The Traditions of Hope College

Beginning first with its establishment of the Holland colony’s Pioneer School in 1851 and then later gaining its official charter in 1866, Hope College holds ages of timeless tradition. This is manifested in a variety of ways throughout the College. From the College’s historic architecture to its pursuit of its Christian identity and the liberal …

My Experience in the Nykerk Even Year Play

This past Saturday, Hope hosted its 88th annual Nykerk competition. Freshman and sophomore (a.k.a. even and odd year) girls competed in song, play, and oration, to take home the coveted Nykerk Cup. Those with keen eyes may have spotted me in the even year play as the totally tubular Jennifer Nicole-Heather Johnson, a student trapped …

It’s a Family Tradition

Happy Thanksgiving Hope College! Since Thanksgiving was yesterday, and our bellies are full of turkey and our minds are full of memories, I can’t help but think about all the traditions my family has during this holiday season. As you think about what traditions you have, I’m going to walk you through some of the …

In the Name of Tradition and Nykerk Love: Candlelight

This month I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the Hope College Tradition of Nykerk. The fun, community, and experience of playing a small role in something as big as this 80 year long tradition are memories I will be able to recall forever. In addition, last night will be …

Nykerk!

With October comes changing leaves, apple cider, pumpkin spice everything, and another wonderful Hope Tradition: Nykerk! Nykerk, like the Pull, is a competition between the even and odd year classes. Hope women compete in one of three categories for their year (Oration, Play, or Song) with the goal of winning the Nykerk cup! Nykerk was started …

My First Pull Experience

This weekend I had the unique Hope College experience of attending The Pull. It’s one of those things where everyone tells you, “You don’t understand it until you’ve seen it.” I thought I got it; I thought I knew what awaited me as I grabbed my water bottle and took off for the bus with …

We’re Odd.

Odd (adjective): strange, weird, peculiar. We’ve got that covered.   Odd (noun): every sign pointing closer to the Black River. Have you seen them?   ODD (verb): lifestyle. It’s more than ending with ’17. It’s more than the three hour strife of the pull in the pits. It’s Odd Year Pride.   Today, Hope College …

The First Annual Christmas Tree Lighting!

Before you read this post, you should probably start this video and listen to the gloriousness that is this song. Okay, thanks. Alright, now that you’ve pressed play, feel free to read! On Tuesday of this week, President Knapp invited everyone to come over and stand outside of his house while they lit up a …

2 Days Left

The anticipation, it’s just getting out of control. We’ve made it so far, but I still feel like its so far away. But it’s going to be okay when I wake up, because it will be Wednesday. Thanksgiving Break, freedom, but only for 4 days. It’s definitely better than nothing though. After break, there is …