Hope College News
2026 May
Two Free, Live Dance Events Held at Pillar Church on May 2
In collaboration with Pillar Church, Lindsey Hanson – Hope College alumna and associate professor of dance — and The Creative Arts Collective present a live dance event titled “Benediction,” on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Pillar Church downtown Holland. This is a free performance open to all ages, but registration is preferred by clicking this link.
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 Presents Combined Choirs Concert on April 25
The Hope College Department of Music will present “Combined Choirs: Lux Aeterna & Concert Spirituals” on Sat., April 25 at 3 p.m. in the concert hall of the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts.
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.
Registration Deadline Nears for Hope College Leadership Retreat
Hope College’s Center for Leadership is hosting its second “Lead With Hope: Authentic Leadership Retreat” May 27-29 at its campus in Holland. Registration is due by May 1.
“You For Me For You” Production Part of Celebration of Asian Heritage Month
This year’s 2026 Asian Heritage Month will be celebrated at Hope College by featuring Hope’s Theatre Department’s production of Mia Chung’s play, “You for Me for You,” on Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. and on Friday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the DeWitt Mainstage Theatre on Hope’s campus. The public is invited and admission is free to both performances, but tickets are required to attend as space is limited.
Hope College Professor Named MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year
Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) named Dr. Benjamin Krause, associate professor of music at Hope College, as its Thomas Ediger Distinguished Composer of the Year for his composition, Spaces Real or Imagined. Krause was recognized at the 2026 MTNA National Conference in Chicago, held March 21–25, where he performed his piece in concert on piano along with clarinetist Gary June, a West Michigan composer and educator. This was Krause’s second time being honored, receiving the first award in 2019. Krause teaches composition and theory at Hope College.
Hope College Seniors Ready to Feature Art Exhibit, Are We There Yet?
The De Pree Art and Art History Center at Hope College is proud to announce, Are We There Yet?, an annual exhibition featuring the work of the graduating senior class of 2026. The college’s annual Senior Art Exhibition will open on Friday, April 17 and will run through Sunday, May 10. Artist talks will be on Friday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Schaap Auditorium with an opening reception following in the De Pree gallery located at the De Pree Art and Art History Center. The public is invited to the artist talks, reception and exhibition. Admission is free. The De Pree Art Center and Gallery is located at 275 Columbia Ave., between 10th and 13th streets.
Hope College Department of Music Presents “A Night of Jazz and Romance”
The Hope College Department of Music will present “A Night of Jazz and Romance” on Saturday, April 18, at 7 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Jack H. Miller Center.
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.
Hope College Department of Music Presents “SPERITAS” on April 11
The Hope College Department of Music will present “SPERITAS,” a choral concert featuring the college’s SPERA and VERITAS ensembles, on Saturday, April 11, at 3 p.m. in the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Concert Hall.
Dutch Author to Share Insights Into Tulip Bulb Trade
Every May, thousands of visitors flock to Holland as the tulips bloom across the city. But how many know the story of how the bulbs beneath the surface — the worldwide supply of which the Netherlands produces more than 75 percent — are grown and how they were first brought from the Netherlands to America?
Hope College Orchestra Presents “The Sound of Hope” on April 10
The Hope College Orchestra will present a special concert titled The Sound of Hope on Friday, April 10, at 7 p.m. in the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Concert Hall.