Calvin Seminary Establishes Legacy Award

The Vermeer Charitable Foundation and members of the family that established and continue to operate Vermeer Corporation, a global manufacturing company in Pella, Iowa, have been honored for generous and faithful support of Calvin Theological Seminary throughout the generations.

The seminary’s inaugural Legacy Award, specifically designed to recognize and cultivate philanthropic and charitable giving from one generation to the next, was presented to members of the Gary and Matilda Vermeer family and the Harry and Bernice Vermeer family and officers and directors of the company’s Charitable Foundation during a recent scholarship and donor dinner in the Grand Ballroom of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Vermeer faith-infused philosophy and tradition of charitable giving was highlighted at the dinner in a tribute video.

Accepting the award on behalf of the families were Bob Vermeer, the company’s Chair Emeritus and President of the Vermeer Charitable Foundation, and Derek De Haan, a grandson of Harry Vermeer and a director of the Foundation. Other family members in attendance at the event were Lois Vermeer, Stan Vermeer, Ralph De Haan and Anna De Haan.

Bob Vermeer acknowledged that his parents, Gary and Matilda, both now deceased, had impressed upon their children and grandchildren the importance of supporting Christian causes. “We knew that if we were blessed, we should give to others,” he said.

De Haan noted that his grandparents, Harry and Bernice Vermeer, helped “instill that idea of a generous heart. God calls us to be generous to others. It’s not ours to begin with. It’s his. We’re using God’s gifts to make an impact in his kingdom.”

Vermeer is a manufacturer of industrial and agricultural equipment distributed throughout the world. Founded in 1948 in Pella, it is now being led by a third-generation member of the family, Jason Andringa, who is president and CEO.

The Vermeer philosophy — focusing on principles, people, product and profit -- is aimed at inspiring honesty and excellence in all of its business dealings.

Calvin Seminary President Jul Medenblik said the institution he leads has benefited from the Vermeer family’s support for three generations, and pointed to a list of key programs and initiatives that the Vermeer families or the Foundation have helped to seed and flourish.

“The Vermeer families and the Vermeer Charitable Foundation have been stellar and strategic partners for us over the past 65 years,” said Medenblik. “It is the seminary’s hope that this Legacy Award brings glory to God and inspires many other families to practice biblical stewardship and model extravagant giving for their children and for the generations still to come.”