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From life sentence to meaningful life
In 1998, Marqurice Jackson was sentenced to life in prison, where he lost all hope. But within the past five years, something happened inside prison walls that restored Jackson's hope and transformed his life.
November 20, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University opens a new door for students with disabilities
A $1.2 million Transition and Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) grant from the U.S. Department of Education puts Calvin on a path to be the first university in Michigan to offer a Comprehensive Transition and Post-Secondary program.
November 13, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin receives major federal grant to support student success
The U.S. Department of Education's Student Support Services Program granted Calvin $935,000 to provide academic and other support services to low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities.
November 13, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin students place in top 10% of worldwide programming competition
A trio of electrical engineering majors at Calvin University tackled 24-hours worth of programming problems and finished near the top of a 3,700-team field.
November 11, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

NY Times op-ed columnist David Brooks to receive 2020 Kuyper Prize
On Monday, November 16, David Brooks will receive the 2020 Abraham Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life during a virtual event hosted by Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary.
November 10, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin professor partners on $1 million grant project to help churches be anti-racist
Calvin professor Mark Mulder is part of a trio of researchers helping the Alliance of Baptists denomination understand what it means to be anti-racist, and how to move their congregations toward that desired future state.
November 06, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin professor named fellow of American Academy of Nursing
On Saturday, October 31, Adejoke Ayoola, professor of nursing at Calvin University, is being inducted into the 2020 Class of Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing.
October 30, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University featured in The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges 2021 Edition
The Princeton Review highlights Calvin University as one of the nation's most environmentally responsible institutions.
October 29, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

When beautiful words blossom into beautiful landscapes
When faculty and staff at Calvin University realized they lived, worked, and worshipped in one of the most contaminated watersheds in the state, they started working to restore it. Now 12 years in, the momentum is shifting.
October 09, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

The January Series moves into living rooms in 2021
Conversations about the future of the Supreme Court, climate change, global trade, civil discourse, racial tensions, and economic uncertainty, will all happen at Calvin University’s 2021January Series. And access to the award-winning lecture series will be easier than ever.
October 07, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Cultivating mental wellness during a pandemic
Irene Kraegel, director of the Center for Counseling and Wellness at Calvin University, digs into the pandemic's impact on our mental health and shares best practices that can help us navigate this season.
September 25, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University moves up in U.S. News categories
In U.S. News & World Report's 2021 Best Colleges Guidebook, Calvin gained some ground in some U.S. News categories and maintained the school's overall ranking of #3 in the Midwest Regional Universities category.
September 14, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Study shows your media habits are linked to your voter participation
Professor Jesse Holcomb and two recent Calvin University alums published a report that explores non-voters' news diets and the role that the media plays in their decision of whether or not to cast a ballot.
September 09, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

How Calvin University made a safe return to campus for fall 2020
On Tuesday, September 1, Calvin University classes were back in session, and in-person for the first time since mid-March. The return was months in the making.
September 02, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Iris Jones
Iris Jones is remembered for her joy, leadership, and determination, and the way her kindness impacted the lives of many.
August 27, 2020 | Amanda Greenhoe

Calvin University has record-setting fundraising year
More than 18,800 alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, and students financially contributed to the work of Calvin University throughout the 2020 fiscal year. Combined, their generosity resulted in a record-breaking $64.3 million in gifts and new pledges to Calvin.
August 24, 2020 | News & Stories staff

Princeton Review ranks Calvin in Top 20 for both Health and Counseling Services
The Princeton Review ranks Calvin University as one of the nation's best institutions for undergraduates to earn their college degree, and as a top 20 school nationwide for both its health and counseling services.
August 18, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Creating a dune on Calvin's campus
Realizing bringing her class regularly to the lakeshore to do research would be riskier this year, Calvin professor Deanna van Dijk decided to bring the research site to the students. 450 cubic yards of sand is coming to campus.
July 30, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin receives $11 million gift for faculty development
Calvin University is receiving an $11 million gift that will deepen the institution's commitment to teach from a Reformed Christian perspective and expand its ability to shape Reformed Christian thought leadership around the world.
June 29, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

A teacher to teachers, known for scholarship and service
Education professor Robert Keeley is the recipient of the 2020 Presidential Award for Exemplary Teaching, Calvin's highest teaching honor.
June 12, 2020 | Staff

Calvin University School of Business Announces New Bachelor of Science in Financial Planning
With a new degree offering from the business department, Calvin becomes one of the few faith-based institutions in the United States to offer an accredited financial planning program.
June 09, 2020 | Andy Rau

Calvin hosts conversation about race, faith, and justice
On Wednesday, June 3, 2020, Calvin University hosted a virtual conversation on race, faith, and justice. Michael Le Roy, president of Calvin University, facilitated the 90-minute conversation that included a couple of his colleagues at Calvin and a couple of advisors and friends from the Grand Rapids area.
June 04, 2020

