Hope College News
2025 Apr
Retiring Faculty and Staff Have Served Nearly 450 Combined Years
The 16 members of the Hope faculty and staff retiring across 2024-25 have devoted nearly 450 combined years to helping make the college the living and learning community that has shaped young lives for generations.
Former Mayor Phil Tanis to Direct the Van Raalte Institute of Hope College
Phil Tanis, former mayor of Holland, Michigan, has been designated as the next director of the Van Raalte Institute (VRI) of Hope College. His term will begin July 1. In the interim, Tanis is serving as a senior research fellow at the institute. Tanis will replace current director Donald A. Luidens who will continue as the editor-in-chief of the Van Raalte Press and as a senior research fellow.
Retired Music Professor Robert Ritsema Dies
Dr. Robert Ritsema, a 1957 Hope graduate who was a member of the college’s music faculty for 32 years before retiring in 1999, died on Monday, April 21, 2025. He was 89.
Five Members of Faculty Retiring at Conclusion of School Year
Five long-time members of the Hope College faculty are retiring at the conclusion of the 2024-25 school year.
Hope College’s Graduation Activities Will be Sunday, May 4
Baccalaureate and Commencement for Hope College’s Class of 2025 are scheduled for Sunday, May 4. Commencement will take place at 3 p.m. at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium, and Baccalaureate will take place at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in Dimnent Memorial Chapel.
Jack H. Miller, Whose Philanthropy Helped Transform Campus, Dead at 93
Jack H. Miller, a community leader and philanthropist whose name is familiar to the thousands who have experienced the magnificent music building that his leadership gift helped make possible, died on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. He was 93.
Theologian and Author Kevin DeYoung to Present “The Story of the Nicene Creed” on April 8
Theologian and author Dr. Kevin DeYoung will present “The Story of the Nicene Creed: The Most Important (Extra-biblical) Text Ever Written” on Tuesday, April 8, at 3 p.m. at Hope College in Schaap Auditorium in the Jim and Martie Bultman Student Center.
2025 Mar
Students to Present Creative and Research Projects on April 11
Original research by Hope students on topics ranging from the foraging efficiency of sparrows, to the effect of high-tempo music on sprint swimming, to anti-immigrant violence in the United Kingdom, to Don Quixote and social media will be highlighted during the college’s annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity on Friday, April 11, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Richard and Helen DeVos Fieldhouse.
Lecture to Discuss “The History of the Presidential Pardon Power”
Dr. Jeffrey Crouch, who is author of the book “The Presidential Pardon Power,” will present “The History of the Presidential Pardon Power” on Thursday, March 27, at 4:30 p.m. at Hope College in Schaap Auditorium of the Jim and Martie Bultman Student Center.