Stephanie L. Dykstra Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Stephanie Dykstra, a Calvin College student who passed away unexpectedly on December 17, 1999 after suffering a pulmonary embolus. Stephanie left unfulfilled the typical dreams and expectations of a 19 year-old: vocational goals, plans for marriage, dreams for service in God’s kingdom, and expectations of continued opportunities to be with family and friends. Yet, in her death, the family and friends who mourned her passing became more clearly aware that Stephanie had chosen a deeper investment than her own dreams and expectations. She showed little concern for material possessions, ambition for power or desire for praise. She made her investments in friendship, love and service to disadvantaged children, and keen enjoyment of God’s creation. Stephanie’s life exemplified a person who knew where her most enduring dreams were secure — with God in heaven. This scholarship is established by the family and friends of Stephanie Dykstra to recognize students who are clearly storing up treasures in heaven through their service and friendship to people in local communities and thus are recognized by their friends, teachers and mentors as people who have truly trusted in God as their only comfort in life and death.