The Burton G. Bettingen Corporation of Beverly Hills, Calif., has initiated a fund to assist outstanding chemistry students at Hope College.
The fund created through the $120,000 gift will
support chemistry students with financial need, with
preference given to students engaged in independent research
with faculty. The fund will support four to six students
each year, beginning in the fall of 2000.
Called the Dr. Gerrit Van Zyl Chemistry
Scholarship Fund, the gift honors the life, career and
memory of Dr. Gerrit Van Zyl, a 1918 Hope graduate who was
instrumental in building the college's award-winning,
research-based approach to undergraduate education in the
natural and physical sciences. Dr. Van Zyl was a professor
of chemistry and department chair from 1923 until 1964.
The Burton G. Bettingen Corporation was
established in 1984 by Mrs. Burton Green Bettingen, whose
father founded the City of Beverly Hills. The corporation
supports primarily social service activities and projects.
Mr. Gyte Van Zyl, son of Dr. Van Zyl and a 1952 Hope
graduate, serves as vice president and director. Gyte Van
Zyl's wife Jane, who is also a 1952 Hope alumna, also serves
as a director.
According to Glenn Lowe, who is director of
development at Hope, the college is encouraging former
students of Dr. Van Zyl and others to contribute to the
fund. As the fund grows, additional support will be
available to students.