Skip to main content

Awards

Recognizing outstanding alumni and friends for their commitment, faith, and service.

Have Someone to Nominate?

If you’d like to nominate a Calvin graduate for the Distinguished Alumni Award or Young Alumni Award, click the button below to complete the brief form.

Nominate a Calvin Alum

Current and Retired Awards

Distinguished Alumni Award

Recognizing alumni who have made significant contributions to their field or endeavor and manifest a Christian commitment, thus honoring Calvin.

This alum attended Calvin University more than 10 years ago and is not currently employed by Calvin University or Calvin Theological Seminary.

Nominate a Calvin alum

2024
Shawn Blanton '87 and Jim Olthoff '80

2023
Betsy Devos '79 and Janne Ritskes '80

2022
George Comer ’68 and Chris Holstege ’88

2021
Rodney Ludema ’83 and Elbert van Donkersgoed ’67

2019
Marilee Bylsma ’75 and Robert Ottenhoff ’70

2018     
K. Tony Namkung ’67 and Dennis ’58 and Jeni Plooy Hoekstra ’57

2017     
J. Todd Hoeksema ’78 and Willie J. Jennings ’84

2016     
Peter J. Kreeft ’59 and Margaret Njuguna ’94

2015     
Kim M. Olthoff ’82 and Steven T. Wiersma ’83

2014     
Silas Cheuk ’62 and Michael J. Mantel ’83

2013     
James C. Vander Kam ’68, Kathleen S. Bosscher ’68, Michael J. ’76, and Ardith J. Engbers Meekhof ’76

2012     
John D. Booy ’74 and Ilga B. Svechs ’58

2011     
Mary A. Vermeer Andringa ’72 and Robert E. Rooy ’70

2010     
Edward T. Begay ’60, Anna Belle Engbers ’58, Jacqueline A. Greenman ’58, and Marjorie A. Van Kooten ’58

2009     
Sidney J. Jansma, Jr. ’65 and Bastian Vanderzalm ’69

2008     
David J. ’66 and Janice E. Entingh Dykgraaf ’66; Fritz M. Rottman ’59

2007     
William J. Garvelink ’71 and Joel D. Holtrop ’74

2006     
Gerald S. Gabrielse ’73 and Charles P. Spoelhof ’51

2005     
Edwin J. ’68 and Carol J. Yonkers Bos ’68, Richard “Dick” J. Katte ’58

2004     
James R. Gage ’60 and Lois Ackerman Raap ’68

2003     
Robert P. Swierenga ’57 and Paul A. Vanden Bout ’61

2002     
Jack Kuipers ’42 and John ’47 and Juliana Flietstra Steensma ’45

2001     
Herman Keizer, Jr. ’65 and Jacquelyn R. Mabin Nickerson ’55

2000    
James K. Haveman, Jr. ’66 and Elmer C. Yazzie ’76

1999     
F. Stuart Kingma ’61 and Jonathan C. Bradford ’72

1998     
Calvin B. De Witt ’57 and Anthony P. Van Zanten ’61

1997     
Harlan D. Kredit ’61 and Harry S. Stout ’69

1996     
Vernon J. Ehlers ’55 and Calvin G. Seerveld ’52

1995     
Stephen P. Beals ’73 and Trena Korfker Haan ’34

1994     
Thomas R. De Meester ’59 and John H. Kromminga ’39

1993     
Milton H. Kuyers ’56 and Gary D. Vander Ark ’58

1992     
Donald W. Mulder ’40 and Nicholas P. Wolterstorff ’53

1991     
Johanna Boomsma ’48 and Edsko Hekman ’35

1990    
P. Dean Bok ’60 and Robert W. Poel ’57

1989     
Robert J. Daverman ’63 and Kenneth L. Ryskamp ’55

1988     
Austin Lamberts ’36 and Nella Louws Snapper ’44

1987     
Geraldine Vanden Berg ’53, Herbert Van Denend ’43, Stanley J. ’57, and Barbara A. Osterman Vander Klay ’60

1986     
Bastian Kruithof ’27 and Alvin C. Plantinga ’54

1985     
Alexander J. Dragt ’58 and Lewis B. Smedes ’45

1984     
William Frankena ’30 and Leonard Verduin ’26

1983     
Jacob D. Eppinga ’39 and Florence G. Kuipers ’42

1982     
Richard M. DeVos ’47, William T. ’28 and Marianne Vos Radius ’28

1981     
Bernard J. Haan ’39 and Ralph Heynen ’30

1980     
Dale S. De Haan ’55 and Marian Schoolland ’34

1979     
William Spoelhof ’31 and Cornelius Van Til ’22

1978     
Peter A. Boelens ’57 and Dena J. Korfker ’43

1977     
Henry J. Stob ’32 and Jay Van Andel ’46

1976     
Lawrence Den Besten ’52 and Corrine E. Kass ’50

1975     
Meindert De Jong ’28 and John R. Huizenga ’44

1974    
Ralph Blocksma ’36 and Joseph T. Daverman ’34

1973     
Oets K. Bouwsma ’19 and Theodore Kreps ’17

1972     
Stuart Bergsma ’23 and John Feikens ’40

1971     
Harry R. Boer ’38 and J. Herman Fles ’35

1970     
James B. Wyngaarden ’43

