Profiles

Jeannie Slenk
Jenna Witten

Mark Brown
Dr. Mark Brown has kept quite busy since graduating from Hope in 1977 with a Physics degree, and in the process he has learned and accomplished quite a lot. After Hope, Brown went to the University of Michigan and earned a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering. He then did some work as a computer design engineer in Boston and Chicago before returning to Holland, where he taught Computer Science at Hope. Later, he returned to the University of Michigan to receive another Master’s degree and a PhD in bioengineering. He started with Medtronic, a medical technology company, after receiving his PhD. Dr. Brown is currently still with Medtronic, where he works as a Senior Principal Scientist in the Research Department of the Cardiac Rhythm and Disease Management division.

The major processes that Dr. Brown goes through in his area of work are first to invent ideas for implantable medical devices, and then to develop these ideas into testable concepts. He also reports and publishes the results of his developments and research, and advises other departments within Medtronic on future directions they should take based on the findings of his and his colleagues’ research. Brown says there is great satisfaction in this work, because every day he is adding to Medtronic’s mission of contributing to human welfare through biomedical engineering.

Though sometimes it might be hard for us to comprehend the future value of a liberal arts education, Dr. Brown’s words on the subject are reassuring. Brown says, “While my physics, math, chemistry and biology classes honed my technical skills, the writing and thinking skills I developed in English and philosophy have been nearly as important to me.” Out in the real world, writing, communications, religion, sociology and philosophy are all an active part of Dr. Brown’s job and life, despite his science specialization.

For those of you who are near the end of your Hope education, don’t get ready to throw away those books just yet. Dr. Brown wisely advises students, especially in technical fields, to think of Hope as the beginning of an education. Since technology is always rapidly changing, learning should be a lifelong process. Brown also says that it’s good to have a clear vision of what you want to do, but that we should remain open to God’s calling and let Him steer us in new directions. Throughout his education and life experiences, Dr. Brown has gained valuable insights, knowledge and experience—let his final words of advice for the future be an encouragement to you. “Ask lots of questions. Listen. Be an independent thinker. Do the right thing. Be bold and brave. Be passionate about your work.”

Jeannie Slenk
“Hope interns made all the difference last spring when Resthaven opened a brand new, small-scale nursing home called the Vern & Lois Boersma Cottage. As a non-profit with limited resources, we went to the place that has served us so well in the past: Hope College. Two interns immediately responded. Both students dedicated 10 hours per week to this project, and both stayed two weeks after the end of school in order to finish the project. They were creative, responsible, well organized, poised, and professional, but also completely open and friendly at all times. Their communication skills were excellent. Their ethics are unquestionable. I'd hire either of them in a heartbeat. The Hope intern program has my vote!”

Jenna Witten
Jenna Witten, a Hope senior, participated in the New York Arts Program and loved every minute of it. As a student pursuing a communications major and a dance minor, Jenna interned with Dance New Amsterdam, a venue for dance training as well as performances from outside professional dance companies. As the marketing intern, Jenna’s main responsibilities were to put together press packets about Dance New Amsterdam, organize press releases, initiate media relationships, and brainstorm with other marketing departments of similar companies in order to create promotional ideas.

Jenna’s favorite part of the job was gaining marketing experience while being able to take top quality dance classes. Jenna says, “I walked out of there feeling like my skills had really improved.” She learned how to utilize her communications skills in the business world and incorporate her passion for dancing. Jenna also fell in love with New York City. “In the city, the arts were everywhere,” she says. “I was so immersed in the art world.” Jenna plans to return to New York after she graduates this May to seek out a job in marketing or event planning.