Hope College has named one of its downtown buildings in honor of two long-time staff members.
The college has named its building at 100 E. 8th St. the "Anderson-Werkman Financial Center" in honor of vice presidents William K. Anderson (pictured left) and Barry L. Werkman (pictured right).
The recognition was announced during the recent May meeting of the college's Board of Trustees.
"I am so very pleased with the Trustees' decision to name the building in honor of Bill and Barry," said President James Bultman. "The financial stability which Hope has enjoyed for the past four decades is largely attributable to their financial knowledge, wise decision making, and stewardship of resources. It is entirely appropriate to recognize their dedicated service with this special building designation."
Anderson and Werkman both joined the Hope staff in the 1960s. Anderson is senior vice president for finance and advancement, and Werkman is vice president for finance. Anderson is retiring in June of this year.
In addition to recognizing Anderson and Werkman for their long-time service to the college, the new name also reflects the role played by some of the campus offices housed in the building. The building houses Hope's offices of Business Services, Career Services, Financial Aid and Human Resources; as well as office and meeting space for the Hope Academy of Senior Professionals (HASP); classroom space for the college; and office space leased by local businesses.
Hope purchased the building, which is located adjacent to the college's Knickerbocker Theatre, in the fall of 1996, and it has been referred to on campus as the "100 East" building in the years since.
Anderson joined the Hope staff in 1966 as director of accounting. He was appointed controller in 1968, chief fiscal officer in 1972, vice president for business and finance in 1973, and senior vice president for finance and development in 2001. His leadership of the college's advancement division has included helping guide the college's "Legacies: A Vision of Hope" comprehensive campaign to its successful conclusion earlier this year with more than $140 million raised.
He is a 1963 graduate of Ferris State University, and prior to coming to Hope worked for Big Dutchman Inc. of Zeeland and for General Motors in Grand Rapids.
Werkman has been at Hope since 1967, when he joined the faculty as an instructor in the department of economics and business administration. He was appointed assistant business manager in 1969, business manager in 1971, business manager and controller in 1985, and vice president for finance in 2001. He is a 1964 Hope graduate, and holds a Master of Science in business degree from the University of Wyoming, and was an instructor at Ferris State University before coming to Hope.