Spark

After taking a bit of a break for the holidays, I and other colleagues hit the road again this winter and spring to visit Calvin alumni in their own communities around the world. In most cases, the main reason for these gatherings was to introduce more of you to President and Mrs. Boer. I enjoyed our Q&A sessions with the president, an informal opportunity for him to connect with alumni and to share his vision for Calvin’s future.

Our gatherings also reminded me of the incredible ways God uses Calvin grads to work toward renewal in his world. Sometimes this happens in very public spaces, but more often it occurs behind the scenes, as alumni give back within their local communities.

In Long Beach, California, Curt ’89 and Laura ’90 DeGroot graciously hosted an alumni gathering with the president, during which we also welcomed Calvin’s first men’s volleyball coach, California native Spencer Fredrick. It’s a perfect example of hospitality that celebrates cherished Calvin connections and creates new ones. Officially welcoming Coach Fredrick to Calvin is just one sign of the expansive strategic plan for the university’s athletics program, something you can read about in this issue of Spark.

In this issue you’ll also read about our shared Calvin story, spoken in the words of current faculty and students. Their reflections remind us what we hold in common and nudge us toward continued growth and learning.

And you’ll meet alumni of all ages and vocations, whose faith inspires them to build relationships: from an art teacher turned entrepreneur, whose passion is gathering people together; to a Chicago lawyer, who helps current students discern God’s calling; to a former social worker, who founded a non-profit that helps reunite children in foster care with their parents.

You’ll also meet two urban farmers growing fresh produce for their neighbors, an author whose picture books nurture kids’ wonder and curiosity, and a young professional whose choice to travel solo across North America reconnected her to what she values most. Whoever and wherever we are, God continues to use each of us to reach his world for his glory in a rich variety of ways.

In just a brief time, we will officially welcome yet another graduating class into the broader Calvin alumni community. I look forward to witnessing how God continues to use the Class of 2023’s gifts for his good work—this is our continuing Calvin story.

Finally, in this season of Easter, I wish each of you a moment of restful reflection on “the great love the Father lavished on us” through the ultimate sacrifice and resurrection of his son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May his gift of grace strengthen us on every road ahead.