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A young institution has the opportunity to recognize many firsts—in May, the college’s first commencement, and now in June another “first,” the retirement of Jim Den Ouden, the first president of Providence Christian College. The event, attended by over 150 people on a recent Friday, was a celebration of Jim and Anne Den Ouden’s many years in Christian education.
Family, friends, college board members, and former and current colleagues enjoyed a tri-tip dinner and dessert buffet before settling in for the program marked by remembrances and thanks for the Den Oudens’ founding role with the college. Director of Development, Jack Hoekstra, served as master of ceremonies for the evening, providing light-hearted anecdotes about Jim’s love of hunting and fishing.
Board president Pete Haringsma’s observation, “I am convinced that Providence Christian College would not be where it is today without the leadership of President Jim Den Ouden,” was echoed throughout the evening.
Haringsma added, “What we didn’t know at the time, and what has been so wonderful, is when we hired Jim, [his] wife Anne has been so supportive and willing to help.” The other speakers, academic dean Russ Reeves, Jim’s brother Tom Den Ouden, and Jack Hoekstra, emphasized Jim’s Christian commitment, administrative skill, dedication to Christian education, and hospitality.
In recognition of the hospitality shown by the Den Oudens during their five-year tenure with Providence—they have over 1,700 signatures in their home guest book from the period—Jim and Anne were presented with a gift certificate for use at the chain of Four Sisters Inns. Additionally, they were given an engraved crystal clock.
A scholarship—the Jim and Anne Den Ouden Education Scholarship—has been established in their honor for Providence students who plan to pursue careers in elementary education. Derek Halvorson assumes the presidential office on July 1 and will be officially inaugurated on Saturday, September 19, 2009.
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