In Box

Rave Reviews

We received numerous letters of commendation regarding the new design of the Classic, which debuted in the spring issue. Marcy Larson wrote, “The entire magazine is excellent.” Brittany Caffey ’06 said, “I really enjoyed the look.” Lisa (Boonstra ’83) Burg wrote, “Fabulous job!” Jill (Erickson ’96) Carver said, “The stories were great—keep up the good work!”

Even members of Northwestern’s faculty got into the act. Karen Barker, theatre, said, “I absolutely love everything about the new look.” Dr. Scott Monsma, sociology, wrote that the magazine’s new website “is 1,000 percent better than what was there before.” And someone who knows a thing or two about design, Rein Vanderhill, art, said, “The look of the Classic is really good—so much better than before.”

Send letters to:
Classic
Northwestern College
101 7th St. SW
Orange City, IA 51041

E-mail: classic@nwciowa.edu
Fax: 712-707-7370

Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Please include an address and daytime phone number.

Dr. Heemstra Remembered

Congratulations on the outstanding spring 2008 issue of the Classic!

I especially enjoyed reading the article about Jacob Heemstra and the accompanying quote by my former Northwestern colleague, Ralph Mouw. I did, however, find one error in the article: Dr. Heemstra did not die in 1957. In the fall of 1958, my first year of teaching at NWC, I worked under Heemstra; President Preston Stegenga was gone for a couple of months preparing for Northwestern’s first accreditation as a four-year institution by the North Central Association.

During his absence, former President Heemstra returned from retirement to serve as our temporary leader. He was such an astute, kindly gentleman—even at that age, when his health was failing. It was a privilege for me to work under him part of that semester. Dr. Heemstra died on Oct. 23 that year.

I still cherish my 12 years (1958 to 1970) affiliated with Northwestern College as a biology professor, academic dean and acting president.

Dr. Tom TenHoeve
Holland, Mich.

God-Glorifying

I really wanted to thank you for your work on the Classic. I don’t see it all that often, but my mom forwarded it to us here in Spain and I really ate it up! It’s done so well—the cover, format, articles, variety, everything. Thanks for your work. It is God-glorifying.

Tim Tjernagel ’89
Cáceres, Spain

New Standard

The redesigned Classic is fantastic! I love the look, feel, tone, typography and use of photography throughout the publication. The balance between design, headlines, copy blocks and photography seems perfect to me.

I am sure you have already received lots of compliments on your new publication. Your team has done an awesome job. I would say you have set the standard for Christian colleges and universities around the country for alumni publications.

Matt Schlientz
Holland, Mich.

Wonderful

The Classic has taken on a wonderful new look. Thank you to all the staff and to John Vander Stelt ’83, who is sharing his artistry in each edition.

I appreciate your efforts to inform readers about current and past events at Northwestern College. Keep up the good work.

Jeane Van Veldhuizen ’51, ’53
Sanborn, Iowa

New Approaches

Peg and I sure enjoyed the spring Classic. We wonder how it can keep getting better, but you always seem to find some new approaches. We especially thought you did a great job with the articles and pictures of President Christy.

You always have a variety of articles and features. I sure appreciated Amy Scheer’s article about women in Afghanistan, as it provided a perspective we often don’t read or hear about.

Thanks for all the time and skills you invest in the Classic.

Dr. Ron Juffer ’56
Orange City, Iowa

Very Disturbing

Although the details provided in the spring Classic are sketchy, I found the description of what happened to the chickens in the “Fun Run Afowl” story very disturbing. I would not be surprised to learn of these abuses happening in a secular college situation, but in a Christian college setting, it made me wonder what else is going on there.

I hardly think Christ would approve of this blatant disregard for animals and the seemingly lighthearted consequences. Nor do I believe he would condone the terrorizing of the women in the dorm and the mess caused by the prank. It is not at all amusing; in fact I find it disgusting.

Keith Roghair ’77
Tampa, Fla.

Memories of Tamara

Thanks for the article in the spring 2008 Classic regarding Dave Kuhnau. What a great story. His sister, Tamara ’89, worked with me in the registrar’s office, and we remained friends. I didn’t realize how she died until reading the article on Dave.

Paula Koller
Sioux Falls, S.D.