Hope College News
2026 Apr
Hope’s Largest Graduating Class Celebrated During May 10 Graduation Activities
Hope College will host its baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 10, when the largest graduation class in Hope’s history will gather.
Hope College Announces Faculty Retirements After 2025-26 Academic Year
With much appreciation, Hope College celebrates the following esteemed faculty members retiring at the close of the Spring 2026 semester. They are an exceptional group of educators, scholars and mentors representing a collective 350 years of dedicated service to the college community — across many disciplines, from the sciences and social sciences to the humanities and arts. Their commitment has shaped the lives of countless students, contributed significantly to their respective fields and helped define the academic excellence of Hope College for decades. Each will be recognized during the May 10, 2026, commencement ceremony at the Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.
Washington Honors Semester Hits 50-Year Anniversary, Announces Special Endowment Gift
As Hope College celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Washington Honors Semester program, the college also recognized a significant donor gift that will help support the program indefinitely.
Hope College Announces 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
The Hope College Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the accomplishments of alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their chosen profession, have made a positive impact on their community and are involved with the college. This year’s recipients will be recognized during the college’s Milestone Weekend (May 15-16) in Holland, where the Class of 1976 will also be celebrated.
Hope College Students to Present Creative and Research Projects on April 17
Original research by Hope students on nearly 200 different topics will be highlighted during the college’s 25th annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity on Friday, April 17, starting at 2:30 p.m. at the Richard and Helen DeVos Fieldhouse on the Hope College campus in Holland. The public is invited and admission is free.
2026 Mar
Hope College Appoints Robin Zondervan as its New CFO
Hope College announced it has named Robin Zondervan, CPA, as its next chief financial officer and vice president for business.
Hope College Students Host 24-Hour Annual Dance Marathon to Benefit Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
Hope students are ready to roll – and rock – for the 26th annual 24-hour Dance Marathon at the Dow Center on campus, planning to raise more than $300,000 for Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Hope College to Host Unified Hope vs. Faculty Basketball Game March 10
Hope College’s Unified Hope student organization, a Special Olympics Michigan chapter, will host its first Unified Hope vs. Hope College faculty/staff basketball game on Tues., March 10, at 7 p.m. in the DeVos Fieldhouse. This event is free and open to the public.
Remembering Professor Fred Johnson
The Hope College community is deeply mourning the loss of Professor Fred Johnson III, a beloved history department faculty member, who passed away peacefully Feb. 27 after suffering a cardiac arrest last week.