ON JANUARY 1, 2009, JACK VAN DYKE STEPPED DOWN from his position as dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Science (FNAS). As he gradually enters retirement, teaching a full course load this spring and possibly several courses in the fall, he reflects on his 32 years as a chemistry professor, dean of the FNAS, and mentor to students and faculty at TWU.
Some of Van Dyke’s most satisfying memories are of helping pre-med students apply for a coveted spot in medical school.
Recalling one student, Sheryl Kegel, who applied four times to UBC medicine, Van Dyke says. “It was the crowning jewel when she finally got in.”
Van Dyke encouraged Kegel to pursue her dream of attending medical school and helped her through the process of preparing four applications and receiving three rejection letters. Kegel says, “Dr. Van Dyke was my mentor; we met for countless hours to brainstorm ideas for compiling a successful application. He made time for everyone, even though he had so many commitments. But that’s the kind of person he is—he makes everyone feel cherished and welcomed.”
Kegel rushed into Van Dyke’s office when she received her acceptance letter to UBC medicine. “We jumped around and celebrated like I’d won the lottery,” she says. Kegel graduates with her MD this year, and you can bet Dr. Van Dyke is invited to the ceremony.
"No one year has been the same."
As well as mentoring students, Van Dyke strengthened TWU’s science programs. In 1991, he became an assistant dean of the faculty, and in 1997, assumed the role of dean of FNAS. Under his leadership, the FNAS grew to account for almost 25 per cent of degrees offered at TWU. Van Dyke also helped write TWU’s statement on creation, one of the University’s core values documents.
When asked what held his interest in TWU for so many years, Van Dyke responds, “Things have changed so much over the years; the University grows, and the tasks change—no one year has been the same. Every year, I find new challenges and new growth. That’s been a positive thing.”
What lesson has Van Dyke learned working with students and faculty and watching TWU grow over the years? “When you put personal effort into people, they do grow,” he says.
by Laura Ralph