Hope College Economics & Business

Recently sophomores in our business gateway course had the chance to learn more about Human Resources. Thank you to Luke Bazick (Oak Street Health), Parker Billings (AEBetancourt), Riley Fairfield (BENTELER Group), Jon Hofman (Holland Board of Public Works), Taylor Hofman (Koops Automation Systems) and Morgan Klinker (HR Collaborative) for discussing the variety of roles in the field, as well as experiences from your own journeys as HR professionals. Grateful for the time you invested in sharing and networking with us! #HR #networking

Congratulations to our 2024 Launch students who have spent their first semester on campus exploring Economics & Business at Hope. Throughout the course of the program, these students have participated in a professional-development workshop on storytelling, visited Wolverine Worldwide for a first-hand look at business in action, and took a deep dive into different industries (and competitive advantages for firms within those industries). Last week, each team shared the culmination of their work with a presentation to faculty. Special thanks to the many faculty mentors who help to make this program possible - Kevin Chastagner, Lauren Hearit, Matt Rodgers, Jackie Nickel, Morgan Wilson and Matt Adkins. Also, many thanks to Economics & Business alum Angela Garlinger for welcoming us and sharing more about Wolverine Worldwide. For students just starting the college journey, the exposure and experiences gained as part of the program are invaluable for the discernment and exploration process.

Case competitions are one of the key ways we bring consequential, hands-on experiences to our students. This competition was yet another example of how students in Hope College Baker Scholars have developed as leaders this semester. Congrats and great work to all involved! #leadershipdevelopment

As students in the Applied Investment Management course are?working hard to prepare their final portfolio recommendations, we are thankful for all of the finance professionals who regularly engage in the class as speakers, mentors, and industry connections. It truly takes a supportive community - and we are grateful for the class visits and knowledge that has already been shared this semester. Special thanks to Will Bowser, Glenn Hefner, CFA, Thomas Bylsma and Tim Long, CIMA? for visiting class and connecting with our students as part of this process.?

Congratulations to our two student teams who participated in The Risk Management Association Commercial Lending Competition this weekend!?Once again this year, we are excited to share that BOTH teams placed in the top five. Continuing Hope's strong tradition in this competition, these students competed against finance students from a range of colleges and universities as they presented recommendations around a lending scenario to a panel of judges (all professionals in the banking industry). Not only do our students walk away with top honors from this weekend's event, but also valuable industry connections and a cash prize. Pictured here (left to right): Josh Padgett, Wyatt Schindeldecker, Alexandra Kroger, Kaitlyn Oviatt, Benjamin Bush and Micah Teller. #GoHope

This week, students in the Hope College Baker Scholars program engaged in a team challenge at the Local Epicurean as they worked together to create a masterful risotto while?competing?for top honors in the "Food for Thought" challenge. Students put their cooking skills and "mystery basket" of ingredients to work - all while developing skills in teamwork, communication, problem solving and more. Grateful for fun and creative ways to grow as a team!?Thank you to Matt Rodgers and Brock Isanhart for your mentorship through this experience. #teambuilding #leadershipdevelopment #cookingclass

Congratulations to Austin Belsan and Wyatt Schindeldecker who are among the 2024 recipients of The Risk Management Association Foundation Scholarship. This award is designated?for undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and an interest in the banking industry. Since the program was launched in 2015, over 700 students have been awarded scholarships. Last year, both Austin and Wyatt had the privilege?of competing in the Commercial Lending Competition sponsored by the?RMA West Michigan Chapter (in which their teams placed in the top five) and now they represent the only 2024 scholarship recipients from the West Michigan Chapter. Well done!

Students in our sophomore gateway business course have weekly opportunities to connect with professionals?in a variety of firms, industries and functional areas. Last week, we were thankful to learn more about the fields of finance and accounting from those who know it best. Thanks to Jonathan Hatfield, CPWA? (Merrill Lynch), Pamela Schuitema (JPMorganChase), Olivia Kenrick (Innovia Wealth), Hannah Baird (Invitae) and Justin Folkert, CPA (EY) for sharing your stories!

As part of the Baker Scholars program, Economics & Business students in their junior or senior year are exposed to a broad range of leaders and hands-on leadership experiences. The recent trip to Indianapolis is just one example of how our students are seeing leadership in action, growing together as a team and reflecting on personal and leadership development. Thanks to all the professionals and firms who made this incredible opportunity possible.

Celebrating all of the alumni owned businesses, and grateful to have so many close to campus! Looking forward to seeing many of our Hope College Economics & Business alumni for One Big Weekend. #HopeAlumni