1969     
Roger W. Heyns ’40

1968     
James Beré ’42

1967     
William Harry Jellema ’14 and Gordon J. Van Wylen ’42

1966     
Garrett Heyns ’11 and Amry Vandenbosch ’17

Young Alumni Award

Recognizing young grads who are making a splash in their careers and communities, thus personifying the mission of the Calvin Alumni Association.

This young alum:

  • personifies the mission of the Calvin Alumni Association which connects alumni, strengthens the university, and inspires alumni to answer God’s call
  • is a Calvin graduate under 40 years of age (as of December 31 of the year nominated)
  • has received recognition as an emerging leader through professional and/or community achievements
  • exemplifies outstanding professional and personal development either through traditional channels or innovative approaches
  • serves as a role model for current and future Calvin students and alumni
  • demonstrates a strong faith commitment as an agent of renewal for Jesus Christ

Nominate a Calvin alum

2024
Airin Efferin '09
Bandung, Indonesia
Co-founder, Bandung Philharmonic
Video | Spark story | Website

2023
Nate Knapper '08 
Washington D.C.
Founder, The Joseph Project
Video | Spark story | Website

2022
Nana Owusu-Achau '12 
Accra, Ghana
Chief Farmer, Agro Kings
Video | Spark story | Website

2021
Ryan Struyk '14 
Washington D.C.
Producer, CNN
Video | Spark story

2019 
Chris Palmer '06
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Founder, PhotoUp
Specialist, New Business Innovation, Steelcase Inc.
Spark story

2018
Jacqueline Klamer ’08
Manila, Philippines
Southeast Asia Regional Facilitator, Partners Worldwide
Spark story

2017 
Ryan Roff ’09
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Owner, BoldSocks
Spark story

2016
Anne Zaki ’99
Cairo, Egypt
Assistant Professor, Evangelical Theological Seminary
Spark story

2015
Anissa Adkins Eddie ’05 
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Co-Owner, Malamiah Juice Bar
Spark story

2014
Katelyn Beaty ’06
Carol Stream, Ill.
Managing Editor, Christianity Today (at the time of the award)
Spark story

Professor of the Year Award

Recognizing a current faculty member who is an outstanding teacher, making significant efforts to guide the lives of students in faith and in learning.

Only members of the current Calvin University senior class may nominate current full-time faculty members for this award. The K4L student alumni association leaders collect nominations and present finalists to the senior class for selection each year. 

Award criteria:

  • Excellence in Teaching: This professor creates in students an excitement for learning, draws them into the subject matter and challenges their intellect.
  • Spiritual Impact: This professor is a Christian role model for students, nurturing faith and facilitating spiritual growth.
  • Concern for students: This professor is concerned for the welfare of the students and eager to help them learn and grow.

2025
Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, Philosophy

2024
Stacia Hoeksema, social work

2023
Scott Rush, business

2022
John Ross, kinesiology

2021
John Wertz, biology

2020
Tim Bergsma, business

2019
Joe Kuilema, social work

2018
Eric Washington, history

2017
Ryan Bebej, biology

2016
Jesse Moes, nursing

2015
Matthew Heun, engineering

2014
Daniel Herrick, philosophy

2013
Julie Yonker, psychology

2012
Scott Stehouwer, psychology

2011
Renee Boss Potts, nursing

2010
Pete Tigchelaar, biology

2009
Cal Jen, business

2008
Todd Vanden Berg, sociology

2007
Joy Bonnema, biology

2006
Dave Warners, biology

2004
William Vande Kopple, English

2003
Dale Brown, English

2002
Jennifer Holberg, English

2001
James Vanden Bosch, English

2000
Richard Whitekettle, religion

1999
Ken Bratt, classics

1998
Larry Louters, chemistry

Outstanding Service Award

Recognizing alumni and friends who have shown outstanding efforts by donating time and talents to Calvin and the Calvin community.

