The graduating Class of 2026 presented the annual H.O.P.E. award to Rob Pocock ’77, associate professor of communication instruction.
The Hope Outstanding Professor Educator award has been given annually since 1965.
The graduating Class selects one faculty member they feel epitomizes the best qualities
of a Hope College educator. Pocock is respected across campus for his coaching in
Comm 140, Public Presentations, Comm 257, Public Relations and his leadership with
communication interns. Through the internship program, Pocock works with nearly every
Communication major student and works diligently to make an impact on students’ professionalism
and career readiness.
Pocock became the 61st H.O.P.E. recipient, receiving the recognition during the college’s Commencement ceremony, held on Sunday, May 10, at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.
In presenting the award, Alexander Cook ’26 — vice president and controller of Hope’s Student Congress — said the award recognizes the profound impact an individual has had on the Hope College campus. “This H.O.P.E. awards celebrates those who consistently go the extra mile, and most importantly, those who forge genuine friendships and bonds outside the classroom. These professors are exemplary. No one asked them to rise above, but they heard a calling.”
Nominators described Pocock as “a leader and a caretaker of the Hope College community since serving as a professor since 1989.” Added Cook, “He teaches life skills that most schools simply do not offer. But beyond academics, he is someone who deeply cares about people and their unique stories. He always remembers a face and is known to never shy away from a conversation.”
Pocock has served on the Hope adjunct faculty since 1989, teaching courses in communication, leadership and political science. He received his master’s degree in communication from Michigan State University, and started his business career in communication fields covering advertising, marketing and public relations. He consults as an executive coach, group facilitator and trainer. After working in an advertising agency, Pocock served as an associate vice president of communications at Priority Health before retiring there and teaching full-time at Hope.
Pocock wasn’t a stranger to the commencement stage when he walked up to receive his H.O.P.E. award on Sunday. He had delivered the commencement address — titled “Compounding Interest” — to the Class of 2010 and challenged them with the question, “What are you going to do to be a good steward of the countless investments that have been made in your life culminating in what we pause to celebrate today?” His speech was later published in the August 2010 edition of Vital Speeches of the Day.
In 1995, he was recognized with the Hope College Meritorious Service Award, and in 2024, a Hope College alumnus created the “Rob Pocock ‘77 Endowed Scholarship in Communication,” in appreciation of Pocock’s impact “on the trajectory of his career and that of countless other students.” The endowed scholarship continues to support communication students today.
“It’s a privilege to do work I genuinely enjoy,” said Pocock. “I’m grateful to my students, who continually challenge and inspire me.”