As part of my work, I have the chance to arrange masterclasses between professional artists and college students. A masterclass, in the traditional sense, is when students perform before a professional musician and then receive feedback. These classes can be so impactful that musicians list masterclasses they've participated in their professional bios. A member of... Continue Reading →
Her first name was not really hard to pronounce, but her classmates still stumbled over "Gabriela," which is not a name heard often in this area. Her last name (not revealed here for privacy reasons) was much tougher to say. She laughed and said, "just call me Gabby." It was her first year in college... Continue Reading →
I generally think of myself as a patient person. I'm content waiting a little while for my doctor to call me in from the waiting room. I can wait patiently for some performer I've brought to campus to come down to the hotel lobby. I understand that some reports I want to see might take... Continue Reading →
My first memories of Veteran’s Day are the school assemblies. On Nov. 11 we would gather at 11 a.m. in the gym and watch some military people walk in quietly and then hear comments from a veteran of an old war. I didn’t particularly like the events as I found a gym full of students... Continue Reading →
People, in general, like structure. We build our lives around the structure of the family, the workplace, and even our faith. As a Catholic, I belong to a highly organized religious structure, and most Protestant churches also have clear structures within their denominations or even in individual churches. Typically, we know who is in charge.... Continue Reading →
Last week I wrote about how to deal with the fact that some people do not like us. It is just as important for us to turn this around and look at people we do not like (admit it, you don't like some people). I've had struggles with coworkers on campus that I "didn't like"... Continue Reading →
Given the choice in life, I prefer it when people like me. I like it when people say nice things about me behind my back, say "what a great guy" I am, and generally think I make the world a better place. This seems rather obvious, but it is important to note especially since I'm... Continue Reading →
Over the past year, we heard President Scogin speak often about hope. He loves that our college is named "Hope" and he encouraged us to embrace hope as we worked through the pandemic. And, now, here we are again. It is time for Hope College and it is time for hope. The word "hope" carries... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, our Hope College graduation ceremony had a challenging start to it. First, Hope Reynolds, a graduating senior, told her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer and all she has gone through in the past year. It was a tough story to hear and her journey is not over. But she was certainly inspirational. Then,... Continue Reading →
by James B. Delaney My father, Chief Warrant Officer 4 James Delaney, was a pioneer serving as one of the first African-American helicopter pilots in the United States Army. He served his country for over 30 years, taking our family throughout the United States and Europe. Yes, I am an Army Brat. My dad passed... Continue Reading →
Monday Ruminations 