The staff of Hekman Library fondly and respectfully remember Vernon J. Ehlers, a friend of libraries, who died on August 15, 2017. Vern was Professor of Physics at Calvin College and a politician, serving as Kent County Board Commissioner, State Representative, State Senator, and United States Congressman. Hekman Library's Heritage Hall houses a collection detailing Ehlers’ political career, including committee service and bills sponsored/co-sponsored, plus his earlier academic career. Vern retired from public office in 2011. After that he came back to his home in West Michigan full-time and visited the Hekman Library frequently. He was particularly interested in our physics collection!

We thank God for Vern's service and dedication to Calvin College, to the State of Michigan, and to our country.