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Donor Stories

Hope Always an Influence
Anytime someone calls and asks if I want to do something for Hope, I'm always eager to help and participate." This is the sentiment expressed by Daniel Krueger '68. And although not a Hope alumna, Dan's wife, Nancy, has been a part of the Hope family since the end of Dan's sophomore year at Hope. More

Steadfast in Their Commitment to Hope
Dr. Norman '53 and Marcia Veldman '56 Thompson are proud of their Hope College heritage. Their connection to the college is truly a family affair, with seven generations of their family having attended Hope. The Thompsons have been faithful in giving of their time, service and resources to the college throughout the years. More

Providing for Future Generations
Scholarships are considered one of the most cherished of all gifts to the college because they help make a Hope College education affordable for talented and deserving students. Establishing a scholarship through a planned gift, such as through a will or trust, provides the necessary financial aid for future generations of students to enjoy the Hope experience. More

Early Estate Commitment to Benefit Hope Students
For Brenda Heath '77 and Jack Vander Meulen the decision to include Hope in their will was made early in their marriage. That decision was based on a commitment to tithing, including in their estate. "We have provided for our church and Hope College," Brenda says. More

Second-Generation Family Creates Lasting Legacy
Linda Miller '83 has fond memories of her time as a student at Hope. A computer science major and math and physics double minor, she recalls Herb Dershem and Richard Vandervelde as professors who had an impact on her academic career.
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Community-Minded Couple Gives to Hope
For Andrew and ReBecca Renner Anderson, supporting Hope College comes naturally. Andy married into a family with deep ties to Hope and joyfully became a part of the college community.

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Lifelong Affection for Hope Leads to Giving Back
Hope College is grateful for friends like Roger and Beverly Mulder. "We know the quality of a Hope education," Roger says. "I owe a debt of gratitude to Hope. It's a good feeling to be in a position to give back." More

Lifetime Joy of Learning Comes Full Circle
As a student, Dr. Alwin B. Coleman '49 came to know many of his professors as friends. Al states: "There wasn't a professor I studied under at Hope that I did not like." More

Benefiting the Present and the Future
John A. Schoon believed in the importance of a Christian education. That's why, after he passed away, his family created a charitable lead trust that funds a scholarship in his honor at Hope College. More

An Example of Generosity, Service and Faith
The Heusinkvelds' generosity and service go hand in hand with their strong faith. The couple's generosity includes a gift in their estate plans to support Hope College. More

An Early Priority for Young Alumni
It's because of rich experiences and unique opportunities that led Nate and Stephanie Greenwoods to give back to an area they both love—the arts—and remember Hope in their estate plan.

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Couple Made Estate Plans Early to Include Hope: Hope Made an Impact on Their Lives
The Rev. Timothy '84 and Brenda Hoffman '89 Dieffenbach traveled different paths to Hope College. Tim, a first-generation student, came to Hope as a second-year transfer from Central College in Pella, Iowa. Familiar with Hope through his affiliation with the Reformed Church in America, Tim had an interest in studying religion... More

Celebrating 34 New Households That Joined DHS
Hope College is grateful to the 34 new households who joined the Dimnent Heritage Society in the last year. We're taking this opportunity to give thanks to the 34 new and inspiring members of the Dimnent Heritage Society. Find out here how you, too, can become a member. More

Helping Future Generations of Hope Students
Dick Kanode '54 and his wife, Carol, continue to receive great joy from their connection with Hope College. Prior to retirement, Dick worked in the news making industry on the west coast. He believes that his ability to perform in his career was greatly helped by his experiences as a student... More

Paying It Back
Although his Hope College education was interrupted several times, Gerard E. Marsh '56 didn't let that stop him from earning his Hope College diploma. Jerry came to Hope from Kalamazoo after visiting campus on a church trip. He was enrolled for only one semester, however, More

Commitment to Hope Inspires Couple to Give Back
Jim and Marilyn Serum have long associated community, family ties and great experiences to Hope College. Now they want to ensure that others have the same opportunities. Hope connections brought them together while each pursued graduate studies in Colorado. Both Jim and Marilyn have felt... More

Endowed Scholarships at Hope Help Students Succeed
Stephanie Dykema '10 felt the support of a scholarship at Hope first hand. As a recipient of a scholarship, she is grateful to have the support of generous donors who help provide financial assistance to students like her. For many students, attending Hope College can become a reality only with the financial... More

Familial Hope
Raised in the parsonage of Sixth Reformed Church in Holland, Mich., Mary Emily Mouw '72 has always known Hope College as an extension of her backyard. Mich., Mary Emily Mouw '72 has always known Hope College as an extension of her backyard. Her parents, the Rev. Henry '40 and... More

