Early in her career, Hope was active in Republican politics--working for both the Ford and Reagan Administrations--as well as being a senior partner for the international law firm Paul, Hastings, Janofsky and Walker.

While working on the Corporation, Hope continued her work in Washington D.C.--serving most recently as general counsel for Bob Dole's presidential campaign--and commuted to Cambridge every two weeks.

Hannah H. Gray, the only other female Corporation member and president emerita of the University of Chicago, said in an interview with The Crimson that Hope has been "stretched a lot" through all of her commitments and maintaining the high standards she sets for herself.

"She is tremendously busy in her professional career," she said.

Former Harvard President Derek C. Bok was a member of the Corporation that originally appointed Hope.

Bok said that Hope played a key role in the University's legal affairs. He cited her significance in resolving an anti-trust lawsuit filed against the Ivy League schools by the Justice Department--the University had been challenged on its financial aid policies.

Former Corporation member and Dean of the Faculty Henry Rosovsky said when he served with Hope, she was always very interested to meet people at the University.