Joy in a Global Hope
David & Alverna DeVisser with scholarship recipient Salome Emmanuel
Dr. David '64 and Alverna '66 DeVisser have truly come full circle at Hope College. "At Hope we each had a chance to see our faith both mature and focus," said Alverna. Dave added, "Hope provided the memories of the best four years of my life." After graduating from Hope, David met Alverna and they both discovered they shared a strong interest in medical missionary work. A short time later, after seminary studies, David attended medical school and practiced medicine in West Michigan.
A few years ago Dave began volunteering with Hope's Campus Ministries to lead medical mission trips abroad for students during their spring break. "I quickly realized that I found more joy in these trips than practicing medicine in the states," said Dave. "My passion is Hope students." Soon Dave found himself as a pre-med advisor to students seeking careers in healthcare. This opened the door for him to retire early from his career in medicine and begin teaching in the Chemistry Department at Hope. Alverna, who has joined Dave on mission trips, shares in his excitement of a newfound love of teaching, "I enjoy being involved in this new phase of life for the two of us," she said.
When it came time for the DeVissers to revise their will, they chose to make Hope a major beneficiary of their estate plans, for which they became members of the Dimnent Heritage Society . "Giving back to Hope is a great cause because it benefits students who are training to be responsible Christian citizens in this world," said Alverna. Dave added, "Hope provides us a feeling of family, so it is only right to leave a part of our estate to a family who is close to our heart."
In addition to their planned giving provisions, Dave and Alverna have established the Samuel Zwemer Scholarship Fund, which serves deserving students with financial need who show a strong interest in cross-cultural mission.
David added, "We give joyfully, and we believe you see more joy when you give back."