Hope College - Milestone Yearbook (Holland, MI)

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A: The chapel is beautifully decorated. Photo: Steve Sajewski. B: The candles add a special touch. C: Chaplain Van Heest leads the prayer. Photo: Steve Sajewski. I): The College Chorus is accompanied by the Symphonette. Photo: Steve Sajewski. B: The Col- lege Chorus adds a special touch. Photo: Sfarnie Marsters. F: I)r. Hissema leads the Symphonette. Photo: Steve Sajewski. Vespers, the annual Christmas worship comprised of all music, was again well at- tended by the students, faculty, ad- ministration, and the community. The College Chorus, Chapel Choir, Sym- phonette, and a brass group all joined in to provide musical enjoyment for all involved. The services were also heard on local radio and then later were video taped for future showing. The chapel was beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, greens, numerous lights, and a glowing array of candles add- ed to the beauty of the evening. The per- formances were well-prepared and kept up with the high traditions of the event. Lee Ann Wojcinski c 20 VESPERS

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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

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