Hope College - Milestone Yearbook (Holland, MI)

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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.

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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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Phelps: Your move. Hope: Checkmate! Pine trees razed; Nykerk raised. by Phelps Hall, Gilmore Hall, the fraternity houses, Nykerk Hall of Music, the Physics- Math Building, and Van Zoeren Library. Bringing his productive administration to a close in 1963, President Lubbers relin- quished his post to Dr. Calvin Vander Werf. As the eighth president of the college, Dr. Vander Werf is devoting his time and energy to fostering the continued excellence of Hope College. In doing so, he unites the essence of our future and our heritage. Our seal has not yet lost its meaning, and still we say, as we look at it— Spera tu in Deo.” For our ideals arc not yet fully attained. Our horizon expands as we proceed on our way, and is never reached. All true education is an endless process and looks ever forward. Meanwhile, Hope's sons and daughters have honored her fair name, as they encircle the globe in the most diversified spheres of life. They arc children of whom the Alma Mater may well be proud; men and women of unquestionable strength of purpose, of unflinching devotion to duty, of commend- able Christian character. Yes, of Christian character, for, above all things, this is the greatest honor of Hope College—that it is a moulder of character. May it ever so be! Different in intensity, different in degree, but always plainly recognizable, with a few unfortunate exceptions, her children reflect the character of the Pilgrims,” who laid its foundation in prayer and faith. Hope’s day of small beginnings is over; before her now lie the days of serious intellectual endeavor and of quiet extensive and intensive growth.