Milestone Weekend

We are looking forward to celebrating the Class of 1974 and all alumni and friends of the college during Milestone Weekend, May 16–18, 2024. There will be celebratory events specific to the Class of 1974 as well as learning opportunities, arts and athletic events for everyone to enjoy. 

Register for Milestone Weekend 

Thursday, May 16

2–5 p.m. — Hospitality Hub | Haworth Hotel

Stop by the Hospitality Hub to check in for the weekend. We’re looking forward to welcoming you to campus!

5:30–9 p.m. — Milestone Celebration | Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts and Haworth Hotel

Meet the Distinguished Alumni Award recipients and reconnect with friends while enjoying a variety of drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. featuring Jenn Drummond ’01 – entrepreneur, survivor, mountaineer, mom of seven, world record holder, and author. As the first woman to climb the world’s Seven Second Summits, meet the “QuitProof” Jenn Drummond ’01. Continue the connections after the program while enjoying a strolling dinner in the heart of campus.

FRIDAY, May 17

8 a.m.–2 p.m. — Hospitality Hub | Haworth Hotel

Stop by the Hospitality Hub to check in for the weekend. We’re looking forward to welcoming you to campus!

9–11:45 a.m. — Milestone Sessions 

9–9:45 a.m.

From Hope College to the World | Haworth 104

Hear from Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Nontsikelelo (Ntsiki) Sisulu-Singapi ’97, chief director of the Department of Women, Children & People with Disabilities, South African government.

From Hope College to the World | Haworth 156/158

Hear from Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Dr. Robert Motzer ’77, clinical oncologist and professor of medicine.

10–10:45 a.m.

QuitProof with Jenn Drummond ’01 | HASP Classroom at Anderson-Werkman

Entrepreneur, survivor, mountaineer, mom of seven, world record holder, and author. As the first woman to climb the world’s Seven Second Summits, meet the “QuitProof” Jenn Drummond.

Dr. Jon Peterson, Research Presentation | Haworth 156/158

“From Tiny to Huge: The Scale, Scope, and Significance of Research in the Natural & Applied Sciences Division”
Jon Peterson, dean of Natural & Applied Sciences, will present an overview of the wide variety of student-faculty research projects within the division, including some of the details of the intriguing questions being addressed, as well as the impact these experiences are having on students’ careers.

11–11:45 a.m.

Neuromusculoskeletal Biomechanics Laboratory | VanderWerf Hall B4

Dr. Brooke Odle, Engineering – Lab Tour
In the Neuromusculoskeletal Biomechanics Laboratory, our primary focus is understanding how manual patient-handling tasks, which involve lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, rolling and pivoting movements, are performed by nursing students and nurses in the workforce. These tasks have been associated with injuries to the musculoskeletal system, particularly at the low back. We use different techniques and wearable technology to understand task performance and develop interventions to reduce the risk of injury in this population.

Calvo Lab: Studying Mechanisms of Brain Regeneration | Schaap Science Center 2019

Dr. Erika Calvo-Ochoa, Neuroscience – Lab Tour
The Calvo Lab studies regeneration of the nervous system following damage and disease. Because neural regeneration is extremely limited in mammals — such as humans — we take advantage of an animal model that exhibits remarkable brain regeneration throughout its life, the zebrafish. We have three major projects: we study regenerative mechanisms after traumatic brain injuries, low-oxygen conditions (i.e., hypoxia), and in a Parkinson’s-disease-like model. With this, we hope to unravel processes that could inform neural repair and regenerative processes in the damaged human brain.

Dr. Stephanie Pangborn, Global Health Research Presentation | Haworth 156/158

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. — Lunch at Phelps Dining Hall

12—1:30 p.m. — Spirit of Hope Luncheon | Haworth Hotel

Dimnent Heritage Society and 50 Year Circle members are invited to gather to share a meal and reflect on the impact Hope has had on past generations and those to come. The Spirit of Hope Award recipient will be honored at this event.

Note: The 50 Year Circle includes all Hope College alumni from the classes of 1973 and before. Dimnent Heritage Society includes members of the Hope community with Hope College in their estate plans

2–2:45 p.m. — Milestone Sessions

Celebrating 40 Years of Belonging and Growth Together with Dr. Sonja Trent-Brown | Bultman Student Center

Join staff to honor the achievements of Hope College’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion in celebrating our 40th anniversary.

Academic Tea with Provost Gerald Griffin & Deans | Bultman Student Center

Join Provost Gerald Griffin, academic deans, academic chairs and faculty for a “State of the Union” on Hope College's academic milestones.

 Campus Tour with Sustainability Emphasis | Haworth Hotel

This tour will be led by the Director of the Office of Sustainability, highlighting Hope’s innovative practices environmental stewardship.

 Campus Tour with New Building Emphasis | Haworth Hotel

This tour will focus on how the campus has grown and transformed over the years as you visit the newest buildings.

3–4:30 p.m. — Hope Forward: Empowering Progress | Lower Level of DeWitt "Under the Glass"

Join us for a journey through Hope Forward’s highlights, updates and captivating presentations delivered by our talented Hope Forward students. Afterward, engage in a Q&A session and mingle to connect and celebrate our community’s resilience and innovation.

5 p.m. — 50th Reunion Party | Haworth Hotel

Let’s celebrate 50 years! Members of the Class of 1974 will enjoy dinner, a cash bar and plenty of time to spend together catching up. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime event. Dinner begins at 6 p.m.

6 p.m. — Trivia | Lower Level of DeWitt Learning Lab

Grab your pals and join us for Hope-themed team trivia. Teams of one to six will participate in this friendly competition where everyone wins!

Saturday, May 18

9–11 a.m. — Hospitality Hub | Haworth Hotel

Stop by the Hospitality Hub to check in for the weekend. We’re looking forward to welcoming you to campus!

10–11:30 a.m. — 50-Year Reunion Brunch and 50-Year Circle Induction | Holland Civic Center

As our gift to the 50th Reunion Class, this event is free for all guests. Members of the Class of 1974 are invited to celebrate five decades of life well lived since graduation! As a fun throwback, this event will take place at the Holland Civic Center, the former home of Hope basketball. After enjoying an extensive breakfast, guests will be inducted into the 50-Year Circle community in an informal ceremony. A class photo will be taken at this event.

11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. — Holland Bus Tour

Drive down memory lane and experience the highlights of Holland from the comfort of a Hope College tour bus. A professional tour guide (and Hope alum!) will guide you on your journey with stops at iconic spots like the Cappon House, the Holland State Park and Tulip Lane. All passengers will be treated to a classic Holland treat. Capacity is limited to 35 guests.

1:30–2:15 p.m. — Milestone Sessions

Athletics Spotlight | Lower Level of DeWitt Learning Lab

Coaches and Athletics staff will give you an insider’s view of the incredible Athletics program at Hope as they reflect on seasons past and preview seasons to come.

Arts Spotlight | Kruizenga Art Museum

Kruizenga Art Museum — “Deep Roots, New Shoots: Modern and Contemporary African Art” and “Transforming Matter: Incarnation, Sacraments and Saints in Catholic Art and Devotion” Conclude your Milestone Weekend experience by exploring art exhibitions at the Kruizenga Art Museum. A light reception will follow.

Questions? Email alumni@hope.edu anytime.