Jane Hibbard Idema served Aquinas College in a number of capacities. She was director of the college’s Encore program in the 1970’s, and of the Emeritus College in the 1980’s. She also was a leader in establishing the Women’s Studies Center at the college. She developed and expanded Encore in the early days of the program. She served in the American Red Cross in Europe during World War II, was an instructor at Grand Rapids Community College, and served on the East Grand Rapids School board. She was also on the Grand Rapids Community Foundation board and was a founding member and Board president of the Grand Rapids Women’s Resource Center. Jane passed away in 2006.

Lee Jacokes Ph. D. was the co-director of the 15-month Self-Study (1969-1971) that significantly altered the course of Aquinas College’s academic program for the next twenty years. He served Aquinas in many capacities during his time at the college, including being registrar, Director of Records and Research (1970’s), Director of the Graduate Management Program, Dean of Academic Administration and as a longtime professor of Psychology. Jacokes was often consulted by the press for expert commentary on trends in the workplace. Since retiring, he continues to be active with the college, recently serving on the Board of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Aquinas College. He is a member of many professional societies, has been widely published in clinical psychology journals. His community involvement includes serving on boards of the Kent County Adult Mental Health Clinic, Grand Rapids Area Psychological Association, and Jellema House.

Andrew Jefchak Ph.D. came to Aquinas College in 1968 after completing his Ph.D. in American literature at Michigan State University.  Jefchak received a Kellogg Fellowship in 1972 to develop a film series and film studies courses. He chaired the Aquinas College English department for 16 years. One of the pioneers of film studies in higher education, he developed popular film studies courses on the history of cinema, modern cinema, writing about drama and film, and literature and motion pictures. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, he organized film series on campus showing classic and world cinema. His film studies courses were among the first serious film studies courses to be offered at a college in the United States, at a time when film was considered a “popular” medium unworthy of serious literary attention. In 1976, he directed the Ireland program in Tully Cross. He is known in West Michigan for writing regular film reviews for the Grand Rapids Press since 1978, along with a variety of essays for Wonderland magazine. While a professor at Aquinas, he presented many scholarly papers at professional conferences. A published poet, he also published a short story collection, Out Of Stieglitz Park, in 2011.

Chris LaPorte has been part of the Aquinas College family since he began as a freshman in 1992. During his four years as a student, he was involved in many activities on campus and grew as an artist under the mentorship of his professors in the Art Department. Chris graduated with honors in 1996 with a BFA in art painting. After graduation, Chris has made his living as a caricature artist and continued his involvement at Aquinas College by becoming an adjunct professor seven years ago. As an adjunct professor, Chris’ involvement with his students is remarkable. He gives more of his time and energy than expected, and is an excellent example of the type of faculty member students have come to appreciate at Aquinas College. He has influenced some non‐majors to become art majors and has turned the rest of his students into art‐lovers. Aquinas College is pleased that Chris has agreed to come on full time as Visiting Assistant Professor of Art beginning this fall. Chris’ most significant professional accomplishment to date is winning ArtPrize 2010 with his emotional pencil drawing, Cavalry, American Officers, 1921. This amazing 28‐foot piece was partially constructed on the campus of Aquinas College, and Chris generously included the college in his acknowledgements after he took first prize. Although Chris has received national acclaim for his work, he has remained a humble, hardworking, devoted teacher, and Aquinas College counts it a privilege that he is part of our family.

Lifelong learner, educator, and community organizer, Michael Williams holds a BS from Regis College, BSME and MSME from Marquette University, PhL from St. Louis University, and PhD from University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. During the Civil Rights era, Mike taught in Milwaukee’s inner-city schools and co-founded a school that later became the state’s first charter school. With his wife, Mary Alice, he was active in community service. In 1974, Mike joined the Aquinas faculty to teach education, philosophy, mathematics, and interdisciplinary courses. In addition to teaching, Mike chaired the boards of the Eastown Community Association and the citywide Council of Neighborhood Associations and worked with community groups for civic improvement. At Aquinas, he served as faculty development director and conducted national workshops on the topic. With Mayor George Heartwell, Mike developed Aquinas’s Community Leadership major, which prepares students for leadership in non-profit organizations. In 2004, Mike became dean of the School of Education, a position he held until his retirement in 2006. He remained an adjunct professor and in 2010 resumed directorship of the Community Leadership major. He has published three books on community organizing and education and co-authored Eastown.