By Kelsi Peace, Managing Editor
Brenda Van Dunk, 61, wrote prayers on her lecture notes – an illustration of what co-workers say was a deep commitment to her faith and her career.
“[It was] all done under the umbrella of ‘This is for the Lord,'” said Susan Clark, associate professor of social work.
Van Dunk, assistant professor of social work, died May 20 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Born in Hackensack, N.J., on Feb. 27, 1946, Van Dunk earned a bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University in 1971 and a master’s in social work from Syracuse University in 1976.
She established and directed the Davis House/Youth Consultation Service, a treatment center for psychiatrically diagnosed children, before coming to ACU in 1990, where she and Clark met as new professors. The two women had offices next to one another for 15 years, during which time Clark observed Van Dunk’s passion and dedication to her work.
“I think she had a heart for all people, but I think she felt real committed to supporting the African American students,” Clark said.
Van Dunk was actively involved in the National Association of Black Social Work Educators as well as the National Association of Social Workers, the Academy of Certified Social Workers, the North American Council of Christian Social Workers and the Council on Social Work Education.
She spent 10 years sponsoring a student social work club on campus, spending after-hours time with students in the organization, Clark said.
Van Dunk’s students saw her as a mentor, but also knew her courses were challenging, said Jean Isom, assistant professor of social work. Last year, Isom took over Van Dunk’s classes, and she said it gave her a new picture of Van Dunk.
“It gives you insight,” Isom said. “Brenda had an exceptional ability to think about the product that would come out of the class.”
From the prayers penciled in the margins to the well-planned lecture, Isom said Van Dunk presented a thorough class that clearly involved a great deal of effort.
“She was soft-spoken,” Isom said, “And slow to speak. but she also thought very carefully because she thought words were very important.”
When Van Dunk came to Abilene, she left behind family in New York and New Jersey to respond to God’s call to be social worker, Clark said.
And when she wasn’t at the university, Van Dunk continued to serve and lead in the Abilene community, especially among the black community, Isom and Clark said. Van Dunk lived with her dear friend and roommate Roberta, helping to raise Roberta’s niece and launching her own ministry-similar to Meals on Wheels-from her home, Clark said. The women also ran a children’s summer camp from their home.
And Van Dunk could also fight.
“She could be feisty,” Isom said. “She could stand up for herself.”
Isom recalled times when Van Dunk would argue with her, doing it so nicely that Isom said she hardly realized what was happening until it was over.
“You always knew where you stood with Brenda,” Clark said.
Van Dunk was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, Clark said, and she turned to God for strength and never gave up.
“She was a fighter,” Clark said.
Isom said at a memorial service the stories women from the community shared presented a new insight into Van Dunk’s life.
“The community lost a leader,” she said.
