and traveling. The most exciting or satisfying experiences were when he went climbing for a month in British Columbia/Alaska, and taking a year off to travel the world with two friends.

Joe Kawano is from Toronto, Ontario. He is majoring in Communication Arts and Sciences: Film Studies, and is planning on a minor in writing. His vocational hopes or plans are to be a film-director, writer; novelist; or screenwright. He is currently taking Philosophy 153, French 201 and American Film. His extracurricular activities include the Men’s Forum, and his special interests are writing, film making, talking to friends, art and reading. One of his most exciting or satisfying experiences is currently writing a short fantasy story.

Sara Ladenburger is from Midland, Michigan. She is majoring in Biology and would like to do overseas missions – something relating to biology. She is currently taking Botany, American Literature, Organic Chemistry, and Spanish. Her extra curricular activities involve InterVarsity Missions Fellowship and Ecosystem Preserve Steward. She also enjoys reading, playing flute and guitar, hiking, drawing and painting. One of her most exciting or satisfying experiences was climbing a 14,255 foot mountain in Colorado.

Anna Lindborg is from Union Mills, Indiana. She is a Biochemistry major and a Spanish minor. She hopes to be a medical doctor. She is currently taking Chemistry 261, Chemistry 201, Math 161 and Philosophy 153. She is involved in AC and Student Senate for her extracurricular activities, and also enjoys guitar, volleyball and softball. Her most exciting or satisfying experience was at Young Life Camp Malibu in Vancouver.

Jason Martzke is from Grandville, Michigan. He is majoring in French and Economics and possibly Secondary Education. He is still undecided about his vocational plans, but may possibly teach French/Economics or work in international business. He is currently taking Religion 221, French 220, Education 102, Biology 111, Music 103 and Music 161. He also participates in Calvin Band and enjoys playing trombone, jogging and soccer. One of his most exciting and satisfying experiences was this summer when he coordinated mission trips for high school students in Benton Harbor, Michigan

Tom Mellema is from Jenison, Michigan. He is a Computer Science major and plans to go into game programming. He is currently taking Computer Science 212, Religion 121, Math 156, Philosophy 153, and English 101. He does not participate in any extracurricular activities and says he likes it that way. He is building a game that mimics Warcraft III and has a complete universe. One his most satisfying experiences was writing a trilogy: MON: 2028. It is published at www.calvin.edu/~ptm2 if you would like to see it.

Nick Monsma is from Hudsonville, Michigan. He is majoring in classical languages and hopes to attend seminary for Pastoral Ministry. He is currently taking Biology 141, Latin 205, Greek 101, Philosophy 251 and RIT. His special interest involves judging/aiding in high school Debate Team. One of the most exciting or satisfying experiences for Nick has been participating in Facing Your Future in 2002.

Mary Nyhuis is from Holland, Michigan. She is majoring in Biology and Psychology. She hopes to research biology and psychology and look into the human brain and psychological disorders. She is currently taking Biology 243, Chemistry 261, Psychology 212, and Math 143. Her extracurricular activities involve dorm treasurer and dorm worship. She also enjoys knitting, reading and photography. One of the most exciting and satisfying experiences in her life was her religion class in her senior year of high school with Reverend Vander Laan.

Laura Peterson is from Aberdeen, South Dakota. She is an English major and hopes to work and live in Europe. She is currently taking British Literature, German Literature, History of the Near East from Hellenism to Islam, Biology and Theatre History. Her extracurricular activities include Dance Guild and Chimes writer. She also enjoys dance, reading, music, espionage, Shakespeare, and traveling. One of the most exciting or satisfying experiences in her life was directing and playing the lead role in a production of Cinderella in her basement when she was 8 years old.

Erica Postema is from Tokyo, Japan. She is majoring in Psychology and Biology and hopes to be a pediatrician. Her current courses are Organic Chemistry, Botany, Communication and Culture, Volleyball, and Aerobic Dance. She is currently involved in the Women’s Chorale and intramural volleyball, and also enjoys singing and watching movies. One of her most exciting or satisfying experiences was watching a kidney transplant after her senior year of high school.

David Qu is from Xi’an, China. He is majoring in Electrical Engineering and hopes to get a job after graduation or attend graduate school. He is currently taking Engineering 202, Math 231, Computer Science 104, Economics 151, and Physics 235. His extracurricular activities include being a teaching assistant for Prof. Herzberg and studying Japanese. His hobbies or special interests include: sports, watching movies, hanging out with friends, music, driving to the airport and seeing airplanes landing and taking off. One of the most exciting and satisfying experiences for David has been coming to the United States and studying at Calvin!

Laura Scharphorn is from Wyoming, Michigan. She is majoring in Psychology and hopes to be a child psychologist, or to do research in early child development or community development. She is currently taking Child development, statistitcs and research design, History 151, Communication and Culture and jogging. She participates in floor board and enjoys hanging out with friends. One of her most exciting and satisfying experiences has been coming to Calvin!

