Lampen, Albert E. (1887-1963). Papers, 1905-1974.

Albert Eugene Lampen was born on June 8, 1887, in Oakland, Allegan County, Michigan. He attended elementary school at School #6, located in Overisel Township, Michigan. He received his high school education at the Hope College Preparatory Department and Burnips Corners’ High School. After high school, he attended and graduated from Hope College in 1911. He received a degree from the University of Michigan (A.M., 1914) and completed the coursework at the University of Michigan and University of Chicago for a Ph.D. in mathematics.

His professional career started as a principal at a district school in Overisel Township in Allegan County, Michigan, from 1905-1908. From 1911-1913, he served as the superintendent of schools for Saugatuck, Michigan. He served the same role at Gladwin, Michigan, from 1914-1916. He began his college teaching work in Winona College in Winona, Indiana, in 1916 as a professor of math and Latin and remained there until 1918. In January 1918, he served as a professor of physics and astronomy at Washburn College in Topeka, Kansas, and, in September, professor of mathematics and astronomy at Hope College. In 1919, Lampen was appointed professor of mathematics, and elected professor of mathematics in 1921. During his entire tenure at Hope College, Lampen served as the head of the mathematics department, as well as an instructor in navigation and astronomy. Also, during his time at Hope College, he served as the secretary on the Classical Board of Benevolence for the Reformed Church in America (RCA) for thirty-three years beginning in 1927. The beloved professor, also known for his terms on the Administrative Committee, faculty sponsor for Blue Key, member of the Athletic Committee, and official timekeeper for many athletic contests, retired from Hope College in 1957, but continued working part-time there for three more years.

Lampen passed away in Holland, Michigan, on March 25, 1963. Beginning in 1964, from gifts contributed by relatives, friends and former students, an annual memorial prize in mathematics honoring Lampen has been awarded to a senior math major. Three years later, Hope College announced the naming of a classroom in Lampen’s name in the newly built Physics/Math Hall (now known as VanderWerf Hall).