Hope College - Milestone Yearbook (Holland, MI)

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In Memory of Dr. Kleinheksel The first century in the history of Hope College has produced a few men who have figuratively towered head and shoulders above their contem- poraries by reason of their unique contribution to the character of the college. Dr. J. Harvey Klcin- heksel was one of these men of unusual stature. It is difficult to define precisely what characteristics and circumstances combine to make an excellent teacher, but anyone interested in analyzing the art of teaching would do well to begin with the work and person of Dr. Kleinheksel. He possessed a rare balance of reserve and warmth in his person. His formality and dignity in the classroom were tempered with just the right amount of good humor. His impeccable sense of propriety was complemented by a warm compas- sion for the well being of his students; a compas- sion that engendered in many of his best students a deep devotion and loyalty to the man that one hears mentioned time and again at alumni gatherings. He created an aura of urgency and expectancy in his classroom, an atmosphere in which the student felt on his best mettle. He was unflagging in his devotion to truth; uncompromising in his insistence upon careful experimentation. He had the ability, so necessary for good teaching, to transmute difficult abstract scientific principles into concrete examples familiar to the student’s experience. He based his methodology upon a penetrating questioning of the individual student that revealed fundamental weaknesses in the student's understanding. He then patiently proceeded to strengthen these weaknesses by constant review and exercise in the area of difficulty. This man’s greatness was due not to his intellectual prowess, although he possessed a first rate intellect, nor to his ability as a research scientist, but to his complete devotion to serving his students. He was a genuinely humble man preferring to bask in the reflected glory of his students rather than seeking to gain recognition for himself. His record speaks for itself. His greatest reward was the testimony of hundreds of Hope College students, He was the best teacher and the finest gentlman I have ever known.” 16

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Dr. Van Zoeren presenting the keys to librarian John May. In his quiet way, Dr. Van Zoeren has shared with us his keen sense of fulfillment in this gift. We see him growing visibly younger, stronger, more serene. We see in this fulfilled couple the joy of giving. With us, they share the good things in Hope and in us, and the purposes to which we all are committed. They encourage the positive forces at work here. We, the students of Hope College, salute you. Dr. and Mrs. Van Zoeren, and gratefully dedi- cate this MILESTONE to you. The library gift is itself a milestone in the saga of Hope. Your spirit and influence cannot be measured. Van Zoeren Library built primarily through the gift of Dr. G. John Van Zoeren.

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