The Critical Issues Symposium, first held in March of 1980, was established by Dr. Gordon Van Wylen, former president of Hope College. The symposium has become a modern tradition designed to stimulate serious thinking about current issues, and to provide a forum in which the Holland community, students, and faculty may all engage in discussion with experts. The mission of a liberal arts college such as Hope includes a commitment to provide information to its community of students and scholars, to promote social responsibility, and to encourage moral discourse. We hope the CIS contributes to that mission.

Each year President James Bultman appoints a CIS committee which, after consultation with students, faculty, and staff, selects the topic for the next symposium. During its planning, the committee is challenged to included appropriate breadth and depth in order to stimulate the interests of a diverse audience and facilitate maximum participation in the symposium. Past topics include: "The Middle East," "World Hunger," "The Family," "Energy," "Civil Rights," "The Quest for Justice: Christian Voices," "Lifeboat Earth: Decisions for Tomorrow," "The Columbus Legacy, 1492-1992," "Race and Social Change in America," "What Future is in our Genes: Freedom from Disease, Good Investment, Manufactured Humans?," "Sport and American Life," and "Feminism and Faith: Implications for Life," "Gold Rush and Ghost Towns: Living with the Internet," and "Earth Matters: Daily Decisions, Environmental Echoes."