While students are eager for summer break to come and finals to be done, the resident directors of Colenbrander and Hospers are looking toward the future. They are looking forward to upcoming and ongoing activities.
Five-year resident director Michael Simmelink of Hospers calls the dorm a “big tradition dorm.” Hospers will continue beloved events while continuing to improve them. Next semester, Hospers will welcome Lindsay Hubbell, resident director of the apartments and Simmelink’s fiancée. “Lindsay and I have some ideas cooking about how to use our apartment, and also, she has some surprises coming for the guys,” Simmelink said. “That’s just a tease; you’ll have to wait and see.”
Looking forward to the future, Simmelink has goals for how to be “a good husband, but not a worse RD.”
Brian Follett is finishing his first year as resident director in Colenbrander “Coly” Hall. Follett continued beloved Coly traditions, such as the fall hog roast and Coly Christmas.
“Our biggest event is probably the hog roast we did in the fall. You may have seen us out there smoking a hog all day and then feasting at night,” Follett said. “Maybe next year we will make it even bigger as far as games and things to do outside while it is smoking and while we are eating.”
Along with continuing beloved events, Follett wants to do more.
“Coly did not really do anything for the Superbowl this year, and I would love to blow it out and do a big Superbowl party with a ton of food and fun.”
Follet continues to learn and grow in his role as resident director. “I think a goal for Coly I have for next semester is to continue to be a place where everyone can belong,” Follet said. “I hope guys will continue to pour into each other and include one another in whatever they are doing.”
Trial and error surrounded Follett’s first year as resident director, as any first-year leadership position does, but he continues to connect with and support Coly’s residents.
“I am still learning how to be available for guys. I’m still learning how to listen well and lead the men of Coly,” Follet said. “I look forward to another semester of being able to grow and learn how to best serve the community that I live in.”
Another exciting transition for the residence life is the welcoming of a baby. Resident director of North Suites, Jason Katsma, and his wife, Alexia, have spent this school year preparing for what next school year will bring with a child. The last time the dorms housed children was the 2018-2019 school year, with Stegenga Hall resident director Celeste and her family. While the residence life will see some major life transitions among the staff, a wedding, having that first year under your belt and even a baby won’t stop the RDs from their jobs.
