Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions in their field of enterprise while demonstrating Christian commitment in their work and the community. The inaugural award was presented in 2014.

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2023 Recipient – Brian Dijkema ‘04

Brian Dijkema lives out his calling by actively striving to show Christ’s love to communities through public policy debate and legislative change.

2022 Recipient – Heidi de Vries ‘05

A licensed lawyer and executive leader with 11 years of experience working with client departments and politicians to build one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario.

2021 Recipient – Betty Brouwer ‘88

An experienced registered psychotherapist and art therapist with a unique expertise on attachment therapy who is passionate about the power of relationship. Founder of RE-create Outreach Art Studio in Hamilton, ON.

• Founder of RE-create Outreach Art Studio in Hamilton, ON
• Director of Attachment Services at Shalem Mental Health Network since 2009 and therapist since 1994.
• BA, Redeemer College 1988; Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy, Toronto Art Therapy Institute, 1990; MSC in Child and Adolescent Development, University of Guelph, 1999
• One of four certified Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) trainers in Canada
• Chair of the Board of the Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Institute (DDPI) from 2017-2021

2020 Recipient – Angela Reitsma Bick ‘01

A talented writer, editor and publisher who is passionate about highlighting injustice as well as stories of celebration and God’s redemption in every corner of the earth.

• Editor-in-Chief of Christian Courier for over a decade
• Edits over 500 articles a year
• Winner of multiple awards, including Canadian Church Press Awards, the Word Award and the A.C. Forrest Memorial Award
• Master of Arts in English from Queen’s University (2004)
• Created and ran the Writing Centre at Redeemer University

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2019 Recipient – Kimberly Maich ‘93

An accomplished researcher and professor at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland who is dedicated to helping advocate for and support families and educators, both locally and globally, through the study of disability and practice of inclusive education.

• Master of Education, Memorial University (2002), Doctor of Philosophy, Brock University (2009), Master of Applied Disability Studies, Brock University (2015), and Master of Education, Memorial University (2019).
• Holds over $600,000 in research funding to support research and training for educators and clinicians, in order to support families and schools who have children and students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Certified Teacher, Special Education Specialist, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst-Doctoral, and Registered Psychologist.

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2018 Recipient – Dan Reilly ‘96

• OB/GYN in Centre and North Wellington. In his dedication to and research in ethical medical practice in rural Canada, and in the relief of suffering and the promotion of health in his patients, he seeks to imitate Christ in all aspects of his profession.
• Masters in Health Science in Bioethics, University of Toronto (2007) and Doctor of Medicine, Queen’s University (2000).
• Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of OB/GYN at McMaster University.
• Served as the Undergraduate Chair for the OB/GYN program at McMaster University.
• Served as president of the Christian Medical and Dental Society of Canada and as president of the Medical Staff of Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus.

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2017 Recipient – Hank de Jong ‘99

• Executive Director of EduDeo Ministries. His commitment to transformation — both globally and locally — is evident in the significant contributions he has made to his field and through his community service.
• Master of Arts in Leadership from Trinity Western University (2013).
• Canadian Christian Relief and Development Association (CCRDA) board member.
• 40 under Forty Business Achievement Award recipient (2016).
• Together with his wife, cares for children in their community through fostering.

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2016 Recipient – Ed Bosveld ‘92

• Dedicated advocate for at-risk and vulnerable communities, locally and globally as seen through his fields of work and his time as a volunteer in different community organizations.
• Member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
• Senior management at Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) over the course of 15 years.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business (2006).
• Foster parent, nursing home volunteer, and volleyball referee and coach.

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2015 Recipient – Annie Ling ‘07

• Documentary photographer and artist currently based in Brooklyn, New York. She exhibits her work around the world, and has received awards and fellowships across North America and Europe.
• Lectured at Columbia University, Ryerson University, Brooklyn College, International Center of Photography, Asian American Writers’ Workshop, and Union Docs.
• Featured on Al Jazeera America among other television and media networks.
• Contract photographer for The New York Times, and other clients including GEO Magazine, Courrier International, The Wall Street Journal, Fader Magazine, New York Magazine and South China Morning Post.

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2014 Recipient – Graham Cubitt ‘01

• Director of Projects and Development at Homestead Christian Care (Indwell). He is committed to seeing his community remain vital and diverse through co-operative action on issues including urban development, poverty relief and social involvement.
• Served on the board of the Durand Neighborhood Association.
• Helped launch the Hill Street Community Garden.
• Founded The Mustard Seed Co-op and serves on its board of directors.

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