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.