Dr. William Spoelhof passed away in December at age 98

WASHINGTON – Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers introduced a resolution this week in the House of Representatives (H.Res. 91) honoring Dr. William Spoelhof, who passed away on December 3, 2008 at age 98. Dr. Spoelhof made an impression on the lives of thousands of people during his 25-year tenure as president of Calvin College in Grand Rapids.

      “Calvin College lost a visionary leader and a friend when Dr. Spoelhof passed away,” said Ehlers. “As president, Dr. Spoelhof elevated Calvin College to national prominence in academics, and strengthened the college’s relationship with the Christian Reformed Church. He also served his country, enlisting in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

      “He devoted his life to bringing glory to God through his work, and was committed to the Calvin College community, the church, and his country,” Ehlers added. “He should be remembered for this, and I am happy to honor him with this resolution.”

      Dr. Spoelhof was born on December 8, 1909, in Paterson, New Jersey. He graduated from Calvin College in 1931, going on to earn his Masters of Arts degree at Columbia University, and his doctorate degree at the University of Michigan. After serving in the U.S. Navy’s Office of Strategic Services during World War II, Dr. Spoelhof began teaching at Calvin College, and was appointed president in 1951. He stepped down in 1976 after serving 25 years, and remains the longest-serving president in the history of the college.

     The text of the resolution may be viewed in .PDF format here:

http://www.house.gov/ehlers/pdf/Dr_William_Spoelhof.pdf