Former Education Professor Dies at 69

March 10, 2004 == MEDIA ADVISORY

Former Calvin College education professor Carl Mulder came to the college
midway through his career, but left a lasting mark.

Mulder served Calvin and its education department for 22 years - from 1977 to
1999 - a two-decade tenure that came after a teaching career at the K-8 level
that spanned 18 years.

All told Mulder gave four decades of his life to the education profession. And
those who knew him best say the profession is richer for his contributions.

Friends remembered Mulder's career after his death on March 10, 2004 after a
short illness. He was 69.

"Carl served his community, his church and his students," said Calvin professor
of education Arden Post, "with a loving concern for God's call to serve Him by
serving others in His world. Carl will be remembered for his conscientious
work, his devotion to teaching and learning and his gentle spirit. He
exemplified the Christian educator."

Mulder was born in McBain, Michigan, on September 9, 1934. A Calvin graduate
he went on to earn his master's and his Ed.D. degree from Western Michigan
University. His K-8 teaching career began in Battle Creek in 1959. It
concluded at Oakdale Christian in Grand Rapids in 1977 when he decided to leave
Oakdale after five years for the post at Calvin.

At a 1999 dinner at Calvin to honor that year's retirees the written tribute to
Mulder said simply: "He was the principal of Oakdale Christian at a critical
time in the history of that school and it was due to his leadership and
determination, and that of others, that Oakdale Christian today is
flourishing."

His leadership and determination also were evident during his Calvin career.
In an article in the Calvin student newspaper, Chimes, at the time of his
retirement, Mulder reflected on his career at the college.

He noted that "22 years is a long time to work in the same place at the same
job." But, he added, "diversity of task can well serve as motivator and
provide job satisfaction."

Mulder's tasks at Calvin included developing and teaching administration
courses as well as educational psychology and methods of teaching social
studies. He arranged and taught several interims in Chicago at Westside
Preparatory School with Marva Collins. And he supervised numerous elementary
school student teachers.

In that same Chimes interview Mulder was quick to note his teaching highlight.

"The memory that will linger with me," he said, "is the many excellent students
that I was able to get to know while here. Working as faculty mentor for the
ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) Executive Board
has engraved that thought in my mind."

Yet, Mulder told Chimes, he was eager for retirement. Tight teaching schedules
were getting, he said, in the way of the time he wanted to spend with his
grandchildren.

Although Chimes did not note it, it's safe to assume, say those who know
Mulder, that he was smiling slyly as he added that: "Committee meetings are
getting in the way of caring for my flower gardens."

Mulder did care for his flowers in retirement. And for so much more. Among
his post-Calvin activities were working alongside his wife Lois with residents
at the Adam Street Apartments, teaching social events courses at some of the
Holland Homes and spoiling his grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 11 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at
Zaagman's Funeral Home, 3111 Leonard NE (just west of the East Beltline). The
funeral will be Friday, March 12 at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10-11 a.m. at
LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 107 LaGrave SE.

-end-
Received on Wed Mar 10 20:53:35 2004