On Wednesday, November 4, representatives from Hope College and leaders from local businesses will engage in a long-standing tradition of visiting more than 150 area businesses in Holland and Zeeland, seeking contributions to the Hope Fund for the 2009-10 Community Campaign.
In addition to those receiving personal visits on campaign day, hundreds more businesses and friends of HopeCollege will receive letters encouraging a contribution.
"Hope College has been the home town college for nearly 150 years," explained Mark DeWitt, Hope's director of corporate and foundation relations. "Since our founding, the greater Holland/Zeeland area and HopeCollege have been inextricably linked. Hope attracts thousands of students from every corner of the world to experience our unique blend of rigorous academics and enriching co-curricular opportunities. Every dollar given during the Community Campaign supports every Hope student with spillover benefits to the community. We are grateful for the affirmation of our mission from our local businesses and industries."
Rebecca Dernberger, who is a 1984 Hope graduate and Manpower, Inc. franchise president and division vice president and general manager, is the chairperson of the 2008-09 Community Campaign. Manpower Inc. is a world leader in the employment services industry.
"I have come to appreciate the very special connection between the college and community," Dernberger said. "It is powerful. HopeCollege not only offers an exceptional liberal arts educational experience, it impacts our local economy. Hope is one of the area's top employers and attracts thousands of alumni, parents and other visitors to our community. I take advantage of Hope's great cultural and co-curricular offerings. Hope impacts my life and my business on a daily basis. I invite area business and industry colleagues to join me as we give back to Hope College."
Revenue from the Hope Fund provides discounted tuition for every student. It also underwrites health, counseling and career services, assists in bringing world-renowned artists, authors, musicians and lecturers to campus and generates service opportunities for its students. Financial support of the Community Campaign and the Hope Fund makes available unrestricted resources that enhance the academic mission of Hope College.