Long-time staff members Tom Renner and Maura Reynolds have been named recipients of Hope College’s 14th annual “Vanderbush-Weller Awards” 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. Renner, who is associate vice president for public and community relations, and Reynolds, who is director of advising and associate professor of Latin, will be honored during a luncheon on Thursday, May 2.
“There is no doubt that Maura and Tom are two people who have shaped students and influenced Hope College in profound ways,” 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. “Their spirit and competence is exceptional, but their heart is what makes them special.”
Renner, a member of the Hope staff since 1967, developed and directs the college’s overall program in public and community relations. In this role, especially in the area of sports information, he has been able to involve many students in the life of the college.
Reynolds, who is retiring at the end of the school year, has been a member of the Hope staff since 1975. This year marks the second time that she has been named a recipient of the “Vanderbush-Weller Award.”
She was appointed director of advising in 1988, and also served as coordinator for pilot sections of Hope’s “First-Year Seminar” program. She helped plan and implement New Student Orientation at Hope from 1987 through the beginning of the spring 2013 semester.
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.