Engineering Addition

As the sixth most popular area of interest listed by students applying to Hope College, engineering attracts many bright and motivated students. Since engineering courses were introduced at the college in 1979, the curriculum has steadily expanded. In 2006, the Department of Engineering became a stand-alone department, giving today’s students many more options of study. The physical growth, however, has lagged behind the curricular growth, and Hope now needs expanded space for the study of engineering.

The project includes a two-story, 9,000-square-foot addition to VanderWerf Hall. The growing department of engineering will receive additional space through construction of a $4 million addition (including construction and maintenance endowment) to the northwestern side of VanderWerf Hall, which currently houses the department as well as the departments of computer science, mathematics and physics. The finished project will provide a two-story, 9,000-square-foot addition. The expansion will include purpose-built laboratory space for students enrolled in engineering design courses as well as for co-curricular projects like Formula SAE.

The project has been supported through a leadership gift from Holland-based Haworth Inc.

In addition, the arrival of LG Chem Corporation to the greater Holland community will present new educational opportunities for collaborative research in Engineering and Chemistry.

The largest single fundraising effort in the college’s history, the $175 million A Greater Hope comprehensive campaign will benefit every student as it strengthens the college’s endowment, adds several new buildings, and supports immediate needs through the annual Hope Fund. For more information, and to explore supporting the college through the campaign, please visit Hope on-line or contact Mary Remenschneider, campaign director at remenschneider@hope.edu or 616-395-7775.