April marks Van Wylen Library’s twentieth anniversary.The dedication of Van Wylen Library on April 21, 1988 was celebrated with a convocation in Dimnent Chapel, a luncheon in Phelps Hall, and a renaissance fair in front of Van Wylen and Van Zoeren.Classes were cancelled to emphasize the importance of dedicating a new library.In his dedication address, John Hope Franklin referred to the Van Wylen Library as “a stately mansion of learning,”urging those who would use it to “do so with the objective not merely to learn, noble as that is, but also for the purpose of using knowledge to improve the world in which we live.”Franklin concluded by saying “My great hope is that this facility will inspire all who use it to build their own stately mansions of learning.”
At the dedication luncheon, MaxDe Pree, Chairman of the Board of Trustees in 1988, noted that the renaissance fair demonstrated the intention that the new library would “signal a renaissance of learning and scholarship in HopeCollege.”The record of undergraduate research and faculty publication over the past twenty years attest to a continuing renaissance of learning and scholarship at Hope.
The college will observe the twentieth anniversary of the Van Wylen Library dedication with a reception on the first floor of the library on Monday, April 21, 2008 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.Refreshments and music will be provided.A short program will begin at 2:30. All students, faculty and staff are invited to attend.