Historic day for Hope College with record number graduates
Hope College celebrated its largest graduating class in school history during Sunday’s commencement.
HOLLAND — Hope College celebrated its largest graduating class in school history during Sunday’s commencement.
The 815 graduating students attended baccalaureate worship ahead of the commencement ceremony, which took place in the Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Hope College President Matt Scogin and Provost Gerald Griffin led the ceremony, with head football coach and associate professor of kinesiology instruction Peter Stuursma delivering the keynote speech.
This year’s commencement also celebrated the accomplishments of the second graduating class of the Hope Forward pilot program, with 34 students receiving their diplomas. The 10 graduates of the Hope-Western Prison Education Program, also in its second year, will be formally acknowledged May 19 in a separate ceremony at the Muskegon Correctional Facility.
Nate Haveman, vice president of enrollment management, believes authenticity in relationships, opportunities and the institution’s commitment to affordability has drawn increased numbers of students to Hope. He pointed toward the Anchored Tuition Pledge, in which students pay the same tuition rate throughout their four years at the college.
Haveman said the graduating class is a reflection and celebration of the pledge, and that Hope College’s enrollment team strives to build connections with students from their first interactions at freshman orientation.
“Our last two enrollment cycles have produced top class sizes in the college's history, and that consistency says even more about where Hope is headed,” Haveman said. “Our 2022 enrollment numbers certainly tell a compelling story but we're even more grateful to see that momentum continue.”
Scogin emphasized that the graduating seniors chose Stuursma as the commencement ceremony’s keynote speaker as a result of his impact on the student body.
Stuursma graduated from Hope in 1993 and served as co-captain for the Flying Dutchmen during his senior season. He returned to Hope in 2016 after earning his master’s degree in physical education and sports administration from the University of Northern Colorado and time spent coaching at East Grand Rapids High School.
Under Stuursma’s leadership, Hope College’s football team has achieved a 74-20 overall record (.787) and won three Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association titles. He was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2020.
Scogin said Stuursma’s influence on campus extends far beyond the football field, and that students recognize his “authentic presence” in their lives.
“You'll find him in Phelps Dining Hall, Chapel or hanging out in the Pine Grove, and he's the same every time — giving out high fives, lifting people up and pouring genuine encouragement into everyone he meets,” Scogin said. “He is truly the kind of leader who spreads hope to the world.”
Stuursma said the graduating class is well prepared to thrive, and that he is inspired by their gifts and talents. He emphasized that students are just beginning to write their life stories, and that graduation is only the beginning.
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Dance and psychology graduate Ella Titcomb said she was introduced to the school when her family visited Tulip Time, and thought the campus was beautiful. She said the college’s dance program and emphasis on faith is what drew her to Hope, as well as the variety of opportunities available to students.
“Hope College helped me grow in my faith, create lifelong friendships and it taught me that my voice matters,” Titcomb said. “I had an amazing time these past four years.”
Titcomb encourages incoming students to balance schoolwork and campus involvement with self-care. She feels it’s important to try new activities and meet people, and that friends made throughout college will be there throughout life’s ups and downs.
“It’s such an honor to be part of the largest graduating class in Hope’s history,” Titcomb said. “I’m so blessed to have gotten the opportunity to be a student at Hope.”
— Contact ONN reporter Hailey Hentz at hhentz@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
