Hope College graduated the largest class in its history during the college’s 151st Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 8. Approximately 790 graduates participated in the ceremony.

Read coverage of the event  

  • A group of Hope College graduates in blue caps and gowns stand together outside, smiling and reading their commencement programs. Trees and other graduates can be seen in the background under a sunny sky.
  • A group of Hope College graduates dressed in navy blue caps and gowns smile as one of them takes a selfie with a smartphone during the commencement ceremony.
  • Graduates in caps and gowns walk down a sunlit path at Hope College, smiling and waving, while faculty members in academic regalia stand on either side, clapping and cheering them on. Trees and green grass are visible in the background.
  • Students in navy blue graduation gowns and caps walk together during the commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. A smiling graduate in the foreground holds a program. The atmosphere is celebratory, with trees and buildings visible in the background.
  • Graduates in blue caps and gowns walk in a procession during the Hope College commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Faculty members in academic regalia stand on either side, clapping and congratulating the students. Trees and campus buildings are visible in the background.
  • A man in academic regalia, wearing a green robe and black graduation cap, claps as he stands to the side of a pathway. A procession of graduates in navy blue gowns and caps walks by, with faculty members also in academic dress clapping in the background. The scene takes place outdoors with green trees and a university building visible in the background.
  • Graduates in caps and gowns walk down the aisle of a chapel during the commencement ceremony at Hope College. Faculty members in academic regalia lead the procession. Attendees are seated in the background. The event takes place in a venue with stained glass windows.
  • A graduate in a dark blue cap and gown smiles broadly and gives a thumbs-up during the Hope College Commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Other graduates in caps and gowns stand nearby, and colorful stained glass windows are visible in the background.
  • A group of Hope College graduates in blue caps and gowns hold hands and sing during the commencement ceremony at Dimnent Memorial Chapel. The graduates appear joyful and engaged, with stained glass windows visible in the background.
  • Graduating students at Hope College's 2016 Commencement ceremony, held at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium, are seen wearing academic regalia with various colored hoods and stoles, standing in a row while holding and reading from programs.
  • Dr. Wayne Brouwer stands at a wooden podium, delivering a speech during the Hope College Commencement ceremony. He is dressed in a blue academic gown, with several faculty members in academic regalia seated behind him. The setting is adorned with colorful floral arrangements and illuminated by the light filtering through stained glass windows in the background.
  • A group of Hope College graduates in blue caps and gowns sit closely together at the commencement ceremony. One graduate smiles warmly at another, while others look forward or at their programs. The background shows stained glass windows, adding a colorful ambiance to the setting.
  • A speaker in academic regalia passionately addresses an audience during Hope College's Commencement ceremony. The event takes place in a chapel with colorful stained glass windows in the background. The stage is adorned with floral arrangements, and several faculty members in academic robes are seated, attentively listening.
  • A speaker in academic regalia stands at a podium with the Hope College seal, delivering an address. Several faculty members in robes are seated behind him. The setting is adorned with a bouquet of vibrant flowers in the foreground.
  • A group of people pose for a photo on a sunny day, holding a smiling woman in a graduation gown and cap. The photo is being taken by a man holding a smartphone. The background features a stone building and green grass.
  • A group of four male graduates in navy blue caps and gowns walk together on a sunny day. They are smiling and appear to be conversing as they walk along a tree-lined sidewalk. Some are holding water bottles. Other people are visible in the background, also wearing graduation attire.
  • A group of people are gathered outside, taking photos of a female graduate in a navy blue gown and cap, who is standing with her arms outstretched on a sign that reads "Paul Schaap Science Center: Chemistry, Geology/Environmental Science, Nursing, Psychology." Trees and green foliage surround the area on a sunny day.
  • A graduate in a blue cap and gown poses with an older woman in a pink blouse. They are standing together outside, with blooming pink trees in the background.
  • Three graduates in navy blue caps and gowns pose together on a stone wall while two women in the foreground take photos with their phones. The scene takes place outdoors with lush green trees and a residential area in the background.
  • Students in blue graduation gowns celebrate during the commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. One student waves excitedly while others chat and look at their diplomas. A faculty member in academic regalia stands in the background. Photo by Steven Herppich on May 8, 2016
  • Graduates in blue gowns and caps gather in Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. One graduate's cap is decorated with flowers and the phrase "Every End Is A New Beginning."
