Magdalena Hoetmer

is honored with a Brick from Rhatigan Student Center

Magda Hoetmer was born Magdalena VanDerBom in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. As a young girl her family immigrated to the United States. The family came to this US after becoming associated with the Wichita Gospel Assembly Church through a missionary to The Netherlands. Following after her parent’s dedication to serving God, Magda has been faithful in doing good for others, being a good citizen, being a dependable, hardworking employee, and striving to be Christ like. Magda still attends Gospel Assembly Church with her husband Ted, their three children and grandchildren. Having learned to play music as a little girl, she joined the church praise and worship band. After over fifty-five years, she is still an active member of the band playing the saxophone.

Magda’s husband Ted, immigrated to the US from The Netherlands to attend the same church as Magda. Shortly after arriving he was drafted into the US Army. Ted returned to Wichita just prior to Magda finishing high school. Magda and Ted were married and started a family. The house that they made a home is a 10 minute drive from Wichita State University. Magda enjoys giving back to the neighborhood community, she has been an active member of the Historic Midtown Association, once serving in key planning and support roles.

Magda, with Ted’s support, has fostered a wonderful life full of memories and traditions that have kept the family close and supportive of one another. Magda has created a warm home atmosphere and positive family relationships. One of her favorite places to create memories with the family is at the family cabin on the Chikaskia River south of Drury, Kansas.

One of the ways Magda gets her love to her family, friends, and co-workers is by sharing her talents in cooking. Between holiday celebrations, church “potluck” dinners, providing a meal for a sick friends family, or just because, she uses this remarkable talent to bless others. Indonesian and traditional Dutch dishes are a specialty, and her pies are without rival. How lucky we are!

Another one of Magda’s special talents and loves is gardening. If you come to the door at her house and knock, and no one answers, there is a good chance you will find her in the garden. Sharing this talent for the benefit of others, she has spent countless hours volunteering her time, decorating for weddings and other special occasions, creatively combining all types of materials to create beautiful displays.

In her time as the Senior Administrative Specialist to the Director of the Rhatigan Student Center Magda had the opportunity to be a part of the renewal of the Student Center. She also enjoyed from her position making hundreds of friends and acquaintances. She is especially fond of getting to know and interacting with students from all over the country and world. Magda has enjoyed being involved in fundraisers and campus organizations such as the Council of University Women.

The staff of the Rhatigan Student Center is honoring Magda with this brick for her 15 years of service, her kindness and her dedication.