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When James Bultman came to Holland in 1999 to assume the office of President of Hope College, I clearly remember a front-page Holland Sentinel picture showing him being greeted by former President Gordon Van Wylen. But just as with the Sherlock Holmes’ story involving the curious incident of the dog who didn’t bark, I found the picture most significant for what it didn’t show: John Jacobson, who had been Hope’s president for the previous dozen years. 

It wasn’t totally surprising since President Jacobson had chosen to officially leave Hope on July 4 — Independence Day. As the son of a minister, I can appreciate that those in positions of leadership with varied constituencies can often leave their posts under a bit of a cloud. 

Also, John didn’t live and hadn’t grown up in the Hope/Holland community. Even after being at Hope for a decade, he would greet crowds by saying, “Perhaps you’re a long-term member of the Hope family, or a new member as myself ..." 

But certainly, another reason for his absence was the person. John Jacobson was understated, and self-effacing. Ironically, his lack of drawing attention to himself caused him to get more attention than he intended when he first came to Hope. Responding to a report of a strange middle-aged man walking around campus, Hope Campus Safety discovered it was the new president. 

So, in recognition of the man who came to Hope College the same year I did, and who shares my fashion sense (he usually wore a rumpled blue striped suit), and since he hasn’t been recognized via a named building, I’d like to give a man I admired some well-deserved recognition. 

Any who drive by the Hope campus on Ninth Street will see one of his accomplishments. Jacobson was responsible for the Haworth Center and adjoining Cook Hall which serves as a “front door” to the campus, both via its location and its function. It helps to house and feed Hope students, and provides hotel space for college guests in a downtown which — at that time — had no alternatives. 

But certainly, the largest accomplishment — one which affects many students significantly — that happened during his tenure was the institution of the Dean of the Chapel and the accompanying new chapel program. Formerly, Hope had a program — including organ music and homily — which well served the 30-40 students and faculty who attended. Nothing wrong with it — I rather enjoyed it. But certainly the new program, with several new staff including fulltime musician, transformed not only the chapel program, but also the college. One thousand  students now fill the chapel for M.W.F. Chapel and Sunday evening “Gathering.” In warm weather the sound of instruments and singing floats from the open windows. 

But change does not happen without some discomfort — especially to the faculty. So to provide opportunity for Hope faculty to voice concerns, President Jacobson hosted several dinners for groups of 15-20 faculty to meet with him. The dinner I attended had a robust, at times cantankerous, discussion. So to provide a balm for the evening, John asked German professor Sander de Haan if he’d give a closing prayer. Although given no advanced notice, Sander offered a beautiful graceful prayer encapsulating the thoughts expressed and asking for God’s blessing. At the “Amen,” one of the professors gibed, “Sounds like he’s been working on that prayer all day.” President Jacobson immediately countered, “Sander has been working on that prayer his entire life.” I still get goosebumps when I think of it. Wisdom. 

Drs. John and Jeanne Jacobson also gave dinners at their home on campus. Noticing from their choice of artwork that the Dutch master, Rembrandt, was a favorite, and owning volumes of Old Testament and New Testament paintings of Rembrandt, I delivered them unseen to the Hope mailroom addressed “To the Jacobsons from a faculty friend.” Alas, Jeanne brought my note to the provost asking, “Whose handwriting is this?” and was promptly given the answer. 

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Being discovered provided an opportunity for the Jacobsons to be guests at my home — together with several Hope students. In the dinner conversation, I remember being impressed as John pondered why people spend so much time watching television even though they admit it is not especially satisfying. He suggested it was because, compared to other pursuits, there was little risk or investment. 

Another insight from Hope’s philosopher president. Long may his memory live. 

— Community Columnist Tim Pennings is a resident of Holland and can be contacted at timothy.pennings@gmail.com. Previous columns can be found at timothypennings.blogspot.com.