*This award is presented occasionally for special circumstances. Nominations are not actively accepted.

Any alumni or friend of the university may nominate someone for this award.

This award is instituted in order to give recognition to those individuals and organizations who have given outstanding service to Calvin University.

  • Recipients need not be alumni.
  • Recipients must not currently serve on the staff of the university, unless the service rendered to the university or Alumni Association is far beyond that person's institutional role.
  • The service must be voluntary and of direct benefit to Calvin and its related activities.
  • Services such as the following should be considered.
    • Assistance in securing faculty members, recruiting students, securing employment for graduates and working on fund-raising drives.
    • Promotion of legislation or public relations.
    • Service to the Alumni Association through the board, networks or special committees.
    • Service on boards, guilds, festivals and so on.
  • All areas, types and levels of service should be considered, and the award should be given concurrent with such service.
  • The service should be over an extended period of time and not be associated with a restricted date or brief period of time.
  • Organizations or groups, such as alumni networks, may be nominated when it is more appropriate to honor a service collectively rather than identifying one person from that group.

2018    
Carol Vandenbosch Rottman ex’59

2017    
Todd ’94 and Laura ’94 Klaasen Pheifer

2016    
Perrin Rynders ’82

2015    
Ralph Luimes ’83

2014    
Henry “Bill” Dungey ’87

2013    
Ron Baylor ’77

2012    
James ’49 and Dolly Hofman Strikwerda ’50

2011    
Ken ’79 and Paula Tuinstra Wigboldy ’80

2010    
Sharon Brinks ’76

2009    
Robert ’50 and Marjorie Kok Boot ex’50

2008    
Bradley Haverkamp ’95; Bill ’75 and Diane Dood Ryckbost ’75

2007    
Bruce ’73 and Barb Bosch Jansen ’72, Barry Meyer ’75, and Marj Vanderweit Youngsma ex’57; David Tuuk ’49

2006    
Oluwatoyin Adegbite Moore ’91; Stu ’72 and Mary Sytsma Greydanus ’73

2005    
Kathy Klaasen ’70; Bernard ’66 and Carol DeMots Woltjer ’64

2004    
Philip Brondsema ’78; James Lamse ’58

2003    
Jane Brasser ’82; Wally Bratt ’55

2002    
David DeKorne ’78; Glenn ’71 and Sue DeBoe Ploegstra ’73

2001    
Dirk Pruis ’82; Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning (CALL)

2000    
Roger Brummel ’61; Carol Aukeman Rienstra ’69

2000    
Twylla Nieboer (special edition, October 2000)

1999    
James Hooyenga ’61; Elsa Zwiep Prince Broekhuizen ’54; Gerald Vander Wall ’51

1998    
Bruce HON and Sue Osterink HON

1997    
Preston ’53 and Marjorie De Nooyer Kool ’54; Judy Penning Winkle ’67

1996    
R. Wayne ’67 and Mary Appel Kooy ’67; Janice Van Den Bosch Veenstra ’65

1995    
Marshall Ellens ’68; Sylvia Baas Wevers ex’55 and Jan Wevers Wilkins ’80

1994    
William Buursma ’49; Chris Stoffel Overvoorde HON

1993    
William Alphenaar ’78; William Van Dyke ex’63

1992    
Audrey Schouten Masselink ’61 and William Masselink HON; The ODL Corporation

1991    
Glenn Bulthuis, Jr. ’77; Paul Buiten ex’56; Gerald Harms ’63

1990    
James De Jonge ’31; Henry De Wit ’47; Helen Van Halsema Vande Polder ’54

1989    
Marion Overzet Dykstra ’63 and Richard Dykstra; Paul Pettinga ’52; Donald ’66 and Elizabeth “Betsy” Westra Retsema ’67

