“I first embraced the concept of being a student leader at Hope because of a scripture passage presented by Trygve Johnson, Dean of the Chapel; “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season...” (Psalms 1:3 KJV). Trygve’s colorful and stylistic biblical reference to Psalms 1:3 urged my fellow Congress members and me to be trees planted in the soil of Hope, for a tree grows slowly and in one place. Running for Congress President represented a step towards accepting the call of leadership on my life, and has enabled me to begin the process of digging deep roots into the soil of Hope. I have always envisioned Congress as the vanguard of student-driven leadership on campus, therefore I plan to move the organization into a new direction; one that focuses on unifying the student body, reconnecting with the Office of Multicultural Education, and co-sponsoring events with other campus organizations. The projects that Congress plans to tackle this upcoming year include establishing the HOPE Tree Scholarship Endowment Fund, co-sponsoring Voter Registration and Education programs, and re-instituting the Teaching HOPE program on diversity.”

David has been involved in numerous activities in addition to Student Congress: he was a Neighborhood Coordinator, Research Intern in La Jolla California, and Resident Assistant at Hope. He was also apart of the Hope College Jazz Ensemble, the Phelps Scholars Program, and he played Intramural Basketball. After graduation, David plans to combine his chemistry and management backgrounds into pursuing hospital administration or the banking industry with an emphasis in health care. Ultimately he would like to obtain a joint MD/MBA.

“Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. -- I chose to run for president because I believe that I can make our sorority more visible on campus. Also I want to enhance the greatness of the campus by fulfilling our five point thrust: economic development, educational development, physical and mental health, political awareness and involvement, and international awareness and involvement.

Student Congress -- I chose to run for Senior Class representative because I have been involved in a lot of activities on campus. I have been on many executive boards on campus and I believe they prepared me to get ready for Student Congress. I hope to represent the senior class in a positive light.”

Leticia has been involved in numerous activities in addition to Delta Sigma Theta, and Student Congress: she has been part of the Katrina Leadership Project, a Student Worker for the Van Wylen Library, Teacher’s Assistant in the English Department, Student Worker in Office of Multicultural Education, Student Caller in Admissions Office, Vice Chair of GLCA Planning committee, English Department Research Assistant and LEAP Tutor. She has also been part of the Black Student Union and the Phelps Scholars Program, and she served as an Orientation Assistant. After graduation, Leticia plans to attend Law School.

“I chose to run for president of HAPA because I have a very strong passion for the mission of the group as well as for all minority students on campus. There are many different responsibilities that come along with being president, but most of all I hope to bridge any gaps between the OME groups as well as with all Hope students, faculty, and staff in order to create a community of understanding and awareness. I also want to create a group in which all members, no matter what race, religion, or background can feel comfortable because that is what HAPA was for me when I first entered Hope College as a freshman.”

Derek has been involved in numerous activities in addition to HAPA: he was on the Logistics Committee for Relay for Life, and a member of the Phelps Scholars Program. He has also worked for the Haworth Inn & Conference Center and the Hope College Physical Plant. After graduation, Derek hopes to teach English abroad for a year or two and then pursue Dental School.

“I find it important to serve my community in a meaningful way. As a result, I pursued and took on a position of leadership within La Raza Unida. As president, I am involved in conducting general and e-board meetings, designing the calendar for the academic year and seeing the goals of LaRU through to their complete realization. I look forward to helping progress the ideals of LaRU and making this organization an important part of Hope College and the vision associated with this institution.”

Phillip has been involved in numerous activities in addition to LaRU: he was a Biology Research Intern, he
co-counseled the BCPT (Biomedical Covenant Project Teach) Program, he was a member of the Phelps Scholars Program and he is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta (National Health Pre-Professional Honors Society.) He has also volunteered at Holland Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, Warm Friend Retirement Community, and he made the Dean’s List for three semesters. After graduation, Phillip hopes to gain entrance into Medical School so that he can pursue a career in either Pediatrics or General Practice.

“I chose to run for co-president of the Black Student Union with Christine Washington because I am passionate about BSU and have a lot of ideas for activities for the upcoming year. I am responsible for running meetings, communicating with the E-board members and the general members and am responsible for all BSU activities. I hope to make BSU stronger, with a larger, more active membership. I also hope to increase communication between all multicultural student groups on campus. We are planning events for BSU that we are very excited about.”

Krista has been involved in numerous activities in addition to BSU: she has done summer research for the Psychology Department, she is a member of the Mortar Board, and she was a member of the Phelps Scholars Program. She has also volunteered at Holland Hospital Behavioral Health Services, and studied abroad in Ethiopia Spring of 2007. After graduation, Krista hopes to attend graduate school for Clinical Psychology in fall 2009.

“I ran for BSU president, well actually, co-president with Krista Mehari because I really love BSU. I love our mission and the purpose of this organization. It’s important to be a part of something bigger than you, and BSU strives to bring awareness about not only African American heritage and culture, but all issues of diversity. Holding meetings, and planning and coordinating events with the Hope and Holland community are some of my responsibilities. I want to continue the amazing things BSU has been doing over the past few years and begin a few new traditions. It’s really important to me to keep BSU a safe place of community for any student interested. So, more than anything else, I’m excited to get to know new faces and grow in deeper relationship with old ones! ”

Christine has been involved in numerous activities in addition to BSU: she has interned at the Holland Police Department and the Kent County’s Victims/Witness Unit. She has worked many jobs on campus: Admissions, Academic Support Center, Chaplain’s Office, and Office of Multicultural Education. She has also played Intramural Sports, lead a small group Bible study, volunteered at CASA, the Maple Avenue Church and at the Western Seminary Soup Kitchen. After graduation, Christine hopes to attend Law School preferably somewhere out west. “Cali here I come!”