STUDENT CENTER READY FOR CLASS OF 2020 — New Hope facility solely for student
use is up and running, connecting to Dewitt Center for easy access to Registrar Office and
Student Development. (Hope College)
The long-awaited Jim and Martie Bultman Student Center is officially up and running for students to explore and use this upcoming 2017-2018 school year.
The center was built on the site that had been occupied since 1956 by Nykerk Hall of Music, which was demolished. The new Jack H. Miller Music Center replaced Nykerk.
The facility is 42,000-square- feet, with every foot planned and constructed specifically for the students of Hope College.
The Bultman Student Center construction took two years and vigrous planning. This is the first dedicated student-center space on Hope’s campus. in more than 35 years. The total project cost was approximately $22.5 million.
The new building was constructed alongside the “A Greater Hope” campaign from Cheri Devos, who donated $10 million to the project, in response to substantially growing enrollment over the past 40 years.
The new student center is named after former Hope president Dr. James E. Bultman and his wife Martie Bultman. Bultman served as Hope’s eleventh president from 1999 to 2013, and he and Martie graduated from Hope back in 1963. The Bultmans were known for their eager involvement in campus life and love for the students.
The student center provides large areas for studying along with unique multi-purpose rooms. The large open spaces, with comfy chairs, couches and many tables, allow areas for socialization and study time.
The building connects to Dewitt Student and Cultural Center through an adjoining hallway labeled the “student way,” which reaches out to connect an outside patio space, useful for a variety of student programs, activities and a hang- out space.
Other areas of the student center include a family lounge with picture windows looking across the Pine Grove toward Dimnent Memorial Chapel and Graves Hall.
The lounge includes one of the Center’s fireplaces ready for the coming fall months to keep students warm.
A theatre area was constructed for continuing student-film series, speakers and traditional Nykerk practices.
There is a small prayer chapel as a place for worship and reflection.
Office spaces have been added, not for faculty, but for the growing student organizations on campus to work together on projects.
The Kletz Market has opened and feeds students coming into the student center with sandwiches, salads and beverages. Dutch Dollars are taken at the Kletz Market along with the usual payment methods. Meal plans can be used at both Phelps and Cook hall, which has been opened to all students.
“I really like the food! So many selections,” commented incoming freshman, Cassidy McCoy (’21).
The Counseling and Psychological Services will be opened to students on the second floor of the center.
Hope students are responding well to the new student center.
“The tall tables with the lamps are pretty cool.” Emily Jackson (’20) shared, “The center’s great.”
If you haven’t been in the Jim and Martie Bultman Center yet, take time to find a spot and enjoy the new facility.
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