Hope College - Milestone Yearbook (Holland, MI)

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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

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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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Everyone finds his own special corner. from one source by the College.’ ” During his administration, Dr. Lubbers also encouraged a closer contact between stu- dents and administration and took an active part in the enlarging of the college’s public relations program. Then too, the president received national recognition for his activities by encouraging successful faculty research programs. Another of his many significant accomplishments while at Hope was the or- ganization of the Michigan Colleges Foun- dation which secures financial aid for private colleges from industry. Hope continued to increase in size. Thus, during the early 1950's, President Lubbers was again faced with a need for more and better facilities. Instigating a new expansion program, Dr. Lubbers set the goal for $3,000,000. Then, as in the past, the various alumni chapters contributed a large portion of the much needed funds in the hope of seeing their Alma Mater continue to reach new heights. As a result, Kolien Hall was completed in 1957, followed in succession Old Faithful All “ends' come together in liberal studies.