Throughout the month of November, President Matt and First Lady Sarah Scogin asked the Hope College community to share which people, programs or experiences at Hope for which they were the most thankful. Below is a sampling of the hundreds of responses they've received.

Read Dr. Charlotte VanOyen-Witvliet's insights on “The Good the Grows from Gratitude” 

Select the thumbnails to read the full quotes:

  • "I am most thankful to Hope College for the opportunity to study abroad in Grenoble, France during my junior year of college." - JEAN (PAUL) FRANKLIN, CLASS OF '74
  • "I'm thankful for Psychology's faculty-student collaborative research! With Fallon Richie, we discovered evidence linking gratitude and hope!" © - CHARLOTTE WITVLIET, PHD
  • "I had the amazing experience of spending a summer in eastern Europe in 1968. Being a political science major at Hope and seeing the Cold War and Communism up front was life changing. Dr. Fried guided us through some very eye opening and uncomfortable experiences. I think we all came home with a new respect for democracy and our American way of life." - JEFF MCILWAINE 69
  • D I AM THANKFUL FOR THE LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS I MADE, MY SIGMA SISTERHOOD, AND MY NURSING DEGREE. - PETEY UECKER POHLAD '88
  • "I am very grateful for taking an advanced algorithms computer science class with Herb Dershem during my sophomore year at Hope. He was one of my favorite professors at Hope and that class revealed and confirmed my passion for solving problems and how technology can be a fantastic tool for doing so." - CHAD KETTNER '04
  • "I am thankful for the vast array of ways that Kristen Gray is benefiting the Hope community. She is always taking action to make sure students feel welcome and included at Hope. She wears many hats, but she wears them all with style and grace." - BEN DOUMA '20
  • "DURING MY TIME AT HOPE AS A PHYSICS MAJOR IN THE EDUCATION PROGRAM, I WAS PROFOUNDLY IMPACTED BY SEVERAL PROFESSORS [INCLUDING] PETER GONTHIER, JOHN YELDING AND SUSAN CHERUP ... I WOULD NOT BE THE CHRISTIAN, EDUCATOR, OR HUSBAND THAT I AM TODAY WITHOUT THE OUTSTANDING ROLE MODELS THAT I FOUND AT HOPE." - JACOB VERSCHUEREN '16
  • ［U "I am most thankful for the relationships that began at Hope College. A half dozen of my girlfriends have gotten together monthly for over 40 years now since graduating from Hope. Hope College is like family. Wherever you are in the world if you see someone wearing Hope College gear there is an instant connection with that person." - BETSY BOERSMA '77 JASPERSE
  • "I am thankful for Bob Cecil, my horn instructor from 1967-1971. Because of his presence in my life, this farm girl began to see a new world. He opened my eyes to cultures and music and even new foods I never knew existed." - SUE ACUS (WINDOVER) MILLER '71
  • E COLLEGE A FLYING DUTCH « HOPE COLLEGE « lam thankful for the Hope College Volleyball team because I have met so many strong women and lifelong friends! They care about everyone and are so welcoming and caring to everyone, and they are so much fun to be around!! — JENNA CORE
  • "WHEN I GOT TO MY JUNIOR YEAR, I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO TAKE A CLASS FROM DR. EVA VAN SCHAAK, "SURVEY OF THE PLANT KINGDOM." I LOVED IT! AND DR. VAN SCHAAK'S LOVE FOR BOTANY WAS CONTAGIOUS! I SPENT WELL OVER 30 YEARS AS A PROFESSIONAL WETLAND BOTANIST AND ECOLOGIST. I KNOW DR. VAN SCHAAK'S LOVE FOR BOTANY RUBBED OFF ON ME, AND I THANK HER FOR LEADING ME TO BOTANY. A GOOD TEACHER CAN TRULY INSPIRE THEIR STUDENTS, AND THANKS TO DR. VAN SCHAAK, I CAN SAY I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF MY JOB!" - KATHLEEN WILSON MULDER 69
  • "I AM PARTICULARLY THANKFUL FOR THE PROFESSORS AT HOPE, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN PSYCHOLOGY, WHICH WAS MY MAJOR, THEY INSTILLED IN ME A GREAT INTEREST IN AND PASSION FOR THE SUBJECT AND HELPED ME LEARN AND UNDERSTAND NOT ONLY CLASS MATERIAL BUT CRITICAL LIFE LESSONS AS WELL, SUCH AS THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING HOSPITABLE AND GENEROUS." - ANNA GIBBS'19
