Hope College - Milestone Yearbook (Holland, MI)

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Pre-IBM registration moved smoothly. Essence of the Good Life—Friends. Fellowship, and Good Books less obvious effects. ''President Wichcrs, during those difficult days, urged the stu- dents and staff to approach their 'tasks sol- emnly but resolutely.’ Wichcrs also men- tioned that 'it will be our object . . . not only to cooperate in a great national effort for freedom, but also to attempt to carry on in the great traditions of our College.’ ” Then in 1945, Dr. Irwin J. Lubbers suc- ceeded Dr. Wichcrs, taking over the presi- dency at a transition period in Hope's history —a time when post war problems were very much in the spotlight. In commenting on the difficult educational position of the church-related college in 1946. Dr. Lubbers stated that 'Christian colleges face a very serious crisis' and the 'great significance of the present moment is only dimly perceived by those who are at the center of a rapidly developing situation.’ Lubbers also suggested that 'it is becoming obvious that a great new' era in higher education is dawning.’ More- over, if the church is not on its guard, secular schools will arise to crowd out the church colleges, just as the public high school has destroyed the great system of academics once maintained by the church.' Thus, he urged 9

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is embedded within the hearts and minds of every student. We hail thee, man of God and man of men! For many of us thou hast been an inestimable blessing. Thy scholarly taste, thy quiet dignity, thy firm gentleness have unspeakingly endeared thee to us. Thou wert ever strong in the patience of unan- swered prayer.” After thirteen years of service, President Dimnent rclinguishcd his position to Dr. Wynand Wichcrs. Under President Wichcrs’ leadership, the college con- tinued its growth and advancement, even during the period of World War II. Even then it was difficult for Hope’s students to realize that the war was to influence them and their college so greatly. To arouse patriotism, the students published many editorials in the Hope College Anchor: A dash of cold water is evidently needed to wake drowsy students on Hope's cam- pus ............We are in a war, a total war which demands the cooperation of every man, woman and child in America! There is no room in the all-out national program for smug complacency or indifference. Wake up, Hope students! Too long have we sat back and let the world go by when the glaring headlines affected the rest of the world. Now WE are at war. Ever)’ one of us is a potential cog in the nation’s vast war machine. Do your part! America needs cooperation! As a result of war-time governmental pressures, the college’s enrollment dropped rapidly. There were also Knit One, Purl Two. Calvin—Yoo Hoo! Where the boys are. books arc also. 8

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the church to support the denominational colleges 'at this time of crisis' and to uphold them 'in our prayers, our conversation, and our gifts.’ ” During the early part of his administration, the college expanded immensely. The enroll- ment almost doubled in comparison to its previous size. Because of this. Dr. Lubbers launched a major building program to accom- modate the growing size. One of the greatest Hope College attempts to meet the expanded post-war needs was realized in the construc- tion of Durfee Hall. Constructed along mod- ern Dutch architectural lines, it was com- pleted in 1950 at a cost of nearly one-half million dollars. This expansion program was greatly encouraged by alumni donation. One of the most significant recent contributions was announced at the 1950 Hope Alumni banquet in Holland, Michigan. On that oc- casion, President Lubbers announced that Mr. G. J. Van Zocrcn, graduate of the Class of 1912, and Mrs. Van Zoeren had bc- f queathed all of their property to Hope Col- lege. The president indicated that the Van $'d7 o o t Zoeren gift amounted to more than $100,000 and that it was the 'largest gift ever received Cleanliness is next to Godliness. The need for an expansion program became evident in 1952. 10