Catie Schierbeek is from McBain, Michigan. She is a political science major and is hoping to pursue something in third world development. She is taking Sociology 250, Political Science 207, Philosophy 153, Model UN, and Spanish. Her extra curricular activities include Social Justice Committee and being a Bible study leader. She enjoys reading, skiing and visiting with friends. One of her most exciting or satisfying experiences was participating in SWIM.

Tim Schrotenboer is from Cupertino, California. He is a civil engineering major and a math minor and plans to attend graduate school. He is currently taking Engineering 202, Math 333, Physics 235, Economics 151 and Computer Science 104. His hobbies or special interests are: scuba diving, downhill skiing, and hiking. A mission trip to the Ukraine was one of the most exciting and satisfying experiences in his life.

Katherine Slotsema is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is majoring in Spanish but is not sure if she will be a high school Spanish teacher, go into social work or law. She is currently taking Biology 115, Religion 222 – Johannine literature, Spanish 301 – Advanced Grammar and Composition, CAS 101 – Oral Rhetoric, Women’s chorale and jogging. Her extra curricular activity is singing in the women’s chorale, and her special interest is singing. One of the most exciting and satisfying experiences of her life has been working at Mel Trotter Ministries inner-city day camp during the summers of 2002 and 2003.

Melissa Smith is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is an Art History (pre-architecture) major and is pursuing minors in urban planning and German. She plans to have a career in architecture, possibly pursuing urban development and the corresponding sociological issues of city structure and community development. She is currently taking Architecture History, Intro to Drawing, German 215, Sociology 250, orchestra and viola lessons. Her extracurricular activities include being a member of the varsity track and field team (pole vault), being Calvin Architecture club co-president, and teaching music lessons to eight students (both piano and viola). Her special interests are all of her extracurricular activities along with painting, hiking and outdoor things of that nature, and spending time with friends. One of the most exciting experiences of her life was a trip touring and performing in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Beijing with the American International Youth Orchestra based at Valparaiso University.

Sarah Steen is from Holland, Michigan. She is majoring in Religion and Business and is Pre-seminary. She hopes to serve in the ministry somewhere, perhaps in missions, teaching or in a church. She is currently taking Greek 101, Religion 213 – Psalms and Wisdom Books, Religion 231 – Doctrine of God, and Business 203 – Managerial Accounting. Her extra curricular activities are being a worship apprentice and being in dorm leadership. Her special interests are singing and reading. One of the most exciting and satisfying experiences for her has been traveling to Turkey in the footsteps of Jesus’ disciples.

Anita Suparta is from Jakarta, Indonesia. She is a music major and hopes to be a conductor. She is currently taking Music 205, 207 and 213, Religion 213, and PE 310. She is involved in Orchestra, Women’s chorale, Oratorio, and Dance Guild. She is also taking violin and piano lessons. One of her most exciting and satisfying experiences has been studying abroad.

Rachel Unema is from Hudsonville, Michigan. She is a Biology major and is not sure whether to pursue research biology, pre-med, or ecologist. She is currently taking Organic Chemistry, Plant Biology, Calculus, and Environmental Studies. Her extracurricular activities include: CPC in NVW, Calvin Women Scientists, Biology and Chemistry tutor and being a streetfest leader. Her special interests are running, hiking and listening to music. Two of her most exciting and satisfying experiences have been traveling to Israel and being a streetfest leader.

John-Harmen Valk is from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. He is a History, Political Science major and is considering options in the field of international relations, constitutional law, or historical research. He is currently taking History 251 and 294, Political Science 257, Religion 244 and CAS 101. He participates in Calvin Band and also enjoys windsurfing, photography, hockey and tennis. One of the most exciting and satisfying experiences for him was spending two months driving across Canada. This gave him the chance to see his country from coast to coast, including famous landmarks both of the past and present as well as the natural environment (mountains, lakes, prairies) of the country.

Matt Vander Ploeg is from Hudsonville, Michigan. He is undecided about his major but is considering architecture/urban planning. He is currently taking Art 255, Engineering 103, Religion 231, Architecture 201 and Perspectives 101. He participates in CVN-Calvin Video Network, and also enjoys snowboarding, water sports, TV, computers, sleeping and being awake. One of the most exciting and satisfying experiences for him was being born.

Ross Weener is from Hudsonville, Michigan. He is majoring in History and Pre-Architecture and is hoping to be an architect. He is currently taking Architecture 201, History 251, History 232, Physics 221 and Perspecitives 101. He is active in the Architecture Club and also enjoys hockey, tennis and computers. One of the most exciting and satisfying experiences of his life has been designing homes both in high school mechanical drawing and in Engineering 103.