  • "I was grateful for the experience I had working with Dr. Norman Norton in the 1960's. With his guidance and support, even after I graduated, I stayed on course to pursue a career in Medicine that otherwise I, most likely, would not have accomplished. People like Norm Norton make the years at Hope a rare and special experience." - DAVID P. ALLEN M.D. '69
  • "I am so grateful for Dimnent Chapel and being able to climb into the balcony in my ripped up jeans and see the 20 or so well-dressed students worshipping down below, looking like they had it all together, and still be loved and accepted by the Lord who met me there." - LORI (VISSCHER) DROPPERS '83
  • "I am continually thankful for the relationships that I formed at Hope - both with my peers and with faculty. These relationships changed my life - for the better. The faculty in the Physics Department were (and still are) exceptional, both in challenging me academically and facilitating the integration of my identity as a Christian with my identity as a scientist." - CYNTHIA (BLIGHT) MCCOLLOUGH'85
  • "Dr. Robert F. DeHaan, the head of the psychology department in the sixties was an amazing professor who became a mentor to me preparing me for Columbia University School of Social Work ... I had the chance to study in a Christian environment under faculty who helped me discern my gifts matching them with my interests." - HELEN VANDENBERG '64
  • "In the summer of 1963, after an unremarkable freshman year elsewhere, Hope gave me a second chance. The experience taught me that I could succeed. Life has had other challenges but I am particularly grateful for the fresh start at Hope, the support of a wonderful wife and the challenging and rewarding business career I have enjoyed." - RICHARD HALLOCK 66
  • "I give thanks for one Hope professor, Dr. J.H. Kleinheksel, who had enough faith in me that he would give up every Friday afternoon for two semesters to meet me in his lecture hall and tutor me in general chemistry and… made it possible for me [to] be admitted to medical school." —Jerold P. Veldman ’55
  • "So thankful for the Dance Department! Loved my 4 years dancing at Hope!" - LINDSAY CIRRINCIONE @BOPPERLINDS
  • "I'M THANKFUL FOR "SCHOONIE" AND HIS LEADERSHIP AND DESIRE TO PUSH. CHALLENGE AND HELP STUDENTS GROW IN THEIR FAITH. THE ALASKA MAY TERM WAS THE MOST TRANSFORMATIONAL MONTH OF MY TIME AT HOPE." - DANIELLE MERWIN '20
  • Henry Voogd Th.D., Princeton University Chairman of the Department of Religion and Bible "I am thankful for Dr. Voogd who took me under his wing when I transferred to Hope. He was just so kind and understanding and helpful and made the difference in my graduation." - REV. JACK H. MILLARD '61
  • Di WE ARE THANKFUL FOR HOPES SUMMER REPERTORY THEATER. ITS A WONDERFUL PART Of BEING IN HOLLAND AND WEVE BEEN SUPPORTiNG IT FOR MANY YEARS. " • BOB ISUE CAMPBELL
  • "My years at Hope connected me with forever friends... through my classes, my dorm and my sorority (Delta Phi). The early 70s were tumultuous times in our nation, but Hope provided a safe, secure place to wonder together about the world. Never will forget the Pine Grove filled with white crosses after Kent State. Spera in Deo!" - SUE EDEMA '73
  • "I AM MOST THANKFUL FOR MY ROOMMATE LIZZY AND MY FRIEND AUSTIN. I KNOW THEY ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR ME (AS CLICHE AS THAT SOUNDS). NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF DAY IT IS THEY ALWAYS PUT A SMILE ON MY FACE! I LOVE YOU GUYS." - ANONYMOUS
  • "Chaplain "Wild Bill" Hillegonds is who comes to mind first in grateful memories of Hope. Bill was a pastor and prophet who loved and challenged us to think deeply and broadly and to act with justice. He helped to transform my spirituality." - MIRIAM BAAR BUSH '77
  • WE ARE ESPECIALLY THANKFUL FOR HASP JOINING WAS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS WE EVER DID WAYNE AND KATHY VANDERHULST
  • "I would never have become a writer if not for the wisdom and encouragement of professor emeritus JackRidl. I love this man!" - JIM MCFARLIN'74
  • "I am grateful for off-campus experiences like the Washington Honors Semester that turned my world upside down in all the best ways. I've now been in DC for seven years and I know I never would have arrived here without that transformative semester" - ANNA LEACH HARTGE '12
