Pen Pal
Though some think writing letters is a thing of the past—replaced by phone calls, e-mails, text messages or social networks—Henrietta (Eernisse ’49) Klumper is still a believer. From her home in Edgerton, Minn., she writes to a group of classmates every four months as part of a round-robin that has been circulating for 40 years.
“We were known as the ‘dorm girls.’ We lived so closely together that we got to know each other very well. We had devotions together every evening. We just had a longing to keep in contact,” she says.
“We have a bond in Christ,” adds Luetta (Friese ’48) Weeldreyer.
So, 53 years ago four “dorm girls” from Dykstra Hall, a dorm—now gone—that was located to the north of Granberg Hall, began getting together annually. The group later grew to six when additional classmates moved to the northwest Iowa region.
“Normally we go out to eat and to the hostess’ home for dessert. When our children were little, we met in a park for a picnic so the kids could play,” Klumper explains.
As the visits continued, a round-robin letter was started. In it the women write about their health, family, traveling—they even share jokes about aging they get from the Internet.
The group now includes alumni from Sheldon, Iowa, to Ferndale, Wash. Despite the development of new communication technology and hikes in postage costs, the round-robin still flies.
Photo caption: Henrietta Klumper, a retired elementary schoolteacher, is one of 10 alumni who faithfully participate in a round-robin letter that has been circulating for 40 years.
by Teri Elgersma
Wildlife Lover
Cal Groen’s parents knew that if he wasn’t at his Orange City home, the boy was exploring a nearby pond or creek. And when he did return, it was standard practice to check his pockets for frogs, insects or other treasures of nature.
“I was told many times, ‘We know you like wildlife, but you can’t make a living at it,’” says Groen, whose career has proved otherwise. A 19-year staff member in the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, he has directed the agency since 2007. Groen earned a master’s degree in fisheries management after graduating from NWC in 1969 with biology and political science majors. He held fish-and-game positions in Kansas and Washington before moving to Idaho.
An avid pheasant hunter and fisherman, Groen is surrounded by many who share his love for the outdoors. Ninety-one percent of Idahoans say wildlife issues are important to them. Hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing have a $1.3 billion economic impact in the state and bring in more than $100 million in tax revenues.
Overseeing more than 700 full-time employees and an $80 million budget, Groen faces controversial issues he could only dream about in Orange City, such as how to manage grizzly bears, wolves, bighorn sheep and salmon. Yet one of his top five goals is to encourage children to do what he did 50 years ago—enjoy the outdoors.
by Duane Beeson
Cities by Design
As a kid, Tim Hielkema’s interest in architecture started from looking at house plans in the newspaper and redesigning them with his brother. Years later, Hielkema’s own designs are featured in magazines like Better Homes and Gardens.
Now a commercial and residential architect based in Des Moines, the 1987 NWC alumnus designs projects across the country, including a significant portion of an $870 million complex in Las Vegas. But his work goes beyond individual buildings.
As a board member for three greater Des Moines government organizations, Hielkema advises the city council on neighborhood planning and revitalization programs, as well as economic development. He was recently designated as a national and state participant in the American Institute of Architects Citizen Architect Program, which recognizes architects for service to their community.
“Architects are uniquely qualified for city government because of the way they view society,” Hielkema says. “They realize the context in which they’re building. Each structure is a piece in the fabric of the town.”
Hielkema earned master’s degrees from Iowa State University in architecture and community and regional planning. His sense of civic involvement, however, was inspired by his parents—particularly his father, Art, director of Ramaker Library from 1969 to 1996 and an Orange City councilman for 12 years.
“For me, this is where I can use my skills and talents to help better my community.”
by Emily Hennager ’06
Faith, Hope and Laura
Laura Ferguson ’98 doesn’t buy the American dream.
“The American dream says we have the right to store up treasures on earth and isolate ourselves from others if we choose,” she says. “I don’t believe that’s from God.”
Instead, Ferguson, the director of development with Urban Impact in New Orleans, believes her life—including her earthly possessions—is not her own.
“If this is not my house, that means it’s not just for my pleasure,” she says. “So, who else may God be saying this house is for?”
Three years ago, God called Ferguson to open her home to Hope. Ferguson became close to Hope and her family—including Hope’s grandmother, Lilly, and sister Faith—when she began work with Urban Impact in 2001. After Hurricane Katrina, the family scattered. Hope eventually returned to New Orleans with her ailing grandmother.
“From the beginning I felt very much like I was responsible for these girls,” says Ferguson. “It was something God had given me to do, and I needed to follow it to completion.”
Hope, now 15, moved in with Laura two years ago. Faith, 17, joined them last year.
Ferguson says raising her “God daughters” has been challenging while also fun and rewarding. “Both have the potential for greatly impacting the kingdom of Jesus Christ,” she says. “They have very tender hearts for people who are suffering.”
That makes their “God mom” proud.
by Sarah Asp Olson ’03
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