Hope's new nursing program has a new emblem to match. The college's new bachelor of science program in nursing began this semester. The program replaces the jointly operated Hope-Calvin Nursing Program of nearly 20 years.
Hope's new nursing program has a new emblem to match. The college's new bachelor of science program in nursing began this semester. The program replaces the jointly operated Hope-Calvin Nursing Program of nearly 20 years.
As part of its new identity, the program has adopted its own emblem, continuing a practice that is traditional within the field, according to Debra Sietsema, who is chair of the department and an assistant professor of nursing.
"Each nursing program has a distinctive emblem which becomes a pin and in many cases is used on stationery and worn on a uniform," Professor Sietsema said. "Each one is meant to draw on what is unique about that program."
The Hope emblem was developed with input from nursing alumni, students and faculty. The design features an anchor and cross, symbolizing Hope's role as an "anchor of hope" for the community (in the words of founder A.C. Van Raalte) and the college's foundational Christian context. The emblem's shield shape symbolizes strength and protection; an encircling rope continues the anchor motif and the idea of being bound together for a purpose. The blue background echoes Hope's school colors of orange and blue. The college motto, Spera in Deo ("Hope in God"), is within the blue.
The emblem will be featured on a pin that will be awarded to Hope nursing graduates beginning with the program's first graduating class in 2003. In the meantime, it is also worn as a patch on the uniforms of Hope nursing students.