Meet the Congress

Executive Board

Acacia Dykstra

President

Acacia is a junior studying political science from Franklin, Tennessee. Previously, she served as a Kollen Hall representative followed by a term as Public Affairs chair. Acacia is an avid coffee enthusiast. In her free time she enjoys photography and all things friends. The president is responsible for bridging the gap between faculty and staff, answering questions from the student body and being a voice in rooms where a student perspective is needed, as well as directing a team of student leaders.

Hayley Kennedy

Vice President

Hayley Kennedy is a sophomore from Corunna, Michigan, studying engineering and mathematics. This is Hayley’s second year on Student Congress, where she was previously Gilmore Hall representative and sat on the Co-Curricular Activities Committee, and she now sits on the Campus Life Board. She is involved in Greek Life and is part of the Panhellenic Council. She is also an employee for Hope College Intramurals. In her free time, Hayley enjoys listening to and playing music, crocheting, making crafts, skateboarding, and hanging out with friends and family.

Sam

Chief of Staff

Sam is a sophomore studying secondary education social studies from Bloomfield Township, Michigan. Previously, he served on the Appropriations Committee and as a Kollen Hall representative followed by a term as treasurer. Sam is an avid Detroit sports fan. In his free time he enjoys gerrymandering and all things politics. The chief of staff is responsible for overseeing the election process, answering questions of constitutionality and parliamentary procedure, directing a team of cabinet officials, and overseeing the biannual constitutional revision process.

Ben DuBay

Controller

Ben is a senior from Omaha, Nebraska, studying economics and business. He is the controller this year after spending last year as the controller-elect and the previous year as the Wyckoff Hall representative. On campus, Ben is a member of the Hope College swimming and diving team. In his free time, Ben enjoys spending time with friends and watching sports.

Grace Hammers

Vice Controller

Grace Hammers is a junior from Southfield, Michigan, studying biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in religion. Grace is on a pre-med track and plans on attending medical school following graduation. This is Grace’s second year on Student Congress. Prior to this year, she served as the Cook Hall representative, was a member of the Administrative Affairs Task Force, and is now sitting on the Co-Curricular Activities committee. Apart from Student Congress, Grace is greatly involved in Hope College’s Dance Marathon, volunteering at Compassionate Heart Ministries, doing research in the Hope College chemistry department, and working as a caregiver at an assisted living facility.

Sara Cerda

Chief of Culture and Inclusion

Sara Cerda is a first-generation student from Chicago, Illinois. She is a senior majoring in accounting with a minor in Spanish. This is Sara’s third year on Student Congress, previously serving as the representative for First Gen Union on the culture and inclusion committee and as chief of culture and inclusion elect. Apart from serving on Student Congress, Sara is the president of the Latino Student Organization, among other roles, all with the intention to make Hope College as inclusive, diverse and equitable as possible.

Aaron Vazquez

Vice Chief of Culture and Inclusion

Aaron Vazquez, a dedicated first-generation student from Portage, Michigan, is pursuing a dual major in business and psychology, accompanied by a minor in leadership. This academic year marks Aaron's debut in Student Congress, where he is ready to make a positive impact. Beyond his role in Student Congress, Aaron is a prominent figure on campus, proudly serving as a resident assistant (RA), showcasing the university's vibrant community as a tour guide for Hope's Office of Admissions, and is also involved in The Pull. Away from bustling campus life, Aaron enjoys hiking, advocating for physical fitness and mental well-being, spending quality time with family and friends, and is a true coffee connoisseur.

Elle Oom

Chief of Assessment

Elle is a junior studying secondary education and mathematics. Previously on Student Congress she had served as a general campus representative as well as the chief of assessment-elect. Outside of Student Congress, she spends her time around campus involved with Campus Ministries as a Bible study leader and a member of the social justice team, playing intramural sports, studying at Biggby and playing board games with her friends.

Eric Alsgaard

Vice Chief of Assessment

Eric Alsgaard is a junior from Holland, Michigan, studying electrical engineering and math. Previously appointed as the sophomore class representative, Eric now serves as the vice chief of assessment, surveying the student body and utilizing his background in engineering project management and Lean Six Sigma methodology. Outside of his work and studies, he enjoys playing electric and classical guitar, reading books, and making and enjoying coffee of all kinds. He is also the only member on Student Congress to have a properly-fitting pair of wooden shoes.

Cabinet

• All Exec (including Vice roles)
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Chief of Public Affairs
• Public Affairs Coordinator(s)
• Administrative Affairs Task Force Chair
• Academic Affairs Task Force Chair
• Campus Life Task Force Chair
• Critical Issues Symposium Director

Class Council

• Contact congress@hope.edu if you are interested in representing your class!
• Senior Class Representatives
• Junior Class Representatives
• Sophomore Class Representatives
• Freshman Class Representatives

General Congress

• Cook Hall
• Durfee Hall
• Dykstra Hall
• Gilmore Hall
• Kollen Hall
• Lichty Hall
• Phelps Hall
• Scott Hall
• Van Vleck Hall
• Voorhees Hall
• Wyckoff Hall
• Neighborhood Representatives
• Off-Campus Representatives
• Appointed Campus Representatives
• Appropriations Representatives
• Culture and Inclusion Representatives
• Assessment Representatives