Robert Vanderham, one of the founding faculty members of the Department of Sociology at Hope College, died on May 26, 2013 in Holland, Mich. He was 91.
Professor Vanderham was an Assistant Professor of Sociology, including chair of the department, from 1966-69 and later a Teaching Associate through 1975. He also coached the cross country team in 1965.
Even in retirement, Professor Vanderham was very engaged with Hope students as noted in his death notice: "Bob Vanderham was not only successful, he was also a bit of a Rock Star on the campus of Hope College in his retirement years, encouraging, counseling and teaching a whole new generation of students. He particularly enjoyed the past four years when he was "adopted" by several Hope College students who became his extended family, visiting him daily at Warm Friend where he encouraged them to paint, read and talk about whatever was on their hearts. These kids became the lights of Bob's life. They gave him purpose and he gave them unconditional love."
Read Life Story from Dykstra Funeral Home, Holland, Mich.
A service celebrating Professor Vanderham's life will be held on Saturday, June 15, at 11 a.m. at Beechwood Reformed Church, Holland, Mich.