5 minute read
In Memoriam
WALLY BRATT, 1933–2021
Wallace “Wally” Bratt ’55
taught in the German department for more than 35 years. And he had high expectations for himself and his students.
Herm De Vries, a student and later a colleague of Wally’s in the German department, said, “Wally took learning dead seriously; and as his student, you had better take your work seriously, too. Learning mattered. Studies mattered.”
He received Calvin’s most prestigious teaching award in 1994, the Presidential Award for Exemplary Teaching. And Wally never really retired from teaching or learning. After his official retirement, he continued on as one of the founding members and curriculum director of the now thriving Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning (CALL) program. “Wally was supportive, always helpful, eager to listen, and happy to celebrate the successes of his departmental colleagues,” said Barbara Carvill who taught with Bratt for 21 years in the German department. To sum up Wally’s legacy at Calvin: It’s the investment he made in people. “There are some people whose gift it is to touch other people in their lives—to make a mark on others, to guide others, to have a lasting influence on others. There are quite a few of such people around Calvin, but Wally stands out,” said De Vries.
Wally, 87, died April 5 and was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marianne. He is survived by his children, Doug (Diane) Bratt, Sue (Ron) Bratt Cok, and David (Margaret) Bratt; his 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his siblings and siblings-in-law. BERT DE VRIES, 1939–2021
While archaeology and the Umm el-Jimal Archaeological Project (UJAP) were the focus of the majority of history emeritus Bert de Vries’ ’60 career at Calvin, his real passion was the Jordanian people. His enthusiastic zeal for his project and his people infused his teaching for over 50 years. “For Bert, the whole point of his scholarship was to serve other people, especially the voiceless and powerless,” said Andy Rau ’97, a former student who worked at Umm el-Jimal. “As a champion and voice for the refugees, he never let us forget that the pursuit of justice was at the heart of what he did—and that it should be at the heart of what we did, no matter where our careers and interests took us.” In 2009, concerned about refugee children, Bert and his wife, Sally, helped found Healing Children of Conflict, which works to bring injured children to the U.S. for treatment.
Colleague Will Katerberg said: “His greatest legacy lies in this aspect of Bert’s work and life: integration of faith, work, and life is not just about ideas but about how following God’s calling for us leads us to love our neighbors.” Bert, 82, died March 28 and is survived by Sally; children Tara (Rob) Cahill, Tanya (Paul) Bulthuis (of Calvin’s audio visual department), Jenna (Michael) Morton, Guy (Ann) de Vries, and Muaffaq and Fatima Hazza (honorarily); and many grandchildren.
Bert’s involvement in UJAP would lead him to become an advocate and ambassador of Middle Eastern culture.
DARLENE MEYERING, 1946–2021
Darlene Meyering ’68 served at Calvin for 32 years. While Darlene’s roles and offices at Calvin changed a few times—working in the music department, alumni relations office, and then in the office of the president—she remained consistent. Her colleagues describe her as being extremely welcoming, overflowing with joy, and gifted yet humble. “Dar was genuine, full of life, and always grateful to her savior who was the source of the joy found in her,” said Mike Van Denend, who worked alongside Darlene in the alumni relations office for many years. “I’ve never met a person who was better able to channel that joy and gratitude into such creative service for the Lord and to others.”
She was extremely gifted. Sometimes those gifts were seen on stage, through performing in Calvin’s Theatre Company, singing in the Alumni Choir, or interviewing authors at the Festival of Faith and Writing. But, more often than not, you’d find Darlene in a backstage role, using her gifts to help others shine. “I have said to several people that I am very sure she is singing in the choir in heaven,” said Louise Schreur, who worked with Darlene for almost a decade in the president’s office. Darlene, 74, died March 23 following a brief battle with myeloid leukemia. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Bob Meyering, who also was a longtime staff member at Calvin. She is also survived by their three children, Jeremy Meyering, Jason (Meredith Rooze) Meyering, Rachel (Louis) Najar; five grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. GLORIA GORIS STRONKS, 1936–2021
While an accomplished teacher in her own right, Gloria Goris Stronks ’57 was not content with that achievement. It was her passion to be a teacher of teachers, a goal she pursued vigorously as both an education professor and prolific scholar and speaker for over four decades.
Gloria dedicated 16 years of her career to the education department at Calvin. Specializing in elementary and secondary education, her focus was on helping educators think about their craft through the lens of faith. “Gloria was a respected scholar and member of the education department,” said Yvonne Van Ee, Calvin education professor emerita. “She was committed to excellence in teaching reading and guided her students in thoughtful theory and practice.” Gloria also felt strongly about the needs of middle schoolers, an age group she spent considerable time researching and mentoring. An innovator in middle school curriculum analysis, Gloria believed in helping adolescents seek out their gifts. She was a much sought-after speaker, traveling around the world to work with teachers and schools.
Former philosophy department colleague Nicholas Wolterstorff said: “[Gloria] would cheer me on, offer suggestions for lines of thought to explore, suggest readings, etc. ... Not only was Gloria helpful in this way, she was always a delight to be with and to work with. She was energetic and winsome. She had ideas.”
Gloria, 84, died April 28 and is survived by her husband, William Stronks, Calvin director of off-campus programs emeritus; children Julia Stronks (Charles Zandbergen) and Bill Stronks (Amy Wilson-Stronks); and grandson Matt Zandbergen (Jasmine Emiko Spencer Zandbergen).
Homecoming Ad From Erin Elders OCTOBER 1-2, 2021 COME HOME TO CALVIN
Join us for Homecoming & Family Weekend!
We have plenty of in-person and virtual activities planned for students, alumni, family, and friends. Sign up for the 5K, compete in a trivia night, cheer on our teams at an athletic competition, and so much more.
Can’t make it back to campus? Plan a gathering with four or more roommates, teammates, or friends any time of year, and we’ll send you a Reunion in a Box.