Rachel Weller is from Grandville, Michigan. She is a Biology/Nursing major and plans to be either a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner. She is currently taking Biology 206, Biology 141, Nutrition, Jogging and Psychology 201. Her extra curricular activities include: lab assisting, piano, soccer and babysitting. Her special interests are friends, reading, piano, soccer and volleyball, and singing. One of the most exciting and satisfying experiences of her life was going to Guatemala on a mission trip for 2 summers.

Cecilia Woodworth is from Gladstone, Michigan. She is majoring in Psychology and hopes to pursue counseling, ministry or social work. She is currently taking Psychology 222 – Human Sexuality and Gender, Psychology 225 – Statistics, Religion 213 – Psalms and Wisdom books, and Self Defense. Her extra curricular activities involve the Mosaic floor, Christian feminists, and Flavor This! Her special interests are spending time on her awesome floor, knitting, vegetarianism, being Episcopalian, and writing. Her most exciting and satisfying experiences have been annual road trips with friend from high school – 4 friends, 1 week, lots of fun!

Lisa Zigterman is from Western Springs, Illinois. She is a Business and English major and plans to go to law school. She is currently taking Business 203, Math 143, Religion 213, English 211, and Computer Science 171. Her extra curricular activities include intramurals and some work for Chimes. She enjoys attending Calvin sporting events, playing sports – running, basketball, and spending time with friends. One of her most exciting and satisfying experiences was her first year at Calvin.

James Zwier is from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is majoring in Communication Arts and Sciences – Rhetoric. He plans to go into ministry. He hopes to go to seminary or enter ordained ministry in worship, word or missions. He is currently taking Greek 101, CAS 140, CAS 205 (American Voices) and Music 105. His extra curricular activities include PAX club co-chair, Mukappa and Sankofa (student organizations) and being a worship apprentice. He enjoys worship planning and leading, being outdoors and playing guitar. His most exciting and satisfying experience was participating in Facing Your Future 2001 at Calvin Seminary.

FACULTY MENTORS for 2003-2004:

Ken Bratt is a professor of Classics and Director of the Honors Program. He grew up in Grand Rapids, graduated from Calvin and earned his PhD at Princeton University. Currently Ken is teaching elementary Greek and intermediate Latin in addition to his administrative duties. His research interests lie mainly in paleo-Christian archaeology, particularly in Thessaloniki and Corinth. Outside of class, Ken enjoys racquetball, photography, and hiking, and church activities at Fuller Ave. CRC. He and his wife Laurel have three children: Justin (a Calvin senior), Jessica (a Calvin grad now at Princeton Theological Seminary), and Christina (a Calvin grad doing volunteer work in Guatemala this year with her husband Travis.)

Chad Enbgers is a professor of English, a native of Grand Rapids, and a graduate of Calvin College. He earned his PhD from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he met his wife Susanna. They have no children, but two cats (Miles and Natalie). Chad’s area of specialty is the English Renaissance, and his current research project involves the art of memory and religious literature of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. He currently reaches composition and surveys of early British and world literature. In his free time, Chad enjoys playing mandolin and guitar. He is a member of Church of the Servant CRC.

Marjorie Gunnoe is a professor of Psychology who spent most of her childhood in the Grand Haven area, graduated from Hope College and earned her PhD at the University of Virginia. She is currently teaching developmental psychology, both child and adolescent. Her current research interests focus on the effects of religious belief on families, but if she ever has a mid-life crisis, she may pursue something related to mapping genes. She finds the concept of extracurricular activities a good joke! She and her husband Chad belong to Boston Square CRC with their two children, Jake (age 7) and Erik (4). Her most exciting moments in life include the birth of her children and teaching her first class.

David Koetje is a professor of Biology who grew up in Wyoming, MI, graduated from Calvin College, and earned his PhD at Purdue University. He is presently teaching the “plant half” of Cell and Tissue Culture, Plant Biology labs, and an introductory Cell Biology and Genetics lab. His research focuses on soybean responses to environmental stress, DNA fingerprinting of plant populations, and Christian perspectives in agricultural biotechnology. He has directed several student research assistants on his projects. Outside of class he does a lot of home improvements. He and his wife Karen belong to Beckwith Hills church with their two children Seth (10 years old and born in Moscow, ID) and Michelle (5, born in Westfield NY).

Christina Van Dyke is a professor of Philosophy who grew up in Grand Rapids, graduated from Calvin as one of our first honors graduates, and earned her PhD degree at Cornell University. Her teaching load presently consists of an introduction to philosophy, the early history of philosophy, and philosophy of gender. In her scholarly work Christina specializes in ancient and medieval philosophy, particularly in the metaphysics of Aquinas. With her son David (6 years old) she is a member of Church of the Servant CRC. Their special hobbies are biking and rock climbing together.