First-Gen Faculty & Staff
The following Hope faculty and staff members were first-gen students in college. They share a commitment to ensure that other first-gen students succeed on our campus.

Resident Director, Voorhees Hall
Residential Life and Housing
DeWitt Student Cultural Center Floor 1
141 East 12th Street
Holland, MI 49423
616.395.7800
“I am inspired daily by First-Gen students at Hope. They know how to cherish opportunities and live into experiences in a way that their peers often don’t. In our communities, they bring light and life. Students: you are a gift to our campus!”
Associate Professor of Social Work and Social Work Field Director
Sociology and Social Work Department
Van Zoeren Hall Room 265
41 Graves Place
Holland, MI 49423-3698
616.395.7364
“As a first-generation POC, I have walked this journey with many resilient college students. One thing I repeatedly see is a sense of survivor’s guilt where our personal success leaves us feeling guilty for those we have essentially “left behind” in their respective difficult circumstances. I want all first-gen students to both know that 1) your success does not add to anyone else’s lack thereof, and 2) your resilience and success will only be an asset to your family. Journey on warriors!”

Professor of Psychology
Psychology Department
A. Paul Schaap Science Center 1164
35 East 12th Street
Holland, MI 49423-3605
616.395.7148
inman@hope.edu

Adjunct Faculty
Political Science
Lubbers Hall Room 226
126 East 10th Street
Holland, MI 49423
616.395.7545
omalley@hope.edu
“As a first-generation student, there were a lot of challenges and gray areas that I did not know how to navigate. Additionally, the people I trusted and loved the most didn't know either. The resilience that first-gen students need to succeed is different from others. From the classroom to dorms to back home, everything is new, and that is okay.”
Lubbers Hall Room 226
126 East 10th Street
Holland, MI 49423
616.395.7545
omalley@hope.edu
“As a first-generation student, there were a lot of challenges and gray areas that I did not know how to navigate. Additionally, the people I trusted and loved the most didn't know either. The resilience that first-gen students need to succeed is different from others. From the classroom to dorms to back home, everything is new, and that is okay.”

Career Advisor & Content Specialist
Boerigter Center for Calling and Career
DeWitt Student Cultural Center
141 East 12th Street Suite 136
Holland, MI 49423
616.395.7950
“
As a first-gen student, I understand the challenges of navigating college life with very little input from my family. I hope to share my experiences with Hope students and provide insight to support them during their journey.”
Evert J. and Hattie E. Blekkink Professor of Education
Education Department
VanZoeren Hall Room 279
41 Graves Place
Holland, MI 49423-3617
616.395.7353
pardo@hope.edu
“When I entered Central Michigan University at age 17, I had no idea what to expect, and I had no one in my family to ask questions. Luckily, several students on my dorm floor were first-gen students, and we bonded to figure things out. We also had a knowledgeable and friendly RA who became a great resource. I learned to ask questions when I had them and not to feel bad that I did not know how college worked.”
VanZoeren Hall Room 279
41 Graves Place
Holland, MI 49423-3617
616.395.7353
pardo@hope.edu
“When I entered Central Michigan University at age 17, I had no idea what to expect, and I had no one in my family to ask questions. Luckily, several students on my dorm floor were first-gen students, and we bonded to figure things out. We also had a knowledgeable and friendly RA who became a great resource. I learned to ask questions when I had them and not to feel bad that I did not know how college worked.”

Campus Safety Officer
“As a First-Generation student at Hope College, I want you to know: You belong here, stand tall, and be proud, and we are here to help you.”

Assistant Director
Boerigter Center for Calling and Career
Center for Leadership
DeWitt Student Cultural Center
141 East 12th Street Suite 136
Holland, MI 49423
616.395.7950
scheldtm@hope.edu
Center for Leadership
DeWitt Student Cultural Center
141 East 12th Street Suite 136
Holland, MI 49423
616.395.7950
scheldtm@hope.edu
“I love working with first-gen students because of the shared lived experience. I enjoy connecting over professional documents and supporting students on their career journey.”
1GenHope
Scott Hall
113 East 13th Street
Holland, MI 49423
1genhope@hope.edu