A Tribute to Irwin J. Brink

The 1995-96 academic year marks the last year of full-time teaching for Professor Irwin Brink. Irwin has served Hope College with distinction for 39 years in the capacity of Professor of Chemistry, Department Chair and Dean for the Natural Sciences. The following biographical sketch was taken from the Program for the Hope College Faculty Retirement Dinner which was held Friday, May 3, 1996.

Irwin J. Brink was born in 1930 and raised in the Hudsonville area. He graduated from Hope with an A.B. in Chemistry in 1952 and he earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at The University of Illinois in 1957. He joined the Chemistry faculty at Hope in 1957. He quickly moved through the ranks to become professor in 1966. His many administrative appointments included Chair of the Department (1964-67/1990-93) and Dean for the Natural Sciences (1982-1988). His leadership roles resulted in tremendous growth and development in the Department and College. During this very busy time he and Barbara nurtured a family of four children: Jeanne Lindell `83 (Holland); Anne `85 (Boise, Idaho); Robert `88 (Royal Oak) and Mary Evancho `92 (Killeen, Texas). Barbara and Irwin have two grandchildren. Irwin has found the time to enjoy birding (encouraged by Eldon Greij), listening and performing (clarinet) music, and gardening. He has held several offices and continues to be very active in the life of Third Reformed Church. Irwin and Barbara have no grand plans for retirement other than to take it a day at a time. They plan to be active in volunteer work in Holland. Irwin will continue teaching at Hope in a part-time capacity.

We will miss Irwin's wisdom which came from years of service and experience. He provided continuity - an important linkage to our strong tradition. We are pleased that Irwin will be back in the Fall to teach a section of General Chemistry laboratory.