1988    
Kenneth Bootsma ’59; Harold Geerdes ’37; Lawrence Stegink ’57

1987    
Ruth Hoekenga Donker ’45; Egbert Post ex’1915; Calvin Verbrugge ’59

1986    
Pearl Brouwer Bengelink HON; Edwin Hoogstra ’42; James La Grand ’62

1985    
The Calvin (Knollcrest Festival) Guilds

1984    
Gordon Buter ’40; George Groen ’63; William ’67 and Marcia Pruis Heerema ’68

1983    
Ben De Boer ’33; Carl Gronsman ’63; Martin Sterk ’32

1982    
James Cnossen ’64; Shirley Wiersma Veen ’50

1981    
Lucille Zeilstra Hoekenga HON; George Kamp HON; Julius Mellema ’38

1980    
Norman De Graaf ’51; Henry De Mots ’35; Jacob Oppewal ’52

1979    
Ronald Bengelink ’64; Seymour Swets ’22; Curtis Youngsma ex’57

1978    
Leonard Hofman ’48; J. David Vander Ploeg HON; Sydney Youngsma

1977    
Melvin Gesink ’53; Bruce Klanderman ’59; Marguerite Stepat Seerveld ’55; Richard Vander Laan ’59

1976    
Kenneth Bergsma ex’42; William Fyfe HON; John Vander Ark ’37

1975    
Harry Greenwood HON; Steven Hoekman ’50

1974    
James Grit ’56 (Willard, OH); Bruce Keuning ’60 (Lakewood, CA); Ruth Machiele ’57 (Rochester, NY)

1973    
Jack Elenbaas HON (Detroit, MI)

1972    
Chris Kamminga HON (Kalamazoo, MI); John Kamp ’47 (C’45) (Chicago, IL)

1971     
Melvin Boonstra HON (Zeeland, MI); Richard Hoekstra ’38 (Grand Rapids, MI); Jack Hoekzema ’29 (Bellflower, CA)

1970    
Wesley De Young ’39 (Grand Rapids, MI); Robert Goldsword ’38 (Cleveland, OH); William Haverkamp ’30 (Grand Rapids, MI)

1969    
Bert Nawyn HON (Paterson, NJ); Jack Veltkamp ’66 (Lynden, WA); Harry Vermeer ex’50 (C’51) (Pella, IA)

Faith and Learning Award

Recognizing Calvin professors who have made an impact by consistently integrating faith with learning. 

*No longer awarded.

This recipient is a master teacher, making a significant impact on Calvin students in training for a life of service in God's Kingdom.

  • Any living, formerly full-time Calvin University faculty member is eligible.
  • The membership of the Calvin Alumni Association will nominate candidates. Only Calvin alumni may nominate candidates.
  • The criteria for selection consists of the following areas:
    • Excellence in teaching: This professor creates in students an excitement for learning, draws them into the subject matter, and challenges their intellect;
    • Spiritual impact: This professor is a Christian role model for students, nurturing faith and facilitating spiritual growth;
    • Concern for students: This professor is concerned for the welfare of the students and eager to help them learn and grow;
    • Lasting influence: This professor's teaching has a continuing influence on former students.

2019  
Arden Post, education

2018  
Quentin Schultze, communication arts and sciences

2017  
Dale Cooper, religion and Robin Jensen, art

2016  
Ralph Honderd, kinesiology

2015  
Kenneth Piers, chemistry

2014  
Thomas Hoeksema, education

2013  
Randal Jelks, history

2012  
David Holwerda, religion

2011  
Barbara Carvill, German

2010  
Marvin Zuidema, kinesiology

2009  
Edward Ericson, English

2008  
Donald Wilson, sociology

2007  
Steve Van der Weele, English

2006  
Wallace Bratt, German

2005  
Henry Holstege, sociology

2004  
Gordon Van Harn, biology

2003  
Ervina Boevé, communication arts and sciences

2002  
Bette Bosma, education

2001  
Bernard Ten Broek, biology

2000  
James Bosscher, engineering

1999  
Howard Van Till, physics

1998  
Henrietta Ten Harmsel, English

1997  
John J. Timmerman, English

1996  
Richard Mouw, philosophy

1995  
Edgar Boevé, art

1994  
Richard Tiemersma, English

1993  
H. Evan Runner, philosophy

1992  
Harold Geerdes, music

Knight of Distinction Award

Recognizing former Calvin Knights who have served God, church and community with Christian character, shaped in part by participation in the athletics program at Calvin.

*No longer awarded.

Presented by the Calvin C Club of the Calvin University Alumni Association, this award has been established to demonstrate the lifelong benefit of intercollegiate athletics at Calvin as demonstrated in the lives and witness of former student-athletes.