William Spoelhof

William Spoelhof
Born December 8, 1909
Paterson, New Jersey
United States
Died December 3, 2008(2008-12-03) (aged 98)
Grand Rapids, Michigan
United States
Occupation Calvin College
University of Michigan
Title President
Term 1951–1976
Predecessor Henry Schultze
Successor Anthony Diekema
Spouse(s) Angeline Nydam
Children Robert Spoelhof, Elsa Scherphorn, and Peter Spoelhof.

William Spoelhof (December 8, 1909 – December 3, 2008) was the President of Calvin College, and President Emeritus of the Grand Rapids, Michigan school.

Biography

Spoelhof was a native of Paterson, New Jersey and graduated from Calvin College in 1931. He received a master's degree from the University of Michigan in 1937. After completing his doctoral studies, he returned to Calvin to teach history and political science in 1946.

In 1956, after becoming president of the college, Spoelhof was responsible for the initiation of the school's move to its current Knollcrest campus. The move was not completed until 1973. Toward the end of the 1960s Spoelhof also had to deal with the impact of nationwide student protest movements on the Calvin campus.

In 1935 Spoelhof married Angeline Nydam, and they had three children. The asteroid 129099 Spoelhof is named in his honour.

Spoelhof died on December 3, 2008 just five days shy of his 99th birthday.[1]

Military Service

On June 17, 1943, Spoelhof applied for a commission or warrant officer's rank in the US Naval Reserve and was accepted, becoming a Lieutenant, Junior Grade.[2] He joined the OSS and served as an intelligence analyst, specifically focusing upon the liberation of the Netherlands. His mission of gathering intelligence in the Netherlands was terminated on October 10, 1945,[3] and he was released from active duty on November 9, 1945.[4]

On January 31, 1946, he was awarded the Bronze star for his actions during the liberation of the Netherlands.[5] On February 23, 1946, he was made a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau by decree of Queen Wilhelmina.[6]

References

  1. "Longtime Calvin College president William Spoelhof dead at age 98". Grand Rapids Press. December 3, 2008. Archived from the original on December 6, 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-03.
  2. Application for Commission or Warrant, June 17, 1943, William Spoelhof Papers, Heritage Hall Archives, Hekman Library, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  3. From the Chief of Naval Personnel to Lieutenant William Spoelhof, “Orders,” 10 October 1945, William Spoelhof Papers, Heritage Hall Archives, Hekman Library, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  4. From the Chief of Naval Personnel to Lieutenant William Spoelhof, “Release from Active Duty,” 9 November 1945, William Spoelhof Papers, Heritage Hall Archives, Hekman Library, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  5. Citation for Bronze Star Medal, January 31, 1946, William Spoelhof Papers, Heritage Hall Archives, Hekman Library, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  6. Appointment of Lieutenant William Spoelhof to be a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau, February 23, 1946, William Spoelhof Papers, Heritage Hall Archives, Hekman Library, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Bibliography

External links

Academic offices
Preceded by
Henry Schultze
President of Calvin College
1951–1976
Succeeded by
Anthony J. Diekema
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