Distinguished Alumnus
Class of 2024

Beth V. Hull Vyverberg

AHS Class of 1960

Beth Vyverberg found success in teaching, business, and community work, but may be most highly regarded for her lifelong commitment to music.

Beth Vivian Hull, born October 2, 1942, was the first child of Dale W. and Vivian Dorch Hull of Arcola, with younger siblings Sharon, Marcia, Rita and Roger. Beth began her music education with piano lessons in the first grade and continued to study piano for twelve years. With the addition of organ lessons in sixth grade, it was necessary for her to practice at the funeral home before starting the school day. As a fourth grade student, Beth played piano for Sunday school in The Methodist Church. She first accompanied the adult choir while in seventh grade, played the organ for church services the following year and continued this music ministry throughout high school. Beth also sang with the youth choir in her church. As a fifth grade student in the Arcola Grade School Band, she first played clarinet, transitioned to oboe in seventh grade and then added the baritone saxophone the following year.

At Arcola High School, Beth continued to be a talented and dedicated music student. She was a four-year member of Band, Dance Band and Girls Chorus. Beth sang with the Mixed Chorus and participated in ensembles for both Band and Chorus. Additionally, she held offices in Band each year, won superior ratings as an oboe soloist at annual contests and also provided piano accompaniment for other students at contests. In leadership roles, the four-year honor student was sophomore class president, served on Student Council and received both the DAR and Arion awards for the Class of 1960. Other high school activities included Girls Athletic Association, Future Teachers of America, Future Homemakers of America, Pep Club, Torch, Arco-Lite and a leading role in the junior class play.

Beth furthered her education at the University of Illinois, where both her parents had earned teaching degrees. She played oboe in the Second Regimental Band, was Delta Zeta Sorority House president, member of the Panhellenic Council and Phi Upsilon Omicron honor society for Home Economics. Beth completed her studies at the University of Illinois in 1964 with a BS degree in Home Economics Education. Her teaching career began at Gibson City High School in the fall of 1964. The following summer, Beth Hull and Ron Vyverberg were married in Arcola and she continued to teach full or part time Home Economics classes at Gibson City High School for an additional ten years, also serving as FHA sponsor. Beth used her teaching and musical talents in the Gibson City United Methodist Church and was also a member of the Gibson City Business Women’s Club.

The Vyverberg family returned to the Arcola community in 1981 when Ron and Beth continued the family Main Street retail business, Vyverberg’s Store. Beth soon became involved with music in the Arcola United Methodist Church as senior choir accompanist in 1983 and church organist in 1984, and remains committed to her music ministry forty years later. She has also served on both Beautification and Worship committees in the church. As a volunteer in the Arcola community, Beth was a Chamber of Commerce member for thirty-seven years, serving on the board of directors and as eight-year chair of the retail committee. She was a twenty-five year member of Arcola Foundation Board of Governors from 1989-2014, with five years of service as vice-president. Additionally, Beth assisted Ron with Arcola Swim Team from 1982-1992, was a member of Arcola Music Club and accompanied the Arcola Lions Club chorus at their annual variety shows. In recognition of their decades of dedicated work in the Arcola community, Beth and Ron Vyverberg were honored as Broom Corn Festival Grand Marshals in 2011 and were also named 2019 Arcola Rotary Citizens of the Year.

Beth shares her musical life with the young trumpet player she admired when she was just a sophomore in the Arcola High School Band. Beth Hull and Ron Vyverberg were high school sweethearts who married June 26, 1965, in the Arcola Methodist Church. Their daughters, Juli and Jennifer, were born in 1969 and 1971 while Beth and Ron held teaching positions at Gibson City High School. Through the decades, they have shared their passion for music with their daughters, sons-in-law and five grandchildren. In Arcola, they worked side by side for thirty-seven years at Vyverberg’s Store and still volunteer their time jointly in the community. After more than forty years, Beth and Ron work together as they continue their faithful music ministry in the Arcola United Methodist Church. The partners in music, business and life were able to close the doors of their business in 2018, allowing them to share more time with their family and friends.