Dear Hope Community,
I hope your fall semester has gotten off to a spectacular start!
I am writing to let you know about a new Hope blog, “Stories of Hope,” that was launched last week. Focusing on scholarship and innovation here at Hope College, the blog will provide another way to share stories that reflect our academic distinctiveness, as expressed inside and outside the classroom, lab and studio.
We thought you might have questions, so we’ve tried to anticipate and answer a few:
- Why a blog? Traditionally, Hope has shared its stories through news releases and “News from Hope College.” These are great channels of communication, but often we are able to reach different/expanding audiences more effectively or in a more timely manner through web-based communications. The blog, which can be promoted to wide audiences via social media, will share stories that might not lend themselves to the news release or magazine format.
- What will the posts look like? Posts on “Stories of Hope” will vary. In some cases, the posts will be feature-length stories. Other times, the posts will be brief pieces that link to news on the Hope website (or other sites). And sometimes, the post might be a video, a single photograph, a book review or a guest-written post. We’ll aim to publish at least one post per week.
- How can I help? Spread the word! Follow the blog, and share the posts with friends and colleagues via social media, email or your departmental website. “Stories of Hope” will be the most effective when it is broadly read by many audiences. You also can help by sending us your suggestions…
- How can I suggest a story? You’ve got great story ideas. We want to hear them — and tell them, whether it’s through “Stories of Hope” or another channel! Submit your story ideas to stories@hope.edu. Once the Public Affairs and Marketing team receives your suggestion, we’ll identify the communication mode and timeframe that best fits your story.
- Why is the blog called “Stories of Hope”? Because, well, we shouldn’t hesitate to tell our story! We believe in our mission: to educate students for lives of leadership and service in a global society through academic and co-curricular programs of recognized excellence in the liberal arts and in the context of the historic Christian faith. And, we believe in the importance of recognizing the work that goes into supporting that mission. “Stories of Hope” will highlight the academic component of our mission, and in doing so, will illustrate how we prepare students to lead, serve and make a difference in the world.
We are excited to hear your ideas and your feedback. Thank you for all you do to bring Hope’s mission to life!