  • Two graduates in navy blue gowns and caps are smiling as one helps adjust the tassel on the other's cap. The background shows a grassy outdoor setting.
  • A group of Hope College graduates in navy blue caps and gowns smile and laugh during the commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.
  • Four graduates wearing navy blue caps and gowns sit on a brick ledge during the Hope College Commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. They are holding their diplomas and water bottles, conversing with each other, with a lush green lawn in the background.
  • A group of people, including adults and children, are gathered outdoors at a commencement ceremony. A woman in a red jacket and a young boy beside her are waving, while others around them are smiling, watching, or holding signs. The atmosphere is celebratory and sunny.
  • A group of graduates in navy blue caps and gowns, smiling and celebrating during the commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. One graduate in the center is holding her cap with one hand and a water bottle and diploma in the other, while another graduate in the background wears sunglasses and holds a water bottle.
  • A group of Hope College graduates in navy blue caps and gowns stand together outdoors during the commencement ceremony. Some faculty members in academic regalia are also present. The graduates appear to be engaged in conversation and looking at their programs, while the background shows a lush, green environment.
  • A conductor in a tuxedo and sunglasses leads a band during Hope College's Commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. The audience is visible in the background, filling the seats under a sunny sky.
  • A college wind ensemble performs at an outdoor commencement ceremony. The musicians, dressed in formal black attire, play various wind instruments, including clarinets. In the background, international flags from countries such as Honduras, Thailand, and Vietnam are visible.
  • Graduating students at Hope College, dressed in blue caps and gowns, march in a line on a green field during the commencement ceremony. Faculty members in academic regalia lead the procession under a sunny sky with trees and spectators in the background.
  • Faculty members in academic regalia walk across the field at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium during Hope College's commencement ceremony. Other graduates and faculty members can be seen in the background.
  • Graduates in navy blue caps and gowns walk across the field at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium during Hope College's Commencement ceremony, while faculty and attendees applaud. The stadium is filled with spectators and surrounded by lush greenery.
  • A group of graduates in navy blue caps and gowns walk in a procession on a sunny day at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. They are smiling and holding diplomas, with some wearing sunglasses and holding water bottles. Trees and a scoreboard are visible in the background.
  • A group of students, dressed in black and wearing sunglasses, play various musical instruments, including saxophones and trombones, during an outdoor commencement ceremony at Hope College's Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.
  • A professor in academic regalia, wearing sunglasses, smiles and holds a program while standing among graduates in blue caps and gowns at the Hope College Commencement ceremony.
  • A professor wearing academic regalia speaks at a podium during Hope College's commencement ceremony. Seated behind him are graduates in caps and gowns, as well as other faculty members in their regalia. Flags from various countries are visible in the background, symbolizing the diverse origins of the graduating class.
  • Two graduates in navy caps and gowns sitting in an outdoor commencement ceremony, one with dark hair and the other with light hair and sunglasses.
  • A speaker delivers a speech at a podium during the Hope College commencement ceremony, with a sign language interpreter beside him. Seated behind them are faculty members in academic regalia and two graduates in blue caps and gowns. A flag with a cross is visible in the background.
  • A group of Hope College graduates in blue caps and gowns are attending their commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. One graduate, wearing sunglasses and a bow tie, is clapping, while others around him smile and hold their diplomas. The background is filled with fellow graduates and attendees.
  • A man in academic regalia speaks at a podium during the Hope College commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. A flag with red, white, and blue colors is visible in the background.
  • Several faculty members in academic regalia stand on stage during Hope College's 2016 commencement ceremony, with one speaking at a podium. The American flag is visible in the background.
  • Graduates in navy blue caps and gowns sit in rows during Hope College's Commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. One graduate in the foreground is smiling and clapping, surrounded by fellow graduates.
  • A faculty member in academic regalia stands and smiles, holding a folder, while other faculty members seated nearby applaud during Hope College's Commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. The stands are filled with a large crowd of spectators.
  • A graduate wearing a blue cap and gown with teal accents sits outdoors during a commencement ceremony. He is wearing sunglasses that reflect an American flag pattern.
