As one school year comes to an end, preparations for next school year have already taken place in the residence life office. The resident directors of each dorm conducted interviews and chose the resident assistants for next year with some of them being returners and other newcomers.
Colenbrander Hall will be led by Jordan Blok, Misael Bruzzone, Joseph Kunert, Eric Salazar, AJ Schaefer, Jonah Tews, Isaac Thurm, Nicolaas VanRijs and Kirby Willats. Coly will also be welcoming a new RD, Brian Follett, who is a 2018 Northwestern graduate. During his time at Northwestern, Follett was a varsity athlete, discipleship group leader, SSP leader and RA for two years. After graduating, Follett went on to earn his Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in chaplaincy from Denver Seminary.
“He has a passion for relational ministry and is ready to begin developing relationships with the guys so that he can encourage, educate, inspire and challenge the guys to live faithful, flourishing lives of service to God, one another and the world,” dean of residence of life Marlon Haverdink said.
Hospers Hall’s resident life staff will consist of Brandon Glasgow, Hadyn Lee, Michael Leon and Jamie Stoscher. Hospers RD Michael Simmelink has three newcomers on his staff, all with the virtue of patience.
“All three new hires were told ‘no’ once before they got hired this year,” Simmelink said. “They’ve taken their lumps before getting this opportunity.”
Junior Brandon Glasgow will be a first-year RA in Hospers next year. After applying last year and receiving a “no,” Glasgow was motivated to get to know more people and grow as a leader. He then decided to apply again this year and was hired.
“I wanted to try something new my senior year,” said Glasgow.
Stegenga Hall will have whole new staff with Jenna Albers, Madelynn Harre, Emily Kraft, Audrey Leyen, Elizabeth Olsen and Riley Rasmussen.
Caylan DeLucia, RD in Steg, is also excited for next year and welcoming six new women into her staff.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for this sweet team,” said DeLucia. “I already love my new staff and am eager to dream, serve and grow with them!”
There will be a mix of returners and newcomers in Fern with Sara Bosman, Tori Buckler, Emma Geary, Haley Hofmeyer, Vanessa Gomez, Grace Reginald and Noelle Wamhoff.
Sophomore Noelle Wamhoff will be a returning RA in Fern Smith Hall this next year. In her second year as an RA, Wamhoff is looking forward to new relationships, new beginnings and new opportunities to grow, learn, fail and then try over again.
“This year was more than I thought it would be. It was an absolute blast,” Wamhoff said.
The RAs for Bolks apartments will be Makayla Bjork, Cory Bryan, Kyra Klinghagen and Noah Kullman. Cameron Esch, Luke Haverdink and Aaron Shepard will be the RAs in North Suites. Janaya Battles will be leading the women living in the Koinonia House.
A common thought amongst all the resident life staff is how COVID-19 will be dealt with in the dorms. The RDs and RAs have noticed that COVID-19’s presence has put a bit of a damper on community building within the dorms, and they’re hoping to get that back.
When reflecting on this school year and residence life, Haverdink shared how proud he is of this year’s staff and how thankful he is for them.
“This year’s staff had to endure some very tough realities,” Haverdink said. “They endured all of that and still did an incredible job fostering community on campus. I can’t say enough positive things about this group and their sacrificial service.”
