John William “Bill” Luurtsema Establishes Scholarship Honoring Wanda Luurtsema
In loving memory of his late wife, Wanda Luurtsema, John William “Bill” Luurtsema is establishing the Wanda J. Luurtsema Endowed Scholarship at Cornerstone University through an initial $250,000 gift supporting future generations of nursing students pursuing Christ-centered education, servant leadership and lives of gospel influence. The scholarship is expected to support students whose compassion, character and care for others reflect the kind of Christ-centered service that defined Wanda’s life.
“Cornerstone University joins with Bill in honoring Wanda Luurtsema’s life, faith and enduring legacy,” said Cornerstone University President Gerson Moreno-Riaño. “As a beloved graduate and member of our Golden Eagle community, Wanda beautifully reflected our gospel-centered mission through her love for Jesus Christ, encouragement of others and servant-hearted care for people. Through this significant endowed scholarship, her influence will continue encouraging and supporting students for generations to come.”
“We are honored and excited to have this scholarship and remembrance of Wanda,” Bill shared. “Cornerstone university has been in an integral part of our family for some years. We look forward to the scholarship, helping young students become a dynamic Christian testimony in the health care field.”
A West Michigan native who attended nursing school early in life, Wanda later fulfilled a personal goal by graduating from Cornerstone University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership, reflecting her lifelong commitment to faith, growth and serving others. Wanda believed deeply in the God-given value and dignity of every human life, a conviction reflected through years of service in church ministries, Christian education, hospitality and volunteer work supporting women and families. Those who knew Wanda remember her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, radiant smile and sincere desire to care for others in Jesus’ name.
The Wanda J. Luurtsema Endowed Scholarship will support students enrolled in the nursing program who exemplify strong Christian character, servant leadership and positive influence within the Cornerstone community.
Wanda and the Luurtsema family have maintained longstanding ties to Cornerstone University through decades of leadership service and involvement. Bill Luurtsema is a former university trustee and longtime supporter of both Cornerstone University and 91.3 WCSG radio. The family also contributed to support connected to the Bernice Hansen Athletic Center and has multiple alumni and university connections, including Leigh Arnold, Dean Luurtsema, and former employee Aimee Luurtsema.
Bill and Wanda Luurtsema were blessed with four children, including several with yearslong connections to Cornerstone University, as well as 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Their family’s deep connection to Cornerstone reflects decades of encouragement, generosity and investment in students, Christian education and the university community.
The scholarship also comes during a historic season for Cornerstone University as the institution marks its 85th anniversary alongside America’s 250th anniversary and prepares to launch The Cornerstone Core™ curriculum this fall. The Luurtsema’s interest in American history and civic life closely aligns with the university’s academic student experience focused on Christian worldview formation, moral leadership and faithful engagement in communities, culture and the American experience.
The Wanda J. Luurtsema Endowed Scholarship will be supported through the Cornerstone University Endowment, helping provide ongoing scholarship support for students for generations to come.
For more information about how to be considered for this Luurtsema legacy honoring scholarship, please contact the Admissions Office at 616.949.5300 or admissions@cornerstone.edu.
