Phyllis Kleder Hooyman, director of financial aid at Hope College, has been named recipient of the college's ninth annual "Vanderbush-Weller Development Fund" award for strong, positive impact on students.
Phyllis Kleder Hooyman, director of financial aid at Hope College, has been named recipient of the college's ninth annual "Vanderbush-Weller Development Fund" award for strong, positive impact on students.
The award recognizes and supports the efforts of Hope faculty and staff who make extraordinary contributions to the lives of students. Hooyman will be recognized during a luncheon held on Friday, May 2, in conjunction with the spring meeting of the college's Board of Trustees.
"Phyllis has a huge heart for helping students and has been a champion for them for over 30 years of caring for them at HopeCollege," said Dr. Richard Frost, vice president and dean of students at Hope, whose office coordinates the award, which is presented based on nominations from the campus community. "What is amazing is that Phyllis has not only been exceptional for Hope students but is recognized at the state and federal level as a leading expert in college financial aid. Phyllis is a person who helps make the Hope College dream possible for many students through their financial aid package."
Hooyman manages a staff of six in working with students and their families who seek financial assistance to attend the college. Of Hope's more than 3,200 students, approximately 59 percent receive need-based financial aid and some 91 percent receive some kind of financial assistance.
A member of the Hope College staff since 1974 and director of financial aid since 1984, Hooyman has been active in college financial aid issues on the state, regional and national levels. Among other professional activities, she has served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C., where she has also addressed Senate and House committees concerning financial aid issues; is a past chair of the National Direct Student Loan Coalition; and is a past president of the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association. She received the Meritorious Service Award from the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators in 1991. She graduated from Hope in 1973.
The "Vanderbush-Weller Development Fund" was established in honor of longtime Hope professor and football coach Alvin Vanderbush, who retired in 1972 and died on Feb. 20, 2005. It was created by Ken and Shirely Weller of Pella, Iowa. Ken Weller is one of Vanderbush's former players and also a former Hope faculty colleague.