Generation Z Students of 2029

This fall, Hope College is set to welcome a notable cohort of 82 incoming students who carry significant generational ties to the institution. Spanning multiple generations, these students are following in the footsteps of family members who have previously graduated from Hope College, emphasizing a continuum of tradition and community within this academic environment. With roots tracing back through various decades—from parents and grandparents to great-great-grandparents—these students embody the spirit of familial legacy that Hope College nurtures.

6th Generation Legacy

Kate VandenBerg from Grand Rapids, Michigan, stands out as a sixth-generation student. She is the daughter of Zackery VandenBerg ’98, and her lineage continues with notable relatives, including her great-great-great-grandfather, Albert VandenBerg, who graduated in 1885. This deep-rooted connection underscores a rich history entwined with the college.

5th Generation Connections

Carter Greiman, hailing from Midland, Michigan, represents the fifth generation with familial ties leading back to William Walvoord, who graduated in 1908. Such legacies highlight the cultural and academic contributions of families over generations, contributing to the college’s vibrant community.

4th Generation Families

Several students are part of the fourth generation, including Connor Bast and Jacob DeWitt. Bast’s affiliation connects him to a lineage of achievers dating back to Henry Bast ’30, while DeWitt also follows in the footsteps of his notable family members. The narratives surrounding these students offer a glimpse into the long-standing traditions that the college fosters.

3rd Generation Affinity

Others, like Maggie Albrecht and Molly Christians, belong to the third generation, offering a unique perspective on the evolving campus culture while maintaining ties to their family histories. This generational diversity enriches the college experience, allowing students to draw from both the past and the present.

2nd Generation Students

Hope College also welcomes multiple second-generation students, such as Addison Bakker and Ben Adamson. Their continuance within the Hope College community illustrates the institution’s ability to resonate with families across years, establishing an enduring connection that is central to the college’s identity.

The influx of these students in the upcoming fall semester highlights Hope College’s legacy as an institution steeped in family history and tradition. With ties spanning over a century, the college not only assists in the academic and personal development of its students but also sustains a network of enduring relationships among alumni and current attendees alike. Such generational participation emphasizes not only the value of education at Hope College but also the strength of community it fosters through shared experiences and histories.

These familial connections underpin the excitement and anticipation for future generations who will, undoubtedly, continue to write their own chapters in the rich narrative of Hope College. This commitment to community, tradition, and legacy truly sets Hope apart as a distinguished educational institution.