/ Alumni and Family Engagement

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Hope College 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.

Portrait of Dr. Elton Bruins
Dr. Elton Bruins

Class of 1950

Dr. Elton Bruins ’50 has served the Hope College and Holland community as a professor, pastor, author, researcher and the founding director of the Van Raalte Institute. Elton received his Masters of Sacred Theology from Union Theological Seminary and Doctor of Philosophy from New York University.
Portrait of Craig Morford
Craig Morford

Class of 1981

Craig Morford ’81 received his Juris Doctor degree from Valparaiso University and went on to spend much of his career as a celebrated attorney in the government sector. Craig served as the Acting Deputy Attorney General for the United States, a presidential appointment, from 2007-2008. He is currently the Deputy General Consul at ExxonMobil Corporation.

The Alumni Association select recipients for this award from nominations that meet the following criteria:

  • Contributions to society through volunteerism
  • Achievements within a profession
  • Active involvement with the college
  • Have earned at least 45 credit hours at Hope College
  • Nominees for this award are eligible to be nominated for other awards
  • Current members of the Alumni Board and the Hope College Board of Trustees are not eligible for this award
Hope CollegeAlumni and Family Engagement

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