HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – Hope was the theme in the address to Hope College’s incoming class as Dr. Curtis Gruenler, who teaches English and is the director of general education spoke in Dimnent Memorial Chapel.
Presenting the address “Called Together in Hope,” on Sunday, August 28, Dr. Gruenler outlined ways that the students could grow within the community they were joining, beginning with the college’s foundation in faith.
As a virtue or character trait, hope is a habit of directing desire and trust toward something good in the future,” he said. “Hope College places its hope in the Christian God, the God who is proclaimed to be three persons in one. This doctrine of the Trinity tells us that God is relational, or, as the biblical book of First John puts it, God is love.” Gruenler told the incoming class of 2020.
Greunler also encourages students to active in their new college home, to benefit from opportunities beyond the classroom. He also encouraged them to approach not only their academic majors, but all of the subjects in their liberal arts education with equal interest and to study their community off campus.
“Give whoever and whatever is strange to you your best attention. Ask questions. Enter into dialogue. Become friends. Look especially for those who have been excluded or scapegoated or have suffered in other ways. Listening to them and honoring them will be one of your most valuable learning experiences.”
Gruenler also talked about the importance of reflecting. He encouraged students to put down the cell phone, take time to be alone and unplug.
The Opening Convocation marked the formal beginning of the college’s 155th academic year. The new students moved in on Friday, Aug. 26, for the start of orientation, with returning students arriving Sunday August 28. Fall-semester classes will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 30.
