Hope College - Milestone Yearbook (Holland, MI)

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18 DeWITT DEDICATION

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The weekend before upperclassmen arrived at Hope this year, the new freshman class moved into their dor- mitory rooms to begin becoming ac- quainted with their new school during Freshman Orientation. On Saturday, many information ses- sions were held for both students and parents so that questions could be answered and worries put to rest. Satur- day night marked the first dance of the year, the Freshman “get acquainted” Dance. On Sunday, in addition to the morn- ing chapel service, a Freshman Banquet was held in Phelps Dining Hall in order that students could meet professors and administration members as well as have a relaxing meal before classes began. The orientation period came to a close Monday night with the Activities Fair, where campus organizations set up booths to explain their yearly activities to freshmen and to give them an oppor- tunity to get involved in campus life from the very beginning. Shawn Wietstock A: The Activities Fair attracts many freshmen. B: Alpha Phi Omega sponsors an information booth every year. C: Two girls relax while moving in. D: Freshmen listen to a speaker during an orienta- tion session. E: This person begins moving her life possessions into her new room. Photos by Doug Lehman. E FRESHMAN ORIENTATION 17

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Friday, October 14, was a memorable day in the life of Hope College, for it marked the formal reopening of the DeWitt Center. Extensive renovation and expansion of this fine facility had been undertaken to provide facilities for the administrative offices, following the loss of Van Raalte Hall by fire in April of 1980. The new DeWitt Center pro- vides excellent facilities for the ad- ministrative offices, and the remodeled and expanded student areas offer great promise and potential for the future. The formal celebration, held in The DeWitt Theatre because of inclement weather prevented holding the ceremonies outside as planned, featured Congressman Guy Vander Jagt, a Hope alumnus in the Class of 1953. Con- gressman Vander Jagt has served nine terms as Congressman from Michigan’s Ninth Congressional District and is one of the great contemporary orators in the country. His memorable addresses at the ceremony in the DeWitt Center, and at the luncheon that followed in the Western Seminary Commons, were fit- ting climaxes to the long process that led to providing these splendid facilities. During these ceremonies. Con- gressman Vander Jagt was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree. Also recognized during the day were four outstanding men, the VerMeulen brothers — Willard. John, James and Victor. With the exception of Willard, each graduated from Hope College and has had an outstanding professional career. More importantly, each of these persons has been unstinting in their loyalty and support of Hope College. James VerMeulen headed the impor- tant Build Hope Campaign in the early 1970’s and has served since that time on Hope’s Board of Trustees. Homecoming 1983 will always be remembered as marking the completion of another splendid facility on Hope’s campus. Dr. Gordon Van Wylen A. The newly renovated DeWitt Center. B: Guy VaderJagt makes his acceptance speech. C: Dave VanDvke speaks at the ceremony. D: Vander Jagt, Dr. Van Wylen and Board of Trustee member Peter Cook pose with the honorary degree. E: Cook speaks to the audience. F: Trustee Chairman Victor Eimicke delivers his message at the dedica- tion. Photos by College Relations. 19