The Hope College Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the accomplishments of alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their chosen profession, have made a positive impact on their community and are involved with the college. This year’s recipients will be recognized during the college’s Milestone Weekend (May 15-16) in Holland, where the Class of 1976 will also be celebrated.
David Bruggers '73 invested the past 40 years making disciples and planting churches in Peru. After
graduating from Hope — where he was active in men’s soccer, Lake Macatawa research
and the Arcadian fraternity — he earned a Ph.D. in ecology and behavioral biology
from University of Minnesota. Afterward, he headed to Peru as a full-time missionary
with EFCA Reach-Global. He currently serves as an independent tentmaking missionary
where he co-pastors a church and leads a church-planting team in Lima, Peru. In addition,
he works as the director of Sachavacayoc Amazon Field Centre at Newton College, where
he has held multiple leadership positions and has taught philosophy and science courses.
Sandra Ann Brown '75 has had a distinguished career as a professor of psychiatry and psychology, conducting
ground-breaking research in many areas including alcohol and drug abuse and post traumatic
stress disorder. In addition, she has provided mental health care to countless veterans
in the San Diego area and served in multiple leadership roles at the VA San Diego
Healthcare System. After graduating from Hope — where she was active in cheerleading,
peer tutoring and Big Sisters — she earned her master’s and doctorate in clinical
psychology from Wayne State University. She has spent the majority of her career at
the University of California San Diego where she serves as vice chancellor of research,
and has garnered numerous awards for leadership, teaching, mentorship and recognition
as a top producer of scholarly publications in clinical psychology.
The complete schedule and registration information are available online.