Bernard Vellenga Family

Bernard Vellenga, Jr. was raised in the Roseland area of Chicago and entered the family business after his junior year of college. Eventually, he became president of the company and a recognized national leader in the industry and trade associations. He continued in this position until his untimely death at age 50 in 1956.

However, his career became secondary as his Christian witness and desire to tell others of the saving grace of Jesus Christ took prominence. His willingness to promote kingdom causes is exemplified by his work on the Calvin Franklin Street Campus Expansion Fundraising Committee in the early 1950s. He also recognized the value of a Christian college degree in the development of young people desiring to pursue a business career.

Therefore, this scholarship is established by his wife, Grace Dykstra Vellenga Hoven, and her twin sons, David Bernard and Daniel Richard, and their families in recognition of his Christian witness, example, and desire to help Christian young people pursue their goals in the business and economic life of our culture.