Meet the Congress

Executive Board

Kate Kalthoff

President

Kate Kalthoff is a senior from Carmel, Indiana, studying philosophy and religion with an emphasis on ethics, culture and social witness. This is Kate’s first year as president and fourth year on Student Congress. Previously she served as a general campus representative, Critical Issues Symposium director, and Administrative Affairs Task Force chair. She was also involved on campus as a resident assistant (RA) and serves as the general chair of Hope’s annual Nykerk Cup Competition. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in the water, practicing German, painting and thrifting. Following graduation, she hopes to discover a career that fits one of her many interests: humanitarian work, law, higher ed administration and public policy.

Cecilia Casper

Vice President

Cecilia is a senior from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, studying theatre and communications. This is Cecilia’s fourth year in Congress, where she was previously Campus Life Task Force co-chair, junior class representative, secretary, and Voorhees Hall representative, as well as a student representative for the Judicial Standings and Appeals Committee and the Campus Life Board. She is involved in Greek Life, Hope’s theatre department, the Pull, Orientation and previously Residential Life. In her free time, she loves to spend time outdoors, watch movies and read. Her post-graduate plans include hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and pursuing a career in filmmaking.

Mariah Shaver

Chief of Staff

Mariah is a senior pre-law student from Highland, Michigan. Previously, she sat on the Assessments Committee for Student Congress and was the student representative on the assessments faculty governance board. In addition to Congress, she is secretary of the Pre-Law Society, a learning coach at CASA and a Hope College Library employee. In her free time, she enjoys writing, watching football and listening to country music. After graduation, she will be attending law school with the hope of one day becoming an attorney in criminal law.

Ben DuBay

Controller

Ben is a senior from Omaha, Nebraska, studying economics and business. He is the controller this year after spending last year as the controller-elect and the previous year as the Wyckoff Hall representative. On campus, Ben is a member of the Hope College swimming and diving team. In his free time, Ben enjoys spending time with friends and watching sports.

Grace Hammers

Vice Controller

Grace Hammers is a junior from Southfield, Michigan, studying biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in religion. Grace is on a pre-med track and plans on attending medical school following graduation. This is Grace’s second year on Student Congress. Prior to this year, she served as the Cook Hall representative, was a member of the Administrative Affairs Task Force, and is now sitting on the Co-Curricular Activities committee. Apart from Student Congress, Grace is greatly involved in Hope College’s Dance Marathon, volunteering at Compassionate Heart Ministries, doing research in the Hope College chemistry department, and working as a caregiver at an assisted living facility.

Sara Cerda

Chief of Culture and Inclusion

Sara Cerda is a first-generation student from Chicago, Illinois. She is a senior majoring in accounting with a minor in Spanish. This is Sara’s third year on Student Congress, previously serving as the representative for First Gen Union on the culture and inclusion committee and as chief of culture and inclusion elect. Apart from serving on Student Congress, Sara is the president of the Latino Student Organization, among other roles, all with the intention to make Hope College as inclusive, diverse and equitable as possible.

Aaron Vazquez

Vice Chief of Culture and Inclusion

Aaron Vazquez, a dedicated first-generation student from Portage, Michigan, is pursuing a dual major in business and psychology, accompanied by a minor in leadership. This academic year marks Aaron's debut in Student Congress, where he is ready to make a positive impact. Beyond his role in Student Congress, Aaron is a prominent figure on campus, proudly serving as a resident assistant (RA), showcasing the university's vibrant community as a tour guide for Hope's Office of Admissions, and is also involved in The Pull. Away from bustling campus life, Aaron enjoys hiking, advocating for physical fitness and mental well-being, spending quality time with family and friends, and is a true coffee connoisseur.

Elle Oom

Chief of Assessment

Elle is a junior studying secondary education and mathematics. Previously on Student Congress she had served as a general campus representative as well as the chief of assessment-elect. Outside of Student Congress, she spends her time around campus involved with Campus Ministries as a Bible study leader and a member of the social justice team, playing intramural sports, studying at Biggby and playing board games with her friends.

Eric Alsgaard

Vice Chief of Assessment

Eric Alsgaard is a junior from Holland, Michigan, studying electrical engineering and math. Previously appointed as the sophomore class representative, Eric now serves as the vice chief of assessment, surveying the student body and utilizing his background in engineering project management and Lean Six Sigma methodology. Outside of his work and studies, he enjoys playing electric and classical guitar, reading books, and making and enjoying coffee of all kinds. He is also the only member on Student Congress to have a properly-fitting pair of wooden shoes.

Cabinet

• All Exec (including Vice roles)
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Chief of Public Affairs
• Public Affairs Coordinator(s)
• Administrative Affairs Task Force Chair
• Academic Affairs Task Force Chair
• Campus Life Task Force Chair
• Critical Issues Symposium Director

Class Council

• Contact congress@hope.edu if you are interested in representing your class!
• Senior Class Representatives
• Junior Class Representatives
• Sophomore Class Representatives
• Freshman Class Representatives

General Congress

• Cook Hall
• Durfee Hall
• Dykstra Hall
• Gilmore Hall
• Kollen Hall
• Lichty Hall
• Phelps Hall
• Scott Hall
• Van Vleck Hall
• Voorhees Hall
• Wyckoff Hall
• Neighborhood Representatives
• Off-Campus Representatives
• Appointed Campus Representatives
• Appropriations Representatives
• Culture and Inclusion Representatives
• Assessment Representatives