Arlin Glenn Meyer
Arlin Glenn Meyer Ph.D., age 79, of Valparaiso, Indiana, died on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 at his home. He was born in Sioux Center, Iowa, on Sept. 17, 1937, to the late Henk and Hermina (Ten Harmsel) Meyer. Professor Meyer was a resident of Valparaiso, Indiana, since 1967 and a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, Indiana. He earned a bachelor of arts from Calvin College, a master of arts from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. from Ohio University. Professor Meyer began his teaching career as a high school teacher at Holland Christian High School in Holland, Michigan.
He served as dean of Christ College — The Honors College from 1978 until 1990 and was responsible for introducing the concept of symposium to the Christ College curriculum, which exists as a core part of the college today.
During his time at the University, Professor Meyer first served as a member of the English department and later as the chair of the English department prior to his induction as the dean of Christ College. Following his retirement from the position of dean in 1990, Professor Meyer resumed his duties as a faculty member in the English department and began to serve as the director of the Lilly Fellows Program. He also served as the resident director for the University’s Study Abroad program at the study center in Cambridge, England. Professor Meyer retired from the University in 2002 but remained active in the Valparaiso, Indiana, area. Every two years, the Lilly Fellows Program awards the Arlin G. Meyer Award for fine arts, which is given to honor exemplary submissions in visual art, performance, imaginative writing, and nonfiction. Most recently, the award went to Lisa J. Deboer for her book “Visual Arts in the Worshiping Church.”
Professor Meyer is survived by his wife, Sharon (Van Wingeren) Meyer of Valparaiso, Indiana; children: Kenton (Colleen) Meyer and Kristin (Mark Geistlinger) Meyer; grandchildren: Luke Geistlinger, Eliza Meyer, Zoe Meyer, and Matthew Meyer; brothers: Gary (Beverly) Meyer, Myron (Karen) Meyer, and Dennis (Susan) Meyer; sisters: Henny Van Beek, Donna Meyer, and Irene (Dan) Vanderberg; brother-in-law: Robert Retsema; sisterin-law: Karen Van Wingeren; and many nephews, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law: John Van Wingeren and Gerrit Van Beek; sister-in- law: Joan Retsema; and niece: Carole Van Beek.