Welcome New Dimnent Heritage Society Members!
Hope College is grateful to the 42 households of alumni and friends who were recognized at the 5th Annual DHS Brunch. Read on to see a listing of the households that joined the Dimnent Heritage Society.
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Van Raaltes Give Back for Receiving Nurturing and Support From Hope
Lloyd '50 and Virginia Van Raalte believe in the importance of an affordable Hope College education. Lloyd's father was unable to complete his Hope education and Lloyd has often wondered how his father would have fared if he had had the benefit of a full college education. Lloyd was able to complete his Hope education... More

Back to Hope
Nearly 14 years ago, Bob and Maggie ('63) Larson began enjoying the benefits of retirement and made the decision to relocate to Holland, Mich. When asked why they chose Holland, their answer is simple and to the point: "because of Hope College." Maggie chose to attend Hope because... More

Giving Thanks for Hope
Donald '59 and Constance Kregar '61 Scott of Burlington, Vt., have been strong and consistent supporters of Hope College for the duration of their 47-year marriage. While together at Hope, Don and Connie attended Beechwood Reformed Church and were welcomed by the Rev. Van Pernis and his wife, Bea, who had a profound impact on the couple. More

A Community Champion
Peg Van Grouw may not be a graduate of Hope College herself, but she is a vibrant and dedicated member of the college community. Peg grew up in the Lansing area and attended Michigan State University. After graduation she looked to various other cities around the state to find a teaching job. More

Joy in a Global Hope
Dr. David '64 and Alverna '66 DeVisser have truly come full circle at Hope. "At Hope we each had a chance to see our faith both mature and focus," said Alverna. Dave added "Hope provided the memories of the best four years of my life." After graduating from Hope, David met Alverna and they both discovered... More

A Confidence in Hope
Dr. James Yuk '48 and his wife, Jeanne, residents of Richmond, Va., have found great joy in their connection to Hope College over the years. James spent 40 years working for DuPont in research and management, and attributes his many successes in life to his Hope College education. "If it wasn't for Hope, I would never have... More

A Strong Desire for Quality at Hope
Donald Cordes '40 of West Des Moines, Iowa, believes his upbringing in the Reformed Church in America is what instilled in him a strong emphasis and desire to be of service to others. Donald, who grew up in the era of the Great Depression, always believed that giving back was something that he should do, regardless of the situation. More

Don and Miriam DeJongh Name Hope as Retirement Fund Beneficiary
For Don '59 and Miriam (Klaaren '60) DeJongh of Palo Alto, Calif., Hope College represents their backyard and the world. Both of their families come from western Michigan, and their parents attended Hope in the first decades of the 20th century. More

Carlyle Neckers: Paying It Forward
At age 95, Carlyle Neckers ’35 has more memories of Hope College than most. Carlyle is happy to share his fond memories of participating in The Pull, trips with the glee club and being the second organ major in Hope’s history. More

John and Dede Howard: Strong and Consistent Support With CGAs
For many years prior to moving to Holland from a comfortable home on a bluff overlooking St. Joseph's Lions Park Beach, John and Dede Howard attended and supported the performing arts at Hope College. “We moved to Holland five years ago, but we had been attending concerts at Dimnent Chapel and had been season ticket holders... More

Leaving a Legacy as an Inspiration for Her Children and Others
Education is of the utmost importance to Lenora Ridder '69. Since graduating, she has been pleased that Hope College continues to make integration of faith and rigorous academic standards a priority. “The day my children were all in school was the day I went back to college to get my teaching certificate,” Lenora says, explaining the 20-year... More

New Tax Law Helps Hope Students Study Abroad
Maxine Miller is still surprised that she and Don have been living in Seattle since 1974. As Maxine says, “Don once had a job opportunity in Benton Harbor and I thought that would be too far away to move.” The couple grew up in West Michigan and met at Hope, where they graduated in 1953. More

A Continued Commitment To Support
This is not the first time Richard "Dick" Huff, Class of 1952, has appeared in the Hope Advisor. He has faithfully and consistently supported Hope College for more than 30 years. Dick annually contributes to the Hope Fund and the Janet Mulder and Metta Ross Endowed Scholarship. More

Kieft Hopes Giving Will Inspire Others to Action
Larry Kieft does not like a lot of public recognition, but when asked if we could profile him for this newsletter, he replied, "If going public with my giving helps Hope College, and inspires others to give, then I am willing to do it." More