BVU, Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, P.C., Establish Strategic Partnership
Collaboration with Buena Vista University allows for employees of Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, P.C., as well as eligible family members, to receive benefits to reduce the cost of education.
Buena Vista University (BVU) and Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, P.C., have entered a Strategic Partnership that provides new opportunities to strengthen their communities and the people they serve.
This partnership allows for employees of Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, P.C., as well as eligible family members of full-time employees, to receive grant funding to lower the overall cost of education while enrolled in classes at BVU’s Storm Lake campus. Partner grant funding also lowers the cost per credit hour for students enrolled in BVU’s convenient online undergraduate programs or the organizational leadership graduate program.
"As a working mom with four active kids, I limit the number of classes I take at one time to two-three. However, with the two terms per semester that BVU offers, I will be able to receive my bachelor’s degree in half the time. It is also great to know that I have the support of my employer, Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, P.C., to aid in a hands-on experience in the accounting world.”
Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, P.C., Administrative Assistant Laurie Van Schouwen, who anticipates completing her bachelor's degree through BVU's Online Programs in the spring of 2026
“The Strategic Partnership with Buena Vista University is a great way to support our staff in their professional and personal growth,” says Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, P.C., Assistant Firm Administrator Audrey Schuller. “This is a great opportunity for our staff and their families, and we are pleased to offer this benefit to our staff.”
Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, P.C., is a certified public accounting and consulting firm which offers services for individual clients, businesses, and the agriculture sector, such as tax preparation, business planning, financial reporting, and bookkeeping and payroll. The firm, which employs more than 40 people at its locations in Orange City and Rock Valley, boasts a steadfast commitment to integrity and dedication to excellence.
Laurie Van Schouwen, Administrative Assistant at Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, P.C.’s office in Rock Valley, is already taking advantage of the educational benefits allotted by the firm’s Strategic Partnership with BVU.
“When I started on the path of continuing my education, it was only to obtain my associate degree in business, but during my last semester, I felt inclined to pursue further education for an accounting degree. I quickly narrowed my school choices down to two, and what helped BVU to become my No. 1 choice was that they were so accommodating to me as a nontraditional student,” says Van Schouwen, who anticipates completing her bachelor’s degree through BVU’s Online Programs in the spring of 2026. “From my first inquiry, they took the time to walk me through different scenarios to make sure I was making an informed decision and not jumping in blindly. Another huge benefit for me was that each semester is broken down into two terms. As a working mom with four active kids, I limit the number of classes I take at one time to two-three. However, with the two terms per semester that BVU offers, I will be able to receive my bachelor’s degree in half the time. It is also great to know that I have the support of my employer, Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, P.C., to aid in a hands-on experience in the accounting world.”
“Buena Vista University is excited to welcome Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, P.C., as a new member of our Strategic Partnerships initiative,” says BVU Director of Strategic Partnerships Laura Todd. “Accessible and affordable education remains at the heart of building stronger individuals and communities, so we look forward to the opportunities created through our collaboration with this Strategic Partnership.”
For more information about BVU’s Strategic Partnerships and partner opportunities, please visit the BVU website at bvu.edu/strategic-partnerships or contact Strategic Partnerships at StrategicPartnerships@bvu.edu.