More than 700 graduating seniors participated in Hope College’s 150th Commencement, celebrating the graduating Class of 2015, on Sunday, May 3.

The Commencement speaker was Tim Schoonveld, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, Co-Director of Athletics and Associate Director of the Center for Faithful Leadership at Hope. Tim Schoonveld was also presented with the “Hope Outstanding Professor Educator” (H.O.P.E.) Award by Hope College’s graduating class. View the full Commencement address.

Baccalaureate was held earlier in the day, at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in Dimnent Memorial Chapel. The Baccalaureate sermon was delivered by Gerald Pillay, who is Vice Chancellor and Rector of Liverpool Hope University in England, one of Hope’s international partner institutions, and is also a member of the Hope College Board of Trustees. View the full Baccalaureate sermon transcript. 

Did you miss Commencement this year? Read an article about the graduation activities or view photo galleries from the day and watch the entire ceremony below:

  • The Wind Ensenble performs for Commencement directed by Dr. Gabe Southard. The Wind Ensenble performs for Commencement under the direction of Dr. Gabe Southard. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Students gather on the end zone of the football field waiting for the Commencement procession. Students gather for the Commencement procession. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Students gather on the end zone of the football field waiting to begin the Commencement procession. Students gather for the Commencement procession. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Marshals Joanne Stuart and Fred Johnson lead the graduates on the football field past the applauding faculty.Marshals Joanne Stuart and Fred Johnson lead the graduates on the field past the applauding faculty. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Marshals Joanne Stuart and Fred Johnson lead the graduates on the football field past the applauding faculty.Marshals Joanne Stuart and Fred Johnson lead the graduates on the field past the applauding faculty. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Marshals Joanne Stuart and Fred Johnson lead the graduates to their seats on the football field.Marshals Joanne Stuart and Fred Johnson lead the graduates to their seats. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • The Wind Ensemble performs for Commencement with the stadium full of families in the background.The Wind Ensenble performs for Commencement under the direction of Dr. Gabe Southard. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Retiring Professor John Shaughnessy standing in the faculty section with families applauding in the stadium.Retiring Professor John Shaughnessy is recognized during Commencement . Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Retiring Professor Jack Holmes standing in the faculty section with families applauding in the stadium.Retiring Professor Jack Holmes is recognized during Commencement . Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • President Knapp speaks during Commencement with the American flag behind him on the stage.President Knapp speaks during Commencement. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Phil Blauw videos the Commencement ceremony.Phil Blauw streams Commencement on the internet for family and friends not able to attend in person. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Professor and Co-Athletic Director Tim Schoonveld was presented with the “Hope Outstanding Professor Educator” (H.O.P.E.) Award by the graduating class. He is pictured with graduating seniors Jay Glover on his left and Tara Hoover on his right. Professor and Co-Athletic Director Tim Schoonveld was presented with the “Hope Outstanding Professor Educator” (H.O.P.E.) Award by the graduating class. He is pictured with graduating seniors Jay Glover and Tara Hoover. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Professor and Co-Athletic Director Tim Schoonveld gives the Commencement address with American flag in the background.Professor and Co-Athletic Director Tim Schoonveld gives the Commencement address. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Professor and Co-Athletic Director Tim Schoonveld gives the Commencement address.Professor and Co-Athletic Director Tim Schoonveld gives the Commencement address. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • An overview of the Commencement ceremony taken from the stadium stands showing the graduating class and faculty on the field.An overview of the Commencement ceremony. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • An overview of the Commencement ceremony taken from the stadium stands showing the graduating class and faculty on the field.An overview of the Commencement ceremony. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • An overview of the Commencement ceremony taken from the stadium stands showing the graduating class and faculty on the field.An overview of the Commencement ceremony. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Male student shakes hands with President Knapp on stage as Trygve Johnson watches.New graduates receiving their diplomas from President Knapp. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Graduating senior Jenna Blankespoor is presented her diploma by her grandfather, Harvey Blankespoor, professor emeritus as President Knapp and Trygve Johnson watch.Graduating senior Jenna Blankespoor is presented her diploma by her grandfather, Harvey Blankespoor, professor emeritus. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Alumni Director Scott Travis presents Alumni Association pins to new graduates as they come off the stage after receiving their diploma.Scott Travis presents Alumni Association pins to new graduates. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Alumni Director Scott Travis presents Alumni Association pins to new graduates as they come off the stage after receiving their diploma.Scott Travis presents Alumni Association pins to new graduates. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Male students pauses on stage after receiving diploma from President Knapp. Line of graduates waiting their turn to left of stage.New graduates receiving their diplomas from President Knapp. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Close up of a male shaking hands with President Knapp while being presented diploma.New graduates receiving their diplomas from President Knapp. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Close up of a male and female waiting to receive their diploma from President Knapp.New graduates waiting to receive their diplomas from President Knapp. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Seniors who sang in the Chapel Choir are standing on the football field performing the Alma Mater.Seniors who sang in the Chapel Choir perform the Alma Mater. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Graduating Seniors standing after degrees are officially conferred. Multiple caps are thrown in the air.Degrees are officially conferred upon the graduates and caps are tossed. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Seniors in caps and gowns having their photo taken by a fellow male graduate outside of the DeWitt Center.Graduating seniors take photos prior to processing to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Three women in caps and gowns having their photo taken by a female outside of the DeWitt Center.Graduating seniors take photos prior to processing to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Two women in caps and gowns hug outside of the DeWitt Center within group of graduating seniors.Graduating seniors celebrate prior to processing to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Groups of students in caps and gowns pose for a photo outside of the DeWitt Center.Graduating seniors pose for photos prior to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Female student adjusts graduation cap in group of seniors outside the DeWitt CenterGraduating seniors gather prior to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015.
