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.
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.
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
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
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.
2018
Quentin Schultze, communication arts and sciences
2017
Dale Cooper, religion and Robin Jensen, art
2016
Ralph Honderd, kinesiology
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.