Hope College

Orange and blooms 🧡🌼

Backed by a $1.43 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Hope College is launching the GRACE (Growing through Respectful and Civil Exchange) initiative to cultivate the art of civil discourse.

The four-year grant will fund student leadership cohorts, faculty curriculum support, and public scholarship led by Provost Dr. Gerald Griffin and Professor Dr. Sarah Kornfield.

🔗 Read more about the project at the link in the comments.

Dr. Kelly Ronald, assistant professor of biology, has received a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar award for the 2026–2027 academic year.

The grant will fund her upcoming research project in Curitiba, Brazil, where she will study how urban noise and city environments affect how birds hear and adapt to human-dominated landscapes. Her findings will help contribute to global wildlife conservation and sustainable city planning.

Dr. Ronald is the third Hope biologist in recent years to receive this international honor.

Taking shape 🏗️

Stay tuned for more updates about the new home for the Hope College Economics & Business Department as we approach the expected Fall 2028 opening.

May Term recap! 🧳✈️

During the month of May, many students travel off-campus to participate in a variety of experiential learning opportunities.

📸 : Japan, Brazil, Los Angeles, and Northern Ireland

President Matt Scogin, along with Hope students and an alumnus, recently testified before the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges.

Speaking on behalf of Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities (MICU), the group advocated for the expansion of state financial aid programs and highlighted how Hope’s innovative tuition models are making higher education accessible to all learners.

A new collaboration between Hope and USTA Coaching will provide students enrolled in Professional Tennis Management and Racquet Sports Management programs with enhanced access to industry resources and professional development tools.

The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academic study and real-world experience in racquet sports leadership.

Celebrating the Class of 2026! 🧡🎓

Congratulations to our newest alumni from the Hope-Western Prison Education Program!

In partnership with Western Theological Seminary and the MDOC, this initiative provides a Bachelor of Arts degree in Faith, Leadership, and Service to incarcerated students at Muskegon Correctional Facility.

Tickets are now on sale for the 54th season of Hope Repertory Theatre, running June 11 through August 1.

Under the artistic direction of Professor Michelle Bombe, this summer's lineup features a diverse selection of professional-caliber musicals, American dramas, and family productions.

Read the full season announcement and secure individual tickets or season packages at the link in the comments.