Department of Economics and Business - Meet Thea

While others might crumble under stress or challenges, these situations motivate Thea ’26. She’s met her match in Hope’s Department of Economics and Business

“Academic success excites me,” she enthused. “I love the gratification I feel when I do well in harder courses.”

Thea, from East Grand Rapids, is a competitor. She purposefully selects the hardest business and economics courses she can find at Hope. “I’ve been pushed past my comfort zone and learned concepts in new ways,” she said.

The innovation, progressive mindset, driven faculty members and excellence of the Department of Economics and Business confirmed that Thea made the right decision when choosing Hope College. “When I was applying to schools, I was drawn to Hope because of the program, networking opportunities and the personalization they offered me,” she shared. “Now that I’m here, I’ve seen how the department works to be better — to expand, adjust, hire quality professors and offer market-relevant opportunities to its students. I’m proud to be a part of the program because they’re always forward thinking.”

Thea is expanding her network by studying abroad in Italy this semester. When she graduates next year, she’ll have plenty of options. “I’m interested in investor relations in the private equity industry,” she said. “I have a math minor, and I want to utilize every facet of my education for my career.”

A trip off campus her freshman year with Hope's business club helped her to see the value of off-campus learning. “When I was a freshman, I traveled to Detroit and Ann Arbor with the Business Club to visit local companies, like Zingerman’s Deli, The Big House, and Little Caesars Arena where we had learning and networking opportunities,” said Thea, who now plans events as the club’s head. “That trip was pivotal for me and contributes to my motivation and business studies at Hope.”

Thea is thankful that donors like you value an education that is both faithful AND excellent. “Because of the opportunities I’ve had in the department, I’ve been inspired to dream big,” she shared. “I’ve been given the confidence that Hope students have the ability to work at major companies.” Students like Thea are encouraged to lean into the liberal arts - leveraging community and experiences as they discern their calling. This exploration is also matched with a deep, competitive preparation that rivals many top business schools.

Today, will you inspire the next generation of business leaders to make a meaningful impact on the world with a gift to the Department of Economics and Business?

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, all gifts to the Department of Economics and Business will be matched with a gift supporting experiential opportunities such as the Applied Investment Management course (up to $10,000).