Hope College News
2026 Jun
2026 Social Sciences Early Career Investigators Awards Announced
Hope Professor Lauren Slone and 10 research students she mentored were honored with Hope’s 2026 Social Sciences Early Career Investigators Award.
New Federal Grant Helps Hope College Launch GRACE Project
After being awarded a $1.43 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Hope College announced the launch of its new GRACE initiative to teach and practice the art of civil discourse.
Spring 2026 Dean's List Announced
The Registrar’s Office is pleased to announce Dean’s List recipients for the spring semester. The Dean’s List is awarded to full-time, degree-seeking students who have received grades for all courses in a given semester (no incompletes) and have a semester GPA of 3.50 or above.
2026 May
NSF Awards Hope Alumni with Graduate Research Fellowship Program Offers
Three Hope College alumni attending graduate school were notified of award offers from the prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship Program of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) for the 2026-27 academic year. One other Hope alumnus received honorable mention recognition.
Hope College Joins USTA Coaching to Develop Next Generation of Tennis Coaches
Through a newly established program designed to strengthen the pipeline of future tennis professionals, USTA Coaching will collaborate with Hope College to further align academic preparation with the evolving needs of the tennis industry.
Prof. Kelly Ronald Receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award in Biology
The U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board awarded Dr. Kelly Ronald — assistant professor of biology at Hope College — the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Hope College Chemistry Major Awarded Barry Goldwater Scholarship
Hope College student Gloria Kozak ’27 of Midland, Mich., received the highly competitive scholarship from the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. Kozak is a chemistry major, working with her research mentor Dr. Meagan Elinski, assistant professor of chemistry at Hope. Kozak was one of just 14 Goldwater Scholarship Award recipients from Michigan colleges and universities, and one of 454 nationally
Hope Repertory Theatre Begins 54th Season
Hope Repertory Theatre proudly announces its exciting 54th season, with productions running June 11–August 1, featuring a vibrant lineup of beloved musicals, an American theatrical masterpiece, and a swashbuckling family adventure.
Hope College 2026 Commencement Address
Peter Stuursma ’93 — associate professor of kinesiology instruction and Hope’s head football coach — addressed Hope’s Class of 2026 on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Ray and Sue Smith Stadium in Holland, Michigan. It was the 161st commencement for Hope College, which celebrated 815 graduates — the largest graduating class in Hope’s history.
Professor Rob Pocock Receives H.O.P.E. Award from Class of 2026
The graduating Class of 2026 presented the annual H.O.P.E. award to Rob Pocock ’77, associate professor of communication instruction.
Baccalaureate and Commencement 2026 Photo Gallery
Approximately 815 graduates — the largest graduating class in Hope’s history — participated in the 161st commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 10, at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.
Hope Leaders, Students Speak to Michigan House Subcommittee
The Michigan Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges heard from several students, presidents, staff and others across Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities (MICU) campus members, who advocated for continued investment in state financial aid programs to benefit all learners. The activity was part of MICU’s annual Advocacy Day.
Dennis Feaster Named the 2026 Vanderbush-Weller Award Winner
The 2026 Vanderbush-Weller Award was awarded to Dr. Dennis Feaster, who’s been with Hope College since 2013, teaching in the sociology and social work department.