  • late "I'M MOST THANKFUL FOR DR. MIKE MISOVICH; NO OTHER PROFESSOR I KNOW IS SO PASSIONATE ABOUT HIS SUBJECT (CHEMICAL ENGINEERING) WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY TAKING SO GREAT A PERSONAL INTEREST IN THE SUCCESS OF HIS STUDENTS." - SAM CLICK
  • "I HAVE SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR FROM HOPE, SO MANY THINGS THAT GOD PROVIDED, SO MANY WAYS HE CHANGED AND GREW ME. BUT IF I HAD TO PICK ONE, I WOULD SAY I AM SO THANKFUL FOR NYKERK AND ELLEN AWAD, THE NYKERK ADVISOR." - KELSEY (PAYNE) BACON
  • I met these girls my freshman year at Hope in the fall of 1987. I am so thankful for their love and support my entire adult life. Even though we are spread from Michigan to Denver to DC, we still pick up right where we left off! Here we are celebrating our 50th birthdays together in Nashville this past summer. - KELLY BALKEMA '91
  • "I've got a couple of people that I am immensely grateful for this year: Dr. Rachel Schutte is a great mentor and professor in the Political Science department. She is caring and pushes her students to think analytically about the political system today! Bruce Benedict (Chaplain of Worship) is an energetic and great leader of the Worship Team. I am thankful for his leadership and creativity everyday." - ANNA KATE PETERSON '21
  • "[MY DAUGHTER'S] PROFESSORS HAVE BEEN OUTSTANDING AND I WANT TO RECOGNIZE ONE PROFESSOR THAT HAS MADE A HUGE IMPACT ON MY DAUGHTER'S ACADEMIC INTERESTS, DR. PYPER. MY DAUGHTER HAS COMMENTED THAT DR. PYPER IS THE BEST TEACHER SHE'S EVER HAD!" - LARA HOBSON
  • "I am thankful to the Lord for the great education and growth in faith that all my beloved daughters were able to enjoy at Hope College. We are Catholic and love the beautiful ecumenical spirit at Hope!" - GENE LEGER
  • "I am thankful for the impact Dr. John Shaughnessy had on my life as I navigated through some personal challenges my freshman year at Hope." - ANN BYL
  • "I only took two courses from Dirk [Jellema], but he became a mentor and a friend. That's one of the great things about studying at Hope: as an undergraduate you're taught by professors and not by teaching assistants or graduate students. You have the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with someone who is fully devoted to his or her calling, someone who cares about you." - NANCY FOREST-FLIER (NANCY FLIER, '71)
  • Yes, our family has been transformed by Hope in so many ways! Our daughter is a Freshman, and we cannot say enough about our experience with Hope thus far! ... Freshman Orientation weekend gave us the sense of community and of canng staff and students... Through her first semester at Hope, we hear her speak of her professors, campus ministries, and peers of how approachable and nice everyone is. Couldn't ask for more! - Christine Van Dellen
  • "...And then there is the chapel — the beautiful building with organ music so majestic that if you close your eyes you think you are in Heaven." - LENORA (NORIE) KOELBEL '64
  • "I am thankful that in 1959 Hope College had a football team and Calvin College did not. The man I would marry in four years, Kurt VanGenderen, didn't follow his two older brothers to Calvin. Having been on a high school football team in Denver, Colorado, which won the state championship in his senior year at South High, he wanted to play college ball. He played for the Flying Dutchmen for four years. Our initial meeting was football-related, but that's a whole other story. Go Dutch." —Beverly VanGenderen ’62
  • "I am thankful for my friend Rachael Fornarotto who constantly shows me how to be a better person everyday. The selfless love she has for people is unlike anything I have ever seen, but so similar to how God calls us to live." - HANNAH COLE '21
  • "THANKS TO LANCE IN ADMISSIONS FOR HELPING WITH [OUR] DECISION TO COME TO HOPE. HOPE HAS BEEN A BLESSING FOR MY SON." - DONNA SCHARMAN
  • JEAN PROTHEROE (SAVAGE) AND JOAN MUELLER NEVER FAILED TO INSPIRE AND INSTILL IN ME A DEEP AND ABIDING APPRECIATION FOR THE PROSE AND POETRY OF PAST AND PRESENT GENERATIONS. IN THE WAKE OF PRESIDENT KENNEDY'S ASSASSINATION, DR. MUELLER BROUGHT CALMING INSIGHT AND ILLUMINATION WITH HER READINGS OF POETRY, ANO I WILL NEVER FORGET DR. PROTHEROES OFT- REPEATED SUMMONS FOR US TO GET "THE TERRIBLE DILEMMA" WHICH MOVED MEN AND WOMEN TO SHARE WITH US IN POETRY THEIR DEEPEST HOpES + FEARS. - RIcH KosTER CLASS BF '66
