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Our Mission

The mission of Hope College is to educate students for lives of leadership and service in a global society through academic and co-curricular programs of recognized excellence in the liberal arts and in the context of the historic Christian faith.

The Vision that Motivates Hope

To pursue truth so as to renew the mind, enrich the disciplines and transform the culture
To inspire passion for knowledge that grows into understanding and bears fruit in wisdom
To be an exceptional undergraduate liberal arts college that provides excellent professional and pre-professional programs
To be a leading Christian college, ecumenical in character and rooted in the Reformed tradition
To enhance education through residential community and superior co-curricular programs
To embrace and nurture racial, ethnic, cultural and geographic diversity
To promote faithful leadership and grateful service as manifestations of Christian commitment
To engage in mutually beneficial relationships with area communities, academic organizations, the Reformed Church in America and other partners throughout the world
To provide human, physical and financial resources commensurate with outstanding programs

The Core Values that Shape Hope

To offer rigorous academic programs
To contribute to the body of knowledge in the academic disciplines
To nurture vibrant Christian faith
To be a caring community
To foster development of the whole person — intellectually, spiritually, socially, physically
To be wise stewards of resources

The Qualities that Distinguish Hope

Academic excellence and deep Christian faith joined together to strengthen each other in a supportive and welcoming community
Masterful teaching coupled with rigorous faculty scholarship
National leadership in collaborative faculty-student research and creative activity
Recognition in the arts and humanities
Unique Christian character and spiritual growth opportunities
Nationally recognized undergraduate library
Award-winning student activities and intercollegiate athletic programs
Attractive lakeshore location with a downtown campus and an unusually harmonious town-gown relationship with the Holland community.

The Virtues that Mark Conversation at Hope

Humility to listen
Hospitality to welcome
Patience to understand
Courage to challenge
Honesty to speak the truth in love

Read the full Virtues of Public Discourse

Freedom of Expression at Hope

Hope College values the expression of diverse perspectives and ideas and constructive engagement that seeks to pursue and investigate claims of truth. The protections offered under this statement are broad, but not absolute or without limitation. Along with Hope’s Mission, Virtues of Public Discourse, Christian Aspirations, the policies and guidelines of Hope College (including those in all handbooks) serve as frames for expressions of speech and conduct.

Read the full Freedom of Expression Statement

Graduates Anchored in Hope

Hope graduates are educated to think about life’s most important issues with clarity, wisdom, and a deep understanding of the foundational commitments of the historic Christian faith. They are prepared to communicate effectively, bridging boundaries that divide human communities. They are agents of hope who live faithfully into their vocations. Hope graduates make a difference in the world.