Calvin Mourns Death of Senior Student

June 7, 2004

Just over two weeks ago parents from around the globe journeyed to Grand
Rapids for Commencement at Calvin College, a time of joyful transition for some
900 seniors from the life of a student to the world of a graduate.

This week the parents of Calvin senior Nyela Turaki will make a long journey
from their home in Nigeria to West Michigan for a far more somber reason. On
June 5 their precious daughter suffered a brain hemorrhage while getting ready
to enjoy a meal with close friends at a local restaurant. And on June 6 she
went to her eternal home.

Now the parents will come to claim the body of their daughter. But, say
Calvin officials, Nyela's parents, and her many friends, know that while death
has claimed her earthly body, Nyela will live for eternity with her faithful
Lord and Savior.

"This weekend we were privileged to gather around Nyela's bed for a time of
prayer, singing and scripture reading," says Calvin vice president for student
life Shirley Hoogstra. "It was a time of reliance of God. Nyela's friends
testified to her love for her Lord Jesus Christ. As Nyela's godmother said
'God's ways are not our ways, but we are held in the palm of his hand. Live
each day fully, forgiving one another in the Lord.'"

Calvin had approximately 200 international students in 2003-2004 and about 30
of those students were from Nigeria. Many gathered this weekend to keep vigil
with their friend. Calvin's Linda Bosch is an advisor to international
students and says Nyela's death is dealing the close-knit population a heavy
blow.

"Nyela was such a gentle girl," says Bosch. "She has a warm smile and was
very friendly. This is really, really, really hard."

Frank Speyers, a professor of art at Calvin, had Nyela, an art major hoping to
go into architecture, this past semester for a communication design class and
echoes Bosch.

"Nyela Turaki was one of those rare jewels who seem to be the most content
when noticed the least," he says. "Unobtrusive, graced with a quiet spirit,
she never called attention to herself except that her work was always
well-thought-out and stimulating. Her gentle, sweet presence and teachable
spirit was evident to all. Soft spoken, ready with a brilliant smile, she
enriched all of us. She had registered for another course I was planning to
teach this coming fall. I will miss her presence."

Calvin currently is working with the office of Congressman Vern Ehlers to
expedite the visas of Nyela's parents, Dr. Yusuf and Dr. Deborah Turaki.
Zaagman Memorial Chapel at 2800 Burton will be taking care of arrangements
which are still pending due to the finalization of the parents' travel plans.
Calvin also is hoping to hold a service of remembrance at the end of this
week.

Contact Shirley Hoogstra at 616-526-6453 or shoogstr@calvin.edu
See http://www.zaagman.com/obituaries.html

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Received on Mon Jun 7 16:15:17 2004