11-30-2001





























Coop Tribute


Chimes asked some of Coops colleagues to comment on their time with him and how they have been impacted by his work here, and all were more than happy to oblige. Chimes presents just a few of the many expressions of gratitude from those who know Chaplain Cooper the best:


Like so many others, I love and respect Chaplain Cooper for his intelligence and grace expressed in countless ways. One of them is this: Dale Cooper gives others the benefit of the doubt. In a time when even good people sometimes belittle each other, Chaplain Cooper finds ways to enlarge others--speaking well of them, refusing to judge them, giving them room for their foibles. This is a beautiful virtue, and it's only one of Coop's many gifts to this community.

-Neal Plantinga, President of Calvin Theological Seminary


Dear Coop, there are no words to describe the vast number of ways you have impacted Calvin College. You have touched many, many lives. Thank you for your faithful dedication to Calvin College and blessings to you in the years ahead.

-Gaylen Byker, President


Coop, thanks for all the lessons you have taught me over the years. I have a huge storebox of Coopisms to reflect on! Wishing you many more years at Calvin.

-Jane Hendriksma, Dean of Student Life

Best Dale Cooper experiences so far: an invitation to the mentorship program, sharing a hymnal at chapel (what a tenor!), and devotions for Senior Leadership Team (God's sage). Thanks, Coop!

-Nancy VerMerris, Director of Health Services


I continue to be amazed at Dale Cooper's head for Calvin's Institutes and heart for Calvin students. He exhibits great hope and boundless energy in his daily calling. It's always clear that he loves students and that he values the college community and its supporting partners. What a rare but a wonderful combination of gifts Coop brings to our campus.

-Shirley Roels


What I've appreciated about Coop is how authentic he is in the way he cares for people and for Calvin. I've only been here about 18 months, but during that time, I've come in contact with this infectious passion he has for people, and I want us all to have more of that. Plus, the man loves music and loves to singwhat more can I say?

-Randy Wolthuis, Director of the Broene Counseling Center


I cannot imagine a better College Chaplain. I am privileged to work near him on a daily basis, and thus catch multiple glimpses of his excellent work here. He has genuine passion for Calvin College and all of its members: faculty, staff, students and alumni. And truthfully, I cannot think of a better embodiment of the vibrancy of the Reformed tradition than what I get to witness on a day-to-day basis from my dear colleague. No doubt, Calvin College is the richer because of Coop.

-Bob Crow, Dean of Student Development


I have never been more privileged to work with a man who cares so deeply about God and his fellow human. He is an inspiration to me. Coop is always coming up with ways to help students grow deeper in the Lord. His own witness of the memorization of scripture and the Heidelberg catechism show that when you write the word of God upon your heart, it will radiate out of you. I know that he always seeks the best in others, is willing to give the benefit of the doubt, and is humble in heart. I am so blessed to know him right now in this time and place.

-Shirley Hoogstra, Vice-President for Student Life


Coop - It is an honor and a privilege to be able to work with you. Your devotion to your Savior is so evident as His light shines brightly through you. I love your enthusiasm for Calvin Knights - we would love to have you in the stands at Calvin baseball games in the spring! You are a blessing to me.

-Kristy Dykhouse