Gerry and Jan Van Kooten are mostly retired and divide their time between Sedona, Arizona, in the winter and Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, in the summer. Gerry is Professor of Geology Emeritus, having taught geology at Calvin for 13 years. His teaching followed a career in geothermal and oil and gas exploration, working for companies, government, and Native corporations, mostly in Alaska.
Jan is a music teacher and music director in schools and churches in Alaska, Michigan, and Arizona, including as adjunct music professor at Calvin. Jan is currently the choir director at our local Sedona church. She has accompanied Gerry on many geology field trips and brings her own perspective and help with logistics.
Gerry and Jan met in Arizona 50 years ago as students at ASU and have lived in and visited Arizona since then. We are excited to show you some of our favorite places in the desert southwest.
Paul and Brenda invite you to join them on this refreshing journey, as they cruise through the canals of The Netherlands and experience its rich cultural heritage. From the quaint village countryside to the unforgettable waterfront cityscapes highlighting extraordinary modern Dutch architecture, to the miles of vibrant colors illuminating the famous tulip fields, the Netherlands Waterways Cruise is sure to delight everyone’s interests! Paul and Brenda are seasoned tour hosts who enjoy sharing memorable travel adventures with a group and this is one of their favorite tours. They have two married sons, seven grandchildren, and love spending time with family. Paul and Brenda invite you to join them on this celebratory 40th sailing of the Netherlands Waterways Cruise!
As your hosts, they will make sure everyone has a great time and enjoys the comforts of traveling with a group, offering suggestions for activities, and guidance as you travel.
Don has taught at a variety of higher education institutions, including Calvin where he served as the Director of Off-Campus Programs for ten years. Prior to teaching, he served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines and has worked in Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China, and the Netherlands. After meeting Kathy in 1987, they have lived abroad in Korea, Hong Kong, and Australia. They spent much of 2024 in Indonesia, as Don served as a Fulbright scholar teaching at the Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) outside of Jakarta. Together they enjoy kayaking, cycling, traveling, reading, and hanging out with family. They look forward to sharing the beauty of the people and cultures of South Korea and Japan with you as the group experiences a variety of adventures together.
Mark Vermaire has been a pastor for 40 years and served most recently as Senior Pastor of The American Protestant Church of The Hague in The Netherlands. But Mark’s avocation has been to explore the wonders of people, cultures, sights, and history that spark our imaginations and challenge our routines. He has traveled widely, and while in Europe, loves to explore yearly Christmas Markets, the rich history and geography of the continent, and the life-affecting story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. When not traveling, he lives in Carlsbad, California with his wife, Lori.
Katie DeKoster is Hope College’s Director of Family Engagement and your co-leader on this adventure! This particular program feels especially exciting as Katie grew up at Camp Tecumseh YMCA in Indiana and spent every summer there until her sons were born. Over the past decade, Katie has served Hope students as a member of the Student Life team and as an FYS professor. She is in her second year on the Alumni and Family Engagement team and relishes the opportunity to walk alongside current families throughout their student’s time at Hope. Katie can’t wait to get to know you as you travel together through the Adirondacks!
Steve Bouma-Prediger joined the faculty at Hope in 1994 and is currently a professor of religion. He served from 2006–2013 as chairperson of the Department of Religion and from 2013–2017 he was the associate dean for teaching and learning. He also oversees the Environmental Studies minor and chairs the Campus Sustainability Advisory Committee, otherwise known as The Green Team. Steve spends as much time as possible outside. For 40 years he taught a three-week Hope May Term course called Ecological Theology and Ethics, which included canoeing and backpacking in the Adirondacks.
Enjoy teachings on C.S. Lewis each morning by Dr. Bill Kuhn, Dean of the School of Theology and Ministry at Crown College. Lessons each morning will give context to tour sites throughout the trip.
