2008 Woodie Awards
Van Dunk: Dedicated to God, work
Kelsi Peace, Managing Editor
Issue date: 8/31/07 Section: News
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Brenda Van Dunk, 61, wrote prayers on her lecture notes - an illustration of what co-workers say was a deep commitment to her faith and her career.
"[It was] all done under the umbrella of 'This is for the Lord,'" said Susan Clark, associate professor of social work.
Van Dunk, assistant professor of social work, died May 20 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Born in Hackensack, N.J., on Feb. 27, 1946, Van Dunk earned a bachelor's degree from Montclair State University in 1971 and a master's in social work from Syracuse University in 1976.
She established and directed the Davis House/Youth Consultation Service, a treatment center for psychiatrically
diagnosed children, before coming to ACU in 1990, where she and Clark met as new professors. The two women had offices next to one another for 15 years, during which time Clark observed Van Dunk's passion and dedication to her work.
"I think she had a heart for all people, but I think she felt real committed to supporting the African American students," Clark said.
Van Dunk was actively involved in the National Association
of Black Social Work Educators as well as the National
Association of Social Workers, the Academy of Certified Social Workers, the North American Council of Christian Social Workers and the Council on Social Work Education.
She spent 10 years sponsoring a student social work club on campus, spending after-hours time with students in the organization, Clark said.
Van Dunk's students saw her as a mentor, but also knew her courses were challenging, said Jean Isom, assistant
professor of social work. Last year, Isom took over Van Dunk's classes, and she said it gave her a new picture of Van Dunk.
"It gives you insight," Isom said. "Brenda had an exceptional
ability to think about the product that would come out of the class."
From the prayers penciled in the margins to the well-planned lecture, Isom said Van Dunk presented a thorough class that clearly involved a great deal of effort.
"[It was] all done under the umbrella of 'This is for the Lord,'" said Susan Clark, associate professor of social work.
Van Dunk, assistant professor of social work, died May 20 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Born in Hackensack, N.J., on Feb. 27, 1946, Van Dunk earned a bachelor's degree from Montclair State University in 1971 and a master's in social work from Syracuse University in 1976.
She established and directed the Davis House/Youth Consultation Service, a treatment center for psychiatrically
diagnosed children, before coming to ACU in 1990, where she and Clark met as new professors. The two women had offices next to one another for 15 years, during which time Clark observed Van Dunk's passion and dedication to her work.
"I think she had a heart for all people, but I think she felt real committed to supporting the African American students," Clark said.
Van Dunk was actively involved in the National Association
of Black Social Work Educators as well as the National
Association of Social Workers, the Academy of Certified Social Workers, the North American Council of Christian Social Workers and the Council on Social Work Education.
She spent 10 years sponsoring a student social work club on campus, spending after-hours time with students in the organization, Clark said.
Van Dunk's students saw her as a mentor, but also knew her courses were challenging, said Jean Isom, assistant
professor of social work. Last year, Isom took over Van Dunk's classes, and she said it gave her a new picture of Van Dunk.
"It gives you insight," Isom said. "Brenda had an exceptional
ability to think about the product that would come out of the class."
From the prayers penciled in the margins to the well-planned lecture, Isom said Van Dunk presented a thorough class that clearly involved a great deal of effort.
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