  • "COACH KARLA WOLTERS COACHED ME IN VOLLEYBALL AND SOFTBALL. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR HER! SHE WAS A SPIRITUAL LEADER, A PRAYER WARRIOR, AND A DEDICATED COACH. I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT LIFE FROM HER. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE." - SARA PEDERSEN '96
  • "I am thankful for the late Dr. Donald Cronkite [He] was truly gifted. His lectures were interactive, challenging, thought-provoking, and filled with little nuggets of humor." - MICHELLE BANAZWSKI
  • "There are so many things and so many memories that I have and I could go on and on. However, the biggest thing that I left Hope with was a community of friends that I still consider very close friends.. These friendships have gotten me through tough times. I am so thankful for Hope College and everything that it provided for me. From the academics, to the staff that truly cared, to my friendships. Thank you, Hope College!" - MAREN HEIBERG '02
  • "I am eternally grateful for the Vienna Summer School Program. It opened a whole other world to me and provided me with an interest in history, culture, travel and language that has never faded." - CHERYL RICHARDSON PETERSON '66
  • "I AM THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY HOPE HAS GIVEN ME TO DANCE IN A PRE-PROFESSIONAL COMPANY! HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM REPERTORY WORK ALONGSIDE VERY TALENTED AND BEAUTIFUL WOMEN HAS BEEN A HUGE BLESSING... I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE OUTSTANDING DANCE FACULTY THAT CONTINUE TO FACILITATE H2 AND THE COMMUNITY THAT SUPPORTS US." - JANAE NUTTER '21
  • DYKSTRA HAE 144 "I ay thankful for Dykstra offering cluster-style living. As a shy freshman it was the best way for me to meet a kind group of new friends... Going home to the cluster, more than just a room, made my year so much better?" - KARIN MONNETT '91
  • 1 KNEW FROM THE START THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT THE PROFESSORS IN THE SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND FOR THAT IM FOREVER GRATEFUL. THEY TOVE ALL OF US SO WELL BUT THEY ALSO HAVE THE BIGGEST HEARTS FOR MAKING EDUCATION ACCESSIBLE TO ALL LEARNERS. I HOPE TO POSITIVELY IMPACT MY FUTURE STUDENTS IN THE SAME WAY THAT MY PROFESSORS HAVE INFLUENCED ME! - NICOLE RADGENS'20
  • "I AM THANKFUL FOR DR. RYDEN. HE HAS HELPED MAKE MY FIRST YEAR AND EXPERIENCES OUTSTANDING. HE MAKES ME FEEL WELCOMED IN THE POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT AND HE IS SO INCLUSIVE IN THE PRE LAW SOCIETY. HIS PASSION INSPIRES ME." - VANESSA FERREYRA '23
  • I'm most thankful to Hope for the way my higher education taught me to listen, think, and learn. Hope is a great place for anyone to grow... - BILL LANGEJANS '81
  • "WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL FOR CAROL FRITZ, WHO TOOK US UNDER HER WING AS WE STARTED TO RESEARCH AND VISIT SCHOOLS WITH OUR SON... BECAUSE WE WERE COMING FROM A LITTLE FURTHER AWAY (SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH], SHE TOOK EXTRA SPECIAL CARE TO ANSWER OUR QUESTIONS, REASSURE US OF THE CLOSE KNIT COMMUNITY HE WOULD BE A PART OF. AND DEMONSTRATE HOW HOPE TRULY CARES FOR EVERY STUDENT IN A REAL AND PERSONAL WAY." - DAVE AND HEATHER COLLING

Related News

  2. Campus Life

    Hope Graduation Address Links Lessons to Life as a Good Global Neighbor

    As the members of Hope College’s graduating Class of 2019 prepared to cross the stage during Commencement on Sunday, May 5, featured speaker Dr. Kristen Gray reflected on ways that their lessons had prepared them to travel from the campus community to living in the larger neighborhood of the global village.

  3. Campus Life

    #Gratitude and Hope

    A message from Matt and Sarah Scogin, president and first lady of Hope College: "November is here, and Thanksgiving is upon us. We are so thankful for the way Hope College has transformed our lives, and we would like to hear from you too! Which person, program or experience at Hope College are you most thankful for? #GratitudeAndHope #ThankfulThursday