The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) awarded Hope College its second consecutive STARS gold rating in recognition of its strong sustainability achievements. STARS — the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System — measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education.

Kara Slater, who recently retired as director of operations at Hope College, was named among West Michigan’s “Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering and Construction,” by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.

Hope College’s 2026 Milestone Weekend was May 15–16 in Holland, where the Class of 1976 was celebrated.

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.