For years, Hope has needed an expanded community space to promote student interaction, accommodate events, and serve as a place where leaders will be developed. In the Bultman Student Center, students would have an exceptional place to gather—a locus for the entire campus community. The ideal location for such a facility is on the existing site of Nykerk Hall adjacent to the Pine Grove. To make this goal a reality, the college must partner with donors whose generosity equals our vision and secure commitments to fully fund the construction and endowment of this project. The Bob and Cheri VanderWeide family has provided a leadership gift as a catalyst for this project. Naming opportunities are available from $25,000 to $10 million.
| NAMING OPPORTUNITIES | |
|---|---|
| $500,000 AND UP | |
| Lead/Naming Gift | $10 million |
| Program Area | $4 million |
| Outdoor Courtyard | $2 million |
| Living Room | $2 million |
| Student Learning Center | $2 million |
| Student Life Center | $1 million |
| Theater | $1 million |
| *Student Development | $1 million |
| *Counseling and Psychological Services | $1 million |
| Coffee Shop | $750,000 |
| East/West Boulevard | $500,000 |
| Interactive Media Area | $500,000 |
| Christian Prayer Chapel | $500,000 |
| $100,000 – $499,999 | |
| Outdoor Living Room | $300,000 |
| Large Conference Room | $250,000 |
| Small Conference Rooms (2) | $150,000 |
| *Dean of Students Office | $100,000 |
| UNDER $100,000 | |
| Student Life Offices (2) | $50,000 |
| Student Learning Offices | $25,000 |
| Student Group Offices (10) | $25,000 |
Gifts of $10,000 or more will be recognized on a centrally located donor wall.
For each new building project, the college seeks an endowment of 25 percent of the construction cost.
* Renovated space located in the DeWitt Center
The Need
The DeWitt Center was built in 1971 and expanded and renovated in 1983. It houses the Hope-Geneva Bookstore, the campus theatre and theatre department, the Kletz café and coffee shop, offices for student organizations, and college administration. As the DeWitt Center has changed in purpose with more space allocated to administration, participation in student activities has increased. This has created a need for expanded social and event space. Many college campuses similar to Hope have superior student centers. This is the time to offer a new, open, and inviting space that would serve everyone.
The Effect
Students are selecting their college experience with at least two expectations: they will achieve a sense of community and they will acquire an array of life skills that transcend the traditional classroom experience. Great campuses facilitate extended conversations among students, faculty, and other members of the learning community.
The Bultman Student Center will create an important anchor for student life. With its sustainable design, the center will become the social heart of campus, fostering a vibrant community and producing opportunities for students to come together in a setting that supports academic and co-curricular learning.
The Plan
Jim and Martie Bultman
The new student center, which will be located in the heart of the campus, will be named for presidential couple Jim and Martie Bultman, who throughout their time at the college have placed students first. The facility will be creatively and realistically designed to address the needs of students and the college. It will feature significant space that is adaptable for student activities and programming, including a theatre, coffee shop, social lounges, Christian prayer chapel, student activities offices, and expanded outdoor gathering space. Careful consideration will be given to signage, natural light, security, and longer hours of operation. The plan calls for the DeWitt Center to be connected to the new student center, allowing synergy between various student and administrative offices while creating a one-stop site of great convenience to students.
