By Miriam Roth “What’s your major?” It’s a question that any college student has answered a thousand times, and I am no exception. My answer, though, is a bit of a mouthful any way you slice it. Yes, I’m one of those crazy people who smashes three disciplines together and goes for a double major. …
Continue reading “History and French and Secondary Education, Oh My!”
By Marc Baer Most of you know that after a wonderful 33 years teaching at Hope and an especially delightful 6 years chairing the History department, as of June 30 I will have retired; professor emeritus will be my title. (I looked up emeritus: it’s Latin for “out of merit,” which seems about right for me). But …
My Work with the National Park Service: Lexington National Historical Park I grew up in upstate New York in an area with a rich prehistory and history. The Mohawk River Valley was home to Native Americans for over 7,000 years and Dutch and English settlers by the late 1600s. I have fond memories as a boy exploring the …
During the Spring semester of 2016, I had the privilege of expanding my interests outside the history discipline. As part of the Mellon Scholars program I was able to build upon my skills in digital media within my history related major. As a Television Producer for the City Holland, I pursued what most would refer to as “communications” internship. …
By Marc Baer One of the great joys for History faculty at the end of the year is attending Hope’s Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Performance in DeVos Fieldhouse. This year was no exception. Six of us mentored a total of 15 majors, from first-years to seniors. The breadth of the projects was stunning, …
If you plan to apply for admission to a graduate program or for a grant or fellowship, you will need to write a personal statement. While all applications contain specific instructions, and you should definitely pay attention and tailor your statement to the program for which you are applying, there are some general principles that …
Continue reading “Writing Personal Statements for Scholarship or Graduate School Applications”
Tara Tappert ‘73 may have graduated from Hope over 40 years ago, but her enthusiasm for learning and teaching hasn’t waned. I am continually making and re-making the focus and direction of my career—teacher, writer, curator, editor, events planner, and advocate. After getting her undergraduate degree in History, Dr. Tappert received an M.S.L.S. in Library …
By Rebecca Fox I knew that I wanted to study abroad almost as soon as I came to Hope. I even knew exactly where I wanted to study: Wales. Since I love Welsh literature and history, I longed to explore the breathtaking Welsh mountains, to see where my favorite stories took place, and to finally …
By Al Bell I guess it’s appropriate that I should be the first faculty member to introduce myself since I’m the senior member of the department, both in age and in terms of service. I came to Hope in 1978. I’ve had the children of some of my first students in my classes. If someone had asked me …
Inventing America, Episode 1 (“Making a Nation”), a “live” interview with four of the nation’s Founding Fathers filmed before a live audience at Hope College in December 2014 will be featured on PBS stations around the country this July 4th. “Making a Nation” highlights the origins of the Declaration of Independence. If your local PBS …
