2019 Kuyper College Spring Celebration Gala

On the evening of Monday, April 15, Kuyper friends, alumni, and staff gathered at Fredrick Meijer Gardens for the College’s annual Spring Celebration Gala which theme, Arise and Build was inspired by Nehemiah 2:18. Before the dinner, guests had the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking Butterflies are Blooming exhibit. Alumni reconnected over hors d’oeuvres at the Alumni Reception, and friends gathered at the Donor Reception.

Kuyper President Patricia Harris presented the Kuyper College Service Award, which honors recipients who have demonstrated the spirit and work of Kuyper’s mission statement through life-long service, to Dr. George and Fran Kroeze. After serving in pastoral ministry, Dr. Kroeze joined the College’s Board of Trustees in 1969, and later was asked to serve as a Professor of Biblical Studies in 1973. He faithfully taught Biblical Studies for 26 years, guiding students to know and love the Bible. Attendees also received an update on current events at Kuyper, including the new KuyperWorks program, which offers employment opportunities to on-campus students.

Board member Ashanti Bryant, MSW, MEd, gave the Keynote address. He shared how his experiences growing up in Detroit with a single mom shaped his commitment to serve God by ending generational poverty. A former teacher, Bryant currently serves as the Education Director at AmplifyGR, a nonprofit organization dedicated to lifting underserved populations in Grand Rapids out of poverty.

The evening closed with beautiful worship music from the Kuyper College Ensemble with guests joining in the final song, “I Stand Amazed” by Chris Tomlin.