Ann Rieth Van Dyke Scholarship

Ann Rieth Van Dyke was born July 3, 1954, in South Bend, Indiana, the eldest of two children of Blair and Martha Rieth. She grew up in Goshen, attended Parkside Elementary School, St. Coletta School near Madison, Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Area Technical College.

Ann developed an interest in helping others at an early age. In her teen years she worked as an aide during the summer with severely developmentally-disabled children at Horizon Learning Center. After high school she worked at Horizon as a staff member until her marriage.

Ann married Paul Van Dyke in 1975, and she and her husband moved to Syracuse, Indiana. Once again she became involved in a helping profession, this time working in home-health care at Greencroft Retirement Community, Goshen. Currently she works for the Elkhart county Council on Aging in respite care with Alzheimer and stroke patients.

Outside her work, Ann is involved in several volunteer activities. She is active with the Business and Professional Women’s Club and the Calvary Methodist Church of Syracuse. Another interest is Loveway, Inc., an agency that provides therapeutic horseback riding for children with disabilities. She and her husband also are strong supporters of the Festival of the Wild Rose Moon, a fund-raising event for Loveway

As is evident from her professional life and her volunteer activities, the theme of Ann’s life is helping others. Part of her success is her exceptional rapport with disabled people, according to her mother, Martha. She has a compassion for others that is unusual and enhances her ability to serve them.

Ann is a “people person” who helps others enjoy richer, more fulfilling lives. Her relational gifts make them feel special.