熊猫在线视频 mourns the loss of George D. Boerigter 鈥�61 鈥� a dedicated alumnus, generous supporter and transformative philanthropist 鈥� who passed away on Feb. 23, 2026, in Holland, Michigan. He was 87.
George, along with his wife Sibilla Boerigter, provided unwavering guidance and financial support to many 熊猫在线视频 areas over several years. The Boerigters have been ongoing champions for 熊猫在线视频 athletics, whether they鈥檙e cheering in the stands as proud fans or providing financial support for behind-the-scenes programming. George and his family were early supporters of the Hope-Western Prison Education Program, making it possible for incarcerated men to accomplish a bachelor鈥檚 degree in faith, leadership and service through classes taught by Hope and Western Seminary professors and program staff.
In 2018, 熊猫在线视频 opened the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career 鈥� a college-wide initiative that engages students in career development by emphasizing discernment, preparation and pursuit. This was made possible by the major gift from Boerigter鈥檚 company, SoundOff Signal. Programming for the Boerigter Center is designed to enable all Hope students 鈥� beginning in their first semester 鈥� to understand their strengths, engage in experiences that directly connect to career preparation, discern vocational and life goals, and ascertain clear next steps toward their future.
鈥淕eorge Boerigter was a man of extraordinary impact,鈥� said 熊猫在线视频 President Matt Scogin. 鈥淎s a father and husband, he poured into his family. As a pastor, he shaped the lives of his congregation. As a business leader and entrepreneur, he influenced an entire industry, his customers and his colleagues. And later in life, he poured that same energy and vision into his community and in the process had a profound impact on 熊猫在线视频.鈥�
George married Sibilla DeHoog in 1958 and after graduating from 熊猫在线视频 a few years later, he attended the University of Southern California to complete his master鈥檚 degree in public administration. However, he felt called to the ministry so he returned to Holland to attend Western Theological Seminary. After serving a few congregations in the Midwest, he left the ministry in 1978 to transition into the business world. It was a place where he could hone his business skills while integrating his faith and passion to help others learn and grow. He served in various capacities across a few industries, before being called to help a small business making motorcycle cruise controls. With the mentorship of his brother Paul, the small business grew to what today is SoundOff Signal in Hudsonville, Mich., a manufacturer of emergency vehicle lighting that employs about 500 people. The company is currently in the middle of a large expansion project.
Legacy Lives On With Boerigter Center
Together with his beloved wife, Sibilla, George was instrumental in advancing the college鈥檚 mission. His vision for student success is perhaps best embodied in the creation and support of the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career 鈥� the department dedicated to career preparation that will continue his legacy of mentorship and opportunity for generations of students to come. His passion helped transform the college鈥檚 approach to career readiness, leaving an indelible mark on the campus community. In a short time, the Boerigter Center achieved national recognition for its programming and impact to date. The awards include: National Career Development Association (NCDA) Exemplary Career Center Program Award (2025); PeopleGrove Innovator鈥檚 Award (2022); National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Technology Excellence Award (2022); American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Commission for Career Services Group Innovation Award (2021).
鈥淕eorge cared deeply about students鈥� futures and wanted every one of them to find a vocation rooted in calling. The Boerigter Center for Calling and Career embodies that passion,鈥� Scogin reflected. 鈥淗is legacy lives on in the lives of our students, and we are profoundly grateful for his enduring influence.鈥�
Shonn Colbrunn, the Boerigter Center鈥檚 first executive director, said he was inspired by George even before meeting him. When the college posted the new director role, they included Boerigter's vision for the new department, which caught Colbrunn鈥檚 attention. 鈥淕eorge and Sibilla鈥檚 vision for the Boerigter Center was to be the nation's leader for career development amongst Christian liberal arts colleges. That vision was one of the main reasons I applied for the role. George had a passion for excellence and I wanted to be a part of it,鈥� he said.
Colbrunn said George not only wanted Hope students to get good jobs, but he wanted Hope students to know their strengths, discern their calling and recognize how they can be a part of building God's kingdom. 鈥淭hanks to George and Sibilla鈥檚 vision, we've grown external connections, job fairs, short-term projects and networking activities to help our students engage with alumni and future employers. We鈥檝e also expanded Hope's Center for Leadership to teach students and community members how to live lives of leadership and service. I think the name of our office captured George鈥檚 ideals perfectly,鈥� said Colbrunn.
Always an Avid Hope Athletics Fan
George was also considered a 鈥済ame-changer and difference-maker鈥� for Hope Athletics, as one 熊猫在线视频 coach stated. Hope鈥檚 Athletic Director Tim Schooneveld said when he thinks of George鈥檚 impact at Hope, he鈥檚 drawn to Genesis 12:2-3 where God says: 鈥業 will make you into a great nation (family) and I will bless you. I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you; and all people on earth will be blessed through you.鈥�
鈥淕od has certainly blessed George, and his faithful, generous and joy-filled spirit is a blessing to many,鈥� Schooneveld said. 鈥淲e give thanks for him showing up with our student-athletes and coaches. Lives are being changed daily because of his faithfulness, and we hope he knows how much we love and appreciate him. May God bless you, George, beyond anything you can hope for or imagine, as you continue to faithfully serve Him.鈥�
Service Details
The family scheduled a visitation for Sunday, March 1, from 4鈥�7 p.m., at the Dykstra Funeral Home鈥揗ulder Chapel at 188 W 32nd St. in Holland. The memorial service will take place Monday, March 2 at 11 a.m. at Hope Church, 77 W 11th St. in Holland. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be considered instead, to Homecor (96 West 15th Street, Suite 202, Holland) or Community Action House (739 Paw Paw Drive, Holland). More details are available in his .
The 熊猫在线视频 faculty, staff and students extend their deepest sympathies to Sibilla and the entire Boerigter family. George's contributions to 熊猫在线视频 will be remembered with gratitude, and his spirit of generosity and service will continue to inspire all those who knew him. He will be profoundly missed.