  • A graduate in a navy blue cap and gown smiles as she shakes hands with a faculty member at the commencement ceremony at Hope College. Other graduates and faculty members are visible in the background, along with an audience seated on a grassy area.
  • A graduating student in a blue cap and gown smiles as she shakes hands with a faculty member dressed in regalia during the commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Other graduates and attendees are visible in the background.
  • A graduate in a blue cap and gown raises her diploma in celebration while others wait in line behind her during the Hope College commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. A photographer captures the moment, and a faculty member in academic regalia stands nearby.
  • Two graduates in blue caps and gowns embrace and smile during the commencement ceremony at Hope College's Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Other graduates and attendees can be seen in the background.
  • A graduate in a blue cap and gown raises his diploma in celebration while crossing the stage during the Hope College commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Other graduates in blue caps and gowns line up in the background, and a photographer captures the moment. A faculty member in academic regalia stands nearby, smiling.
  • A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown shakes hands with a faculty member dressed in academic regalia during the Hope College commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Other graduates are seen in the background.
  • A close-up of a graduate in a blue cap and gown at the Hope College commencement ceremony, with other graduates blurred in the background.
  • A smiling graduate in a cap and gown during the commencement ceremony at Hope College.
  • A male graduate in a blue cap and gown receives his diploma from a faculty member in black academic regalia during the commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Two other faculty members in academic attire stand beside them, one at a podium. The background shows a blurred green outdoor setting.
  • A graduate in a wheelchair receives his diploma from a professor in academic regalia during the Hope College commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Other graduates in blue caps and gowns are lined up in the background.
  • A female graduate in a navy cap and gown smiles while holding her diploma during the commencement ceremony at Hope College. Other graduates and attendees are visible in the background.
  • A Hope College graduate in a navy blue cap and gown smiles as she receives her diploma from a faculty member in academic regalia during the commencement ceremony, with other graduates and attendees visible in the background.
  • A graduate in a blue cap and gown excitedly holds up her diploma during the Hope College commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Faculty members in academic regalia stand at a podium in the background.
  • A group of Hope College graduates dressed in navy blue caps and gowns sit outdoors during the commencement ceremony. The graduates appear happy and engaged, with one graduate wearing sunglasses.
  • A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown adjusts his tassel while holding his diploma. He stands next to a faculty member in academic regalia, who also appears pleased. The background shows a blurred crowd of people seated outdoors, suggesting a graduation ceremony.
  • Four graduates in blue caps and gowns stand closely together, smiling and celebrating their commencement at Hope College.
  • Graduates in blue caps and gowns sit and stand at Hope College's commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Faculty members in academic regalia are on stage, and a graduate is receiving a diploma from a faculty member. An American flag is visible in the background.
  • A group of Hope College graduates in blue caps and gowns sit in rows of chairs during the commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. The graduates are smiling and appear joyful, with one holding a program. The outdoor setting is sunny, with green grass visible in the background.
  • Two graduates in blue caps and gowns embrace during the commencement ceremony at Hope College. One graduate has a tearful, emotional expression. People and greenery are blurred in the background.
  • Four male graduates wearing navy blue caps and gowns pose together outside at the Hope College Commencement ceremony.
  • Graduates in caps and gowns gather for a group photo during the Hope College Commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. An American flag waves in the background as family members and friends take pictures.
  • Three graduates in blue caps and gowns stand closely together, smiling and holding their diplomas, during the Hope College commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.
  • A close-up of a graduate in a blue cap and gown smiling with eyes closed while hugging another person tightly during the Hope College commencement ceremony.
  • A group of Hope College graduates in navy blue caps and gowns stand together on a stage, smiling and holding their diplomas. Family and friends take photos and wave from the audience. The ceremony is held outdoors at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium under a sunny sky. An American flag and various national flags are visible in the background.
  • A smiling graduate in a cap and gown waves during the Hope College commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Other graduates in caps and gowns are visible in the background.
  • Three graduates in navy blue caps and gowns lean on a Hope College sign, smiling and posing for a photo during the commencement ceremony.
  • Two graduates in blue caps and gowns smile at the camera during the Hope College commencement ceremony at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.
  • Graduates and attendees celebrate at the Hope College commencement ceremony, with one graduate in a blue cap and gown giving a thumbs-up and holding a diploma, surrounded by smiling family and friends at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.

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