  • The first group of seniors process along 12th Street from the DeWitt Center to Dimnent Memorial Chapel prior to the Baccalaureate Service.Graduating seniors headed to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • The first group of seniors process along 12th Street from the DeWitt Center to Dimnent Memorial Chapel prior to the Baccalaureate Service.Graduating seniors headed to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • The first group of seniors process along 12th Street from the DeWitt Center to Dimnent Memorial Chapel prior to the Baccalaureate Service.Graduating seniors headed to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Faculty applaud seniors entering Dimnent Memorial Chapel prior to the Baccalaureate Service.Faculty applaud seniors prior to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Faculty applaud seniors prior to the Baccalaureate Service.Faculty applaud seniors prior to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Graduating seniors line up outside Dimnent Memorial Chapel for the Baccalaureate Service.Graduating seniors enter Dimnent Memorial Chapel for the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Graduating seniors line up outside Dimnent Memorial Chapel for the Baccalaureate Service.Graduating seniors ente Dimnent Memorial Chapel for the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Faculty entering Dimnent Memorial Chapel for the Baccalaureate Service. Faculty entering Dimnent Memorial Chapel for the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Faculty entering Dimnent Memorial Chapel for the Baccalaureate Service. Faculty entering Dimnent Memorial Chapel for the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Overview Baccalaureate Service taken from the balcony of Dimnent Memorial Chapel. Baccalaureate Service in Dimnent Memorial Chapel. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • View of the stage filled with faculty taken from the ride side of Dimnent Memorial Chapel during the Baccalaureate ServiceBaccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • President John Knapp at the podium during the Baccalaureate Service in Dimnent Memorial Chapel.President John Knapp speaking during the Baccalaureate Service. Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Dr.Gerald Pillay, vice chancellor and rector of Liverpool Hope University gives sermon at the Baccalaureate Service in Dimnent Memorial Chapel.Dr.Gerald Pillay, vice chancellor and rector of Liverpool Hope University gives sermon at the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • View of the stage filled with faculty taken from the center aisle of Dimnent Memorial Chapel during the Baccalaureate ServiceBaccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • View of the stage filled with faculty taken from the center aisle of Dimnent Memorial Chapel during the Baccalaureate ServiceThe Rev. Dr. Trygve Johnson leads Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Group of people with cameras taking photos following the Baccalaureate Service.Photos being taken following the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Eight women wearing graduation caps pose on the steps of Graves Hall following the Baccalaureate Service.Photos being taken following the Baccalaureate Service. Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Alumni Director Scott Travis staffs the resource center in the lobby of the DeWitt Center.Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Female graduate holding tulips outside the DeWitt Center.Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Students in caps and gowns waiting outside of the DeWitt Center priorto the Baccalaureate Service. Students in caps and gowns waiting outside of the DeWitt Center priorto the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • The second group of seniors process along 12th Street from the DeWitt Center to Dimnent Memorial Chapel prior to the Baccalaureate Service.Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • The second group of seniors process along 12th Street from the DeWitt Center to Dimnent Memorial Chapel prior to the Baccalaureate Service.Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Faculty applaud seniors entering Dimnent Memorial Chapel prior to the Baccalaureate Service.Faculty applaud seniors prior to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Faculty applaud seniors entering Dimnent Memorial Chapel prior to the Baccalaureate Service.Faculty applaud seniors prior to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Faculty applaud seniors entering Dimnent Memorial Chapel prior to the Baccalaureate Service.Faculty applaud seniors prior to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Faculty applaud seniors entering Dimnent Memorial Chapel prior to the Baccalaureate Service.Faculty applaud seniors prior to the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Graduating Seniors attending Baccalaureate Service stand in pews, taken from the front of Dimnent Memorial Chapel. Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Male graduate surrounded by seven people on steps of Graves Hall.Photos being taken following the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Female graduate with young boy after the Baccalaureate Service.Photos being taken following the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Reception in Van Andel Plaze in from of the A. Paul Schaap Science Center following the Baccalaureate Service. Reception following the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Sign proclaiming "Congratulations Math Graduates" hung outside Van Zoeren Hall.Congratulations sign celebrating math graduates. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Class of 1910 marker in foreground with people milling around outside following the Baccalaureate Service. Photos being taken following the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Female graduate with male having photo taken beside the Anchor landmark.Photos being taken following the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015
  • Male graduate with four family members taken in front of 2011 Oridentation banner.Photos being taken following the Baccalaureate Service. Photo by Tom Renner on May 3, 2015

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