Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø News
2026 May
Prof. Kelly Ronald Receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award in Biology
The U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board awarded Dr. Kelly Ronald — assistant professor of biology at Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø — the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Chemistry Major Awarded Barry Goldwater Scholarship
Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø student Gloria Kozak ’27 of Midland, Mich., received the highly competitive scholarship from the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. Kozak is a chemistry major, working with her research mentor Dr. Meagan Elinski, assistant professor of chemistry at Hope. Kozak was one of just 14 Goldwater Scholarship Award recipients from Michigan colleges and universities, and one of 454 nationally
Hope Repertory Theatre Begins 54th Season
Hope Repertory Theatre proudly announces its exciting 54th season, with productions running June 11–August 1, featuring a vibrant lineup of beloved musicals, an American theatrical masterpiece, and a swashbuckling family adventure.
Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø 2026 Commencement Address
Peter Stuursma ’93 — associate professor of kinesiology instruction and Hope’s head football coach — addressed Hope’s Class of 2026 on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Ray and Sue Smith Stadium in Holland, Michigan. It was the 161st commencement for Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø, which celebrated 815 graduates — the largest graduating class in Hope’s history.
Professor Rob Pocock Receives H.O.P.E. Award from Class of 2026
The graduating Class of 2026 presented the annual H.O.P.E. award to Rob Pocock ’77, associate professor of communication instruction.
Baccalaureate and Commencement 2026 Photo Gallery
Approximately 815 graduates — the largest graduating class in Hope’s history — participated in the 161st commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 10, at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.
Hope Leaders, Students Speak to Michigan House Subcommittee
The Michigan Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges heard from several students, presidents, staff and others across Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities (MICU) campus members, who advocated for continued investment in state financial aid programs to benefit all learners. The activity was part of MICU’s annual Advocacy Day.
2026 Apr
Hope’s Largest Graduating Class Celebrated During May 10 Graduation Activities
Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø will host its baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 10, when the largest graduation class in Hope’s history will gather.
Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Announces Faculty Retirements After 2025-26 Academic Year
With much appreciation, Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø celebrates the following esteemed faculty members retiring at the close of the Spring 2026 semester. They are an exceptional group of educators, scholars and mentors representing a collective 350 years of dedicated service to the college community — across many disciplines, from the sciences and social sciences to the humanities and arts. Their commitment has shaped the lives of countless students, contributed significantly to their respective fields and helped define the academic excellence of Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø for decades. Each will be recognized during the May 10, 2026, commencement ceremony at the Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.
Washington Honors Semester Hits 50-Year Anniversary, Announces Special Endowment Gift
As Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Washington Honors Semester program, the college also recognized a significant donor gift that will help support the program indefinitely.
Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Announces 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
The Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the accomplishments of alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their chosen profession, have made a positive impact on their community and are involved with the college. This year’s recipients will be recognized during the college’s Milestone Weekend (May 15-16) in Holland, where the Class of 1976 will also be celebrated.
Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Students to Present Creative and Research Projects on April 17
Original research by Hope students on nearly 200 different topics will be highlighted during the college’s 25th annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity on Friday, April 17, starting at 2:30 p.m. at the Richard and Helen DeVos Fieldhouse on the Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø campus in Holland. The public is invited and admission is free.