The new Milestone Weekend at 91自拍论坛 will provide an opportunity to experience talks by alumni and faculty on topics ranging from mountain climbing around the world, to human services in South Africa, to brain-regeneration research at Hope, as well as campus tours and updates about the college.
Running Thursday-Saturday, May 16-18, at locations throughout campus, the weekend includes alumni-focused events like the 50-year reunion of the Class of 1974, but it鈥檚 meant for everyone interested in learning more from experts about a wide range of topics, experiencing the park-like campus in its springtime beauty and enjoying fellowship. Its timing and name celebrate one of the most significant dates in the college鈥檚 history: May 14 is the anniversary of when in 1866 the college received its Charter of Incorporation as a College of Liberal Arts from the State of Michigan.
鈥淢ilestone Weekend is an opportunity for alumni, families and friends to rediscover ways to engage with the institution, reminisce about their fond memories and reconnect with the community they have held dear,鈥� said Courtney E. Brewster, who is executive director for alumni and family engagement at Hope. 鈥淭his weekend鈥檚 events align with our goals of lifelong learning and intentionally connecting with our constituents. Overall, we express our gratitude for investing in the mission of 91自拍论坛, and we welcome everyone to join us in this new tradition.鈥�
Advance registration at hope.edu/milestoneweekend is required for the opening-evening celebration on Thursday, May 16, and select other events, but only requested for most others. There is an admission charge for the events on Thursday, May 16, and a bus tour on Saturday, May 18, but admission is free for the other activities, which run all day Friday, May 17, and through early afternoon on Saturday, May 18.
Although Milestone Weekend is new, it has a long pedigree. It鈥檚 a descendent of the Alumni Weekend of years past, retaining parts of the former tradition while emphasizing opportunities to learn from alumni and faculty while enjoying fellowship on campus.
The program begins on Thursday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. with a talk by Jenn Drummond, a 2001 Hope graduate who is the first woman to climb the world鈥檚 Seven Second Summits. The evening鈥檚 events will also include a dinner and the presentation of Distinguished Alumni Awards to Dr. Robert Motzer of Ridgewood, New Jersey, a 1977 graduate who is a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Research Center and has been at the forefront of research into kidney cancer for more than 30 years; and Nontsikelelo Sisulu-Singpai of Midrand, South Africa, a 1997 graduate who is chief director of the Department of Women, Children & People with Disabilities, South African government.
Multiple 鈥淢ilestone Sessions鈥� throughout the day on Friday, May 17, will include an additional talk by Drummond and addresses by Motzer and Sisulu-Singapi; a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the college鈥檚 Center for Diversity and Inclusion; updates about Hope鈥檚 academic programs, and research presentations and lab tours with faculty and students in the natural and applied sciences; campus tours emphasizing sustainability and the college鈥檚 newest buildings; and reflections by students participating in the Hope Forward initiative.
Saturday, May 18, will include the latest exhibitions at the Kruizenga Art Museum, 鈥淒eep Roots, New Shoots: Modern and Contemporary African Art from the KAM Permanent Collection,鈥� and 鈥淭ransforming Matter: Incarnation, Sacraments, and Saints in Catholic Art and Devotion鈥�; the bus tour (space is limited); and reflections on the past and future of athletics at Hope by coaches and members of the athletics staff.
Friday evening will also include a reunion party for the Class of 1974, and Saturday morning will feature a brunch for the class as well as a ceremony inducting them into the 鈥�50-Year Circle鈥� consisting of all alumni of the graduating classes of 50 or more years ago.
The complete schedule and registration information are available online at hope.edu/milestoneweekend
To inquire about accessibility or if you need accommodations to fully participate in the event, please email accommodations@hope.edu. Updates related to events are posted when available at hope.edu/calendar in the individual listings.