Peter Stuursma ’93 — associate professor of kinesiology instruction and Hope’s head football coach — addressed Hope’s Class of 2026 on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Ray and Sue Smith Stadium in Holland, Michigan. It was the 161st commencement for Hope College, which celebrated 815 graduates — the largest graduating class in Hope’s history.

The graduating Class of 2026 presented the annual H.O.P.E. award to Rob Pocock ’77, associate professor of communication instruction.

Approximately 815 graduates — the largest graduating class in Hope’s history — participated in the 161st commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 10, at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.

Hope College will host its baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 10, when the largest graduation class in Hope’s history will gather.

Hope College’s Center for Leadership is hosting its second “Lead With Hope: Authentic Leadership Retreat” May 27-29 at its campus in Holland. Registration is due by May 1.

This year’s 2026 Asian Heritage Month will be celebrated at Hope College by featuring Hope’s Theatre Department’s production of Mia Chung’s play, “You for Me for You,” on Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. and on Friday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the DeWitt Mainstage Theatre on Hope’s campus. The public is invited and admission is free to both performances, but tickets are required to attend as space is limited.

The Hope College Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the accomplishments of alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their chosen profession, have made a positive impact on their community and are involved with the college. This year’s recipients will be recognized during the college’s Milestone Weekend (May 15-16) in Holland, where the Class of 1976 will also be celebrated.

Every May, thousands of visitors flock to Holland as the tulips bloom across the city. But how many know the story of how the bulbs beneath the surface — the worldwide supply of which the Netherlands produces more than 75 percent — are grown and how they were first brought from the Netherlands to America?