Let’s face it. For many of us, 2024 has been a hard year, especially given an acrimonious election, high inflation and distressing conflicts on the world stage. We could lose heart. But at Hope College, we don’t.
The reason we can maintain an optimistic attitude can be summed up in one word: gratitude.
Gratitude is a quality that we have been cultivating across our campus community. We are all learning that looking for things we can be thankful for can turn our eyes from the negative to the Giver of every good and perfect gift, which comes from above. (James 1:17)
One reason this thankful attitude has been more ingrained in our response to life at Hope is Hope Forward. Generosity, and its twin virtue of gratitude, is one of the pillars of Hope Forward — an innovative financial model where students receive a fully funded tuition and give back generously after they graduate so others can have the same opportunity.
Hope Forward has sparked an attitude of gratitude that has been sweeping across campus, spreading outward to our alumni, families and friends of Hope. If you really look, you can find many things to be thankful for. Just ask those who stopped by our Gratitude Table during One Big Weekend (Homecoming + Family Weekend) last month to tell us what makes them thankful.
The Hope College community — I have met the best friends.
The Boerigter Center — It has been a huge help as someone who doesn’t have an exact career plan.
Dr. (Meagan) Elinski – She sparked my love for chemistry research! I wouldn’t be as involved with chemistry and pursuing my biochemistry degree without her.
The kind and caring professors — They get to know their students and are willing to invest extra time helping with academics and taking an interest in the personal aspects of students’ lives.
St. Benedict Institute and Hope Chapel services — They keep our students closer to God.
The girls I met in Dykstra Hall 24 years ago — They are amazing people and lifelong friends.
The cross country team — It’s given me the best friends and the opportunity to do what I love.
Jennifer Ryden (chaplain of discipleship) — We had a difficult but honest conversation, and she listened to me as well as responded with thoughtful and intellectual answers.
A safe campus with excellent faculty — It is providing a great experience for my daughter.
My roommate — She is amazing and always there for me.
The beautiful color of the trees all around — It makes me happy to see the colors of God’s creation every morning when I wake up.
Sophia and Gabe — They are our amazing Hope students.
My best friend and old roommate Michelle — She is the best family I got to choose and has my back in life.
The English department including Jack Ridl (poet and retired Hope professor) and Dr. (Stephen) Hemenway — for the fantastic learning experience.
The leadership and vision of Hope College — They have a spiritual and educational impact on each other and the student body.
My housemates — We have a great time together. I’m so thankful Hope brought us together.
Chapel — It strengthens my faith and brings me closer to God! Such a light! It helps me focus my day and week on Jesus.
The music faculty and Prof. (Samuel) Pang — Music is my favorite thing and these people bring me joy. They support all the students so much and really care about our musical and personal growth!
Our freshman daughter at Hope — I am thankful because she can learn in a place where people love each other and love God.
The Kletz Market — I’ve worked there since I was a freshman, and it’s also been my favorite place to get snacks and food. Whenever I don’t know what to do, I’ve had the Kletz, I’ve even studied there.
Theatre Faculty — They’re all so fun and supportive to be around. They really want what’s best for all their students.
Dawn Rentfrow in Financial Aid — Whenever we have questions or issues, she’s always there to help. If she doesn’t have an answer, she works very hard to find one.
A great family and great place for my son to grow and find himself — A whole lot of people do not have a place like Hope to learn and grow.
The opportunity to spend quality time with my family this weekend — Hope creates events where the whole family can be involved together.
The Pine Grove — It is the center of Hope’s campus and helped me decide to come to Hope.
My family — I love and receive love.
Phelps Scholars Program — It builds community.
Incredible professors and friends who remain in my life and heart 20 years later — They have been a constant in my life for 24 years, and we continue to support each other.
Hope College’s education for my son — Hope has been an amazing place for my son these last four years with his engineering, music and math majors. We’re thankful for the amazing praise team he has been a part of.
Nykerk — It let me be a part of something bigger than myself and meet amazing people.
Hope College — It is my happy place!
We couldn’t agree more. What are you thankful for? Visit link.hope.edu/grateful to share.