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.

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?

Called by God, focused at Hope College, honed through Western Theological Seminary, and dispatched by the Reformed Church in America, Gordon (’56) and Evon (Southland, ’57) Laman served as missionaries to Japan for more than four decades.

Hope College announced it has named Robin Zondervan, CPA, as its next chief financial officer and vice president for business.

Congratulations to the hundreds of Hope College students and volunteers for exceeding the fundraising goal during the 26th annual Dance Marathon held at the Dow Center! Hope students danced for 24 hours and raised more than $317,000 to benefit the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. This year's event marked $5 million total dollars raised for the hospital since Hope started the event in 2000.

Hope College Knickerbocker Theatre is hosting the 20th Annual Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) on April 15 at 7 p.m. Part of a national tour, the evening features several short movies revolving around fly fishing. Doors open at 6 p.m. and attendees can expect exclusive giveaways, a cashless bar and the kind of camaraderie that only fly fishing can inspire.

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.