Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Michael Dickinson

Class of 1987

Dr. Michael Dickinson, MD, FACC ’87 has been instrumental in directing the growth and development of the heart failure programs in West Michigan after beginning his medical career as a flight surgeon for the United States Navy. In his roles at Corewell Health, he helped to define a new specialty of advanced heart failure and develop the heart transplant program. He currently serves as a specialist in cardiovascular diseases and advanced heart failure and transplant at Corewell Health Medical Group as well as a clinical associate professor at Michigan State University. He has authored over 170 publications and is the recipient of numerous awards, including being named one of “Grand Rapids Best Doctors” by Best Doctors in America 12 times.

Sarah Sanderson

Class of 2003

Sarah Sanderson ’03 has enjoyed a career that has taken her around the world. She serves as a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State, currently stationed in Sweden after completing an assignment in China, where she won several awards for her contributions assisting other diplomats during the pandemic. She has lived and served in several other countries in her previous roles for the U.S. Department of State, Rotary International, the Council for International Educational Exchange and The Ohio State University.

Dr. Elton Bruins ’50

Dr. Deborah Heydenburg ’87 Fuller

Lara Plewka ’98 MacGregor

Craig Morford ’81

The Alumni Association selects recipients for this award from nominations that meet the following criteria:

• Contributions to society through volunteerism
• Achievements within a profession
• Active involvement with the college
• Have earned at least 45 credit hours at Hope College
• Nominees for this award are eligible to be nominated for other awards
• Current members of the Alumni Board and the Hope College Board of Trustees are not eligible for this award