Information Systems has made recently some new additions to their department. One such addition being Jim VanBemmelen, who joined the technology support team on Oct. 6.

VanBemmelen attended Mona Shores High School in Muskegon. Throughout his high school years, he worked at a local computer repair shop called Mouse House, where he obtained a large amount of experience with working with computers and people.

After graduating from Mona Shores, VanBemmelen went on to study at Western Michigan University. Later, he transferred to Baker College of Muskegon, which was more conveniently located, since it was closer to home. He continued to work at “Mouse House” throughout his college years as well.

VanBemmelen graduated from Baker College of Muskegon in June. With a bachelor’s in Information Technology and Security, and a decent amount of work experience, he began to search for a job. As he scanned Web sites for openings, he ended up happening upon one that caught his eye.

“I came across Cornerstone’s Web site and saw that they had an opening. I got really excited and applied right away,” VanBemmelen said.

Director of Information Systems, Bryan Johnston, was responsible for hiring VanBemmelen.

“Jim evidenced a strong customer service orientation and technical skill set that is essential to be a successful fit for the position and for the support team in Technology Support. He stood out during the interview process for those reasons,” Johnston said.

After going through a preliminary hiring process, VanBemmelen got the job. His new position is evening tech support, in which he will be working the second shift till 11 p.m. However, he has been unable to take on his full role, since he is currently needed for other Information Systems duties.

“They’ve had some buildup work with some of the school laptops that need repaired, so I’ve been working on that this month.  Right now, I’m just ordering parts for the laptops that need to get sent back to Dell. When the parts come in then, I help repair the computers. It’s not exactly in my job description, but it’s what needs done right now,” VanBemmelen said.

Johnston has found VanBemmelen’s work quite promising so far.

“Jim has done a great job in quickly adapting to our work environment and is already making a significant contribution. His skills and personality are a great fit within Technology Support and we have received positive feedback as a result of now having a full-time second shift technician that is available until 11 p.m. Monday to Friday,” Johnston said.

VanBemmelen values the time he spent working at Mouse House.

“I know that the work I did at Mouse House applied directly to the work I do now. I’m thankful that the experience I received there has helped prepare me for this position,” VanBemmelen said.

Apart from adjusting to a full-time work schedule, VanBemmelen has a number of other modifications to make as he begins his new career.

“I’m living in my grandma’s old house right now, and I’m finding that it’s actually a lot of work to take care of a house by yourself.”

An avid musician, VanBemmelen enjoys playing the saxophone when he isn’t working or doing chores. He continues to perform at his church, and with the occasional cover band. He has also given private lessons to middle school and high school students, something he finds very rewarding.

“Music takes up a lot of my time. It’s a big thing for me,” VanBemmelen said.

VanBemmelen also enjoys biking, downhill skiing, and spending time with his girlfriend of three years, Jillian, and his cat, Taco.

So far, VanBemmelen has found his position to be rather fulfilling.

“I like the atmosphere here, and that was the main reason that I wanted to work here. I like working in a place where people value the same thing that I do, and everyone is working to serve the Lord. When you go from an environment where they don’t do that, there’s such a difference,” VanBemmelen said.