Homecoming welcomes back alumni

LET’S GO DUTCH — Show your orange and blue pride as you cheer on the Flying Dutchmen and Flying Dutch. (Alumni and Family Engagement)

Fall is a season of changing leaves, new beginnings and celebration. There are many fall events to look forward to at Hope College; the Pull has come and gone with glorious victory, Nykerk Cup preparation is in full-swing and this weekend students and alumni can look forward to Homecoming. Throughout the weekend, stop by the Homecoming Hospitality Center in the DeWitt Center Lobby to pick up the Homecoming Scavenger Hunt or turn in your answers for a chance to win prizes. There will also be snacks, Homecoming swag t-shirts and Mitten State glasses available for purchase.

The events kick-off Friday, Oct. 21 with Homecoming on 8th Street from 5 – 9 p.m. Deals last all weekend as “the excitement of Homecoming and the energy of Downtown Holland come together for this special event” (hope.edu/homecoming). Pick up a deal book and check-in at Big E’s Sports Grill in the Courtyard Marriott downtown. Sponsors for the event include 8th Street Grill, CityFlats Hotel, Crust 54, Hops at 84 East and Our Brewing Company. Meet up with classmates and friends for dinner, drinks and amazing deals.

For example, Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars is hosting cooking classes Friday and Saturday – sign up by calling 616-392-1111 or drop-in. On Saturday, Carolyn Stitch Studio is offering open coloring from 1 – 4 p.m. with special Hope College coloring pages. All ages are welcome.

Also on Friday is a favorite of Hope students, the Homecoming Hoedown sponsored by the Student Activities Committee. Break out your jeans and flannel for a fun night at Teusink’s Farm in Holland. The event starts at 8 p.m. and shuttle services will be available at the DeWitt flagpole. Get ready for donuts, cider and dancing.

Start Saturday off right at the Homecoming 5K run. The cost is $20 for alumni and community members and $10 for Hope faculty, staff and students. The race begins at 9 a.m. featuring chip timing and a fun finish on the Ray and Sue Smith Stadium turf, with door prizes awarded by top group finishers and a t-shirt for participating, as well as enjoy a light breakfast after the race.

Saturday’s lunch is hosted by John and Kelly Knapp as they present the Texas Chili Cook-off: Another Taste of the South. Doors open for students at 11:30 a.m. and is free for those on meal-plan. Students not on meal plan can purchase tickets for $5 (Please note Phelps will not be open for lunch during this event). Vote for your favorite chili as you enjoy a live band and great food prepared by the chefs.

Alumni of Hope Athletics and our Sororities and Fraternities have many opportunities to celebrate. The Men’s Alumni Soccer Game begins at 12:00 p.m. at the Van Andel Soccer Stadium. Sigma Sigma and the Fraternal Society have tailgating events before Men’s Soccer vs. Albion and Football vs. Trine. The Arcadian Fraternity also celebrates their 70th Anniversary at CityFlats Hotel starting at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, worship with Trygve Johnson at the Homecoming Worship Service. The event starts at 10 a.m. in Dimnent Memorial Chapel. Friends of Hope are invited to attend a concert featuring Chapel Choir Alumni at 3 p.m. in the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts. Tickets are not required and alumni can find a list of rehearsal times on the hope calendar.
For a full list of Homecoming events as well as more information about times and locations, please visit www.hope.edu/alumni/events/homecoming or check out the Hope Events calendar at calendar.hope.edu. Celebrate the incredible memories and opportunities that Hope provides.