Kuyper Celebrates Its Annual Spring Celebration Gala
Pastor Darrell Delaney had a simple yet profound reminder for students, staff, faculty and friends of Kuyper College gathered at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in mid-April for the 2026 Spring Celebration Gala.
“When Jesus calls us to seek first His kingdom, He is telling us what must come first if everything else is to make sense,” the pastor, faith-driven leadership coach, 2005 Kuyper graduate and keynote speaker for the night said.
Throughout his address, Delaney reflected on all the ways God used Kuyper to mold his calling, emphasizing the College’s commitment to building the next generation of Christian leaders. 
“Kuyper was one of the places God used to shape my faith, clarify my call, and prepare me for a life of service,” he said. “When I think about Kuyper College, I don’t just think about it as a school I attended; I think about it as a place God used to form me.”
His message was a timely one, coming near the close of an academic year focused on the theme, “Seek First,” an idea woven throughout the night’s events.
Both the welcome and the spring weather were warm that evening, which began with an exclusive viewing of the breathtaking Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit. Nearby, former students and faculty reconnected over hors d’oeuvres at the Alumni Reception, and friends gathered at the Sponsor Reception.
After finding their seats, attendees enjoyed words of welcome and an address from President Patricia Harris, a video reflecting on Kuyper’s legacy of equipping Christian leaders and an update from the Board of Trustees, all while sharing lively conversations and a delicious meal.
During the update, Board Chair Dr. Eric Hoogstra made an exciting announcement: the creation of the Patricia J. Harris Student Scholarship Fund, in recognition of President Harris’ 13 years of faithful service to Kuyper College.
“It will provide for and carry forward her legacy of humble servant leadership for generations of students in the future,” Hoogstra said, to a round of enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Another important piece of the Gala’s events was the presentation of the Kuyper Service Award, which is given each year to a recipient or recipients who have exhibited the spirit and work of the College’s mission statement through lifelong service.
Whether those honored are faculty, alumni or friends of the College, they all have demonstrated a dedicated vision and commitment to sharing the love, hope and Word of Christ throughout His creation.
he spring weather were warm that evening, which began with an exclusive viewing of the breathtaking Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit. Nearby, former students and faculty reconnected over hors d’oeuvres at the Alumni Reception, and friends gathered at the Sponsor Reception.
“By accepting this award, the recipients set an example of dedication and humility in service that encourages all of us within the Kuyper College community,” remarked President Harris, who conferred the award that night.
This year, the Kuyper Service Award was presented to JoAnn Kuiper Miersma, a 1956 Kuyper graduate,
recognizing her many years of steadfast support for the College.
Reflecting on this journey, she said: “I want to challenge all of you to remember that no matter where you are in your life, God has a plan for you. No matter how old or young you are, He always has some good for you to do.”
Finally, Interim Chief Advancement Officer Nate Vander Stelt offered parting words, celebrating Kuyper’s past, present and future.
“In our hands lies a rich history of Kingdom-advancing impact, both locally and globally, for our students and alumni,” he said.
Before departing, attendees joined together for a beautiful rendition of the Doxology.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors who helped make our annual Spring Gala possible.
Benefactor:
JoAnn Miersma
Bob & Patti Harris
Jay & Kathleen Morren
Anonymous
Patron:
Jeff Boersma
Jack & Karen Lanning
JC & Tammy Huizinga
Lois Nagel
Jackie Bremer
Nick & Gloria Kroeze
Doug & Gail Elenbaas
Partner:
Robert & Paulette Israels
John & Valerie VanBaren
Marty Bruins
Hope Discovery ABA Services
Sponsor:
Carpet Bonanza
Dan & Nancy Kroeze
Marian Payne
The Detwiler Family
Don Bratt
Land and Company
Anonymous
Jacque Bolt
Gary & Rosemary Schipper
Henry Doorn, Jr.
Kairos Collaborative
Scott Allen Creative
Dan Vos Construction
Phil & Mary Frens
Friend:
Grassmid Transport
Ed Meeuwsen
Chad Boorsma
