Growing World Citizens and World
Christians in the Soil of Hope
 For
the last few years we’ve been using
the metaphor of growing world citizens and world Christians
in the soil of Hope. Through a series of articles in our publication
News from Hope College, we have had the opportunity to
better understand the richness of the soil of Hope.
We have been able to see how the soil has been enriched through
active learning opportunities, the social sciences, the humanities,
the natural and applied sciences and the arts. These are stories
of students and faculty who contribute to and thrive
in the soil
of Hope. Each story
brings to life our mission to educate students for lives of leadership
and service in a global society through academic and co-curricular
programs of recognized excellence in the liberal arts and in the
context of the historic Christian faith.
Recently, my colleague Dr. Jeff Tyler, professor of religion,
shared reflections on our name and ethos that make Hope what it
is today — a place that gives a vision for vocation and hope
for the future. With his permission and minor editing, I am sharing
the following reasons that make for a rich soil and a vibrant and
enduring Hope College.
•
We believe in the talent, passion, and potential of our students,
who inspire us with their commitment and ability, intelligence
and industry. Working with our students gives us hope for the present and the future.
•
We believe in the excellence of our academic program. For nearly
150 years, Hope has offered an outstanding liberal arts education.
The faculty is devoted to developing the reading, writing, speaking
and critical-thinking skills which will enable Hope graduates to succeed in any field and
adapt to a changing economy.
•
We believe in our faculty, teachers-scholars who are experts in
their fields. We hire faculty who are passionate about students,
teaching, scholarship and our mission--men and women who collaborate
with students on research, creative performance and service-learning projects.
•
We believe in the value of our co-curricular programs. Our ever-changing
society and economy demand that students have a number of essential
experiences beyond the classroom to learn about other cultures,
leadership and service.
•
We believe in the competence of our administration and
staff. People
at every level of Hope College are committed to serving students
well, stewarding resources, and providing a safe and vibrant environment.
•
We believe in our distinctive approach to learning and
scholarship which brings rigorous education together with the exploration of
belief and values. At Hope the historic Christian faith shapes
and informs our quest for learning, living and serving. All students
leave Hope only after reflecting on their essential life and world
views.
I hope that as you read these stories you'll see
these six characteristics in action; these are the reasons we believe
passionately
in Hope.
Yes, Hope
College is the whole package—learning, faith and life. Yes,
Hope College offers a rich soil that produces world citizens and
world Christians who bring hope to the world!
Dr. James Boelkins
Provost
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