With the members of Hope College’s incoming Class of 2026 at the beginning of their undergraduate education, Opening Convocation speaker Dr. Deborah Vriend Van Duinen shared a three-point plan for making the most of the experience ahead — and beyond.

Hope College has announced the “Anchored Tuition Pledge,” committing to hold tuition at the starting rate for each incoming class beginning with the fall 2022 semester — and to keep it at the present level for all current students.

“No Planet B” features 41 artworks that reflect critically on the many environmental problems that currently face the planet, from climate change and sea level rise to industrial pollution and biodiversity loss. “Chicanx Art: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage” is a smaller exhibition featuring 11 works of art by Chicano and Chicana artists that reflect different aspects of Mexican-American heritage.

At a time when differences of opinion seem increasingly difficult to overcome, Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren of the Hope College psychology faculty is a co-principal investigator for “Applied Research on Intellectual Humility: A Request for Proposals,” which has received a $6 million grant from The John Templeton Foundation.

The college’s new Hope Forward initiative seeks to fully fund tuition for every student up front. While that’s the most tangible goal, it’s only one of several.