Richard Mouw comes home to Calvin
After 35 years at Fuller Theological Seminary, Richard Mouw, a widely-respected theologian and philosopher, is returning to Calvin University where his career in academia began. He's joining the Henry Institute as a senior research fellow.
June 04, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin Remembers Elsa Cortina
Calvin remembers beloved Spanish professor Elsa Cortina. Cortina was the first director of a study abroad program at the university, initiating the Semester in Spain in 1983.
May 27, 2020 | Lynn Bolt Rosendale

Calvin alum responds to the pandemic with innovative diagnostics
What 2011 grad Cheri Ackerman is doing in the lab as a postdoctoral fellow at the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard is about as relevant as it gets in the current environment.
May 18, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University receives $22.25 million gift to launch School of Business
Less than a year after changing its name, Calvin University is adding its first school: the Calvin University School of Business. University leaders hope the new school is the first of many.
May 14, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University takes major step toward opening in fall 2020
Calvin University is partnering with Helix Diagnostics in its plans for a safe return to campus operations in fall 2020. Through the arrangement, Calvin will be able to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students will be tested and screened for COVID-19 upon arriving on campus.
May 13, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin deepens and strengthens faith expectations
In keeping with Calvin University’s vision to embody a Reformed Christian witness, the board of trustees and faculty senate has unanimously affirmed new expectations for faculty, senior administrators, and board members.
May 08, 2020 | News & Stories Staff

Discovering a path forward in a COVID-shaped world
Fifteen faculty experts from Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary will lead 23 courses this summer that help participants discover what it means to be a Christian witness in a world shaped by COVID-19.
May 06, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Engineering majors pivot final project to respond to pandemic
A team of five engineering majors are using their time and skills to help a local company print PPE.
May 04, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Discovering beauty at the intersection of disciplines
Beginning in January 2021, Calvin senior Jason Entingh will be heading to Eastern Europe for six months as an English Teaching Assistant through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. His journey started with a love of language.
April 29, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

A pile of clothes serves a deeper purpose
Calvin student Freshta Tori Jan created an online store that makes masks and distributes them to the homeless. And it all started when a pile of old clothes crossed into the path of a compelling mission.
April 16, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Covering the Calvin community
The Calvin community was issued a challenge: create 500 cloth face coverings to ensure that every student still living on campus and every essential staff member regularly coming to campus had access to at least one. Four days later, the community was covered!
April 14, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Providing a refuge for first responders
In late March, Spectrum Health Hospital and the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) called for backup. Calvin University responded with 46 free rooms at Prince Conference Center for their employees to use free of charge.
April 14, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Nursing professor heads to hot spot of COVID-19 pandemic
On March 30, Dr. Katherine Kunnen, an assistant professor of nursing at Calvin University, headed to New York City, to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We caught up with her via a video Q&A on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, during her lunch break.
April 09, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Guiding churches through COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruption in churches around the world. Fortunately, the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship has been helping churches navigate the seasons of the church for years, and is stepping up to guide churches through this novel season.
April 08, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

When research on the water turns to gold
Laura Dykstra started research at Calvin University right away. Now, three years in, her research has been published, her passion for research deepened, and she recently earned what's widely considered as the top undergraduate research award in her field.
April 06, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Turning over the keys
For the past five years, Calvin faculty and staff have been building a bachelor's degree program inside prison walls. What the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed, is they've actually been building leaders.
April 01, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Robert Bolt
For three decades Robert Bolt brought American history to life for his students at Calvin. After he retired from teaching, he spent another two decades helping in Heritage Hall, collecting and preserving records for the Christian Reformed Church. Bolt, 89, died on March 23.
March 27, 2020 | Lynn Rosendale

When meetings become risky business
A data expert at Calvin University's Center for Social Research has created a COVID-19 visual meeting risk calculator that projects how risky one’s social behavior can be based on the estimated infection rate of the region one lives and works in.
March 23, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Working together to stop human trafficking
In this guest article, Rachel Venema, associate professor of social work, and Rachel VerWys, co-creator of Solutions to End Exploitation (SEE), provide a more accurate portrayal of what human trafficking is and preview some events at Calvin that will help people know how they can take action to combat it.
March 09, 2020 | Rachel Venema , Rachel VerWys

Show your stripes at Calvin University's Rare Disease Symposium
Calvin University Rare Disease Research & Support will host a Rare Disease Symposium on Rare Disease Day, February 29th, 2020 at the Prince Conference Center.
February 25, 2020 | Rachael Baker

Calvin remembers Bob DeKraker
Bob DeKraker, 65, died of cancer on Wednesday, February 19. His colleagues remember the many ways he worked behind the scenes to cheerfully support faculty and students during his 31-year career at Calvin.
February 21, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers June Hamersma
When people think about January at Calvin, they often think about June. June Hamersma, 90, the founder of Calvin University’s award-winning January Series, died on Sunday, February 16, 2020.
February 20, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

David Brooks to receive Kuyper Prize at Kuyper Centennial Congress
David Brooks, a longtime New York Times op-ed columnist who writes about politics, culture, and the social sciences, is the recipient of the 2020 Abraham Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life.
February 18, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin receives national recognition for community engagement
Calvin University is one of 359 campuses across the country to receive the Carnegie Foundation's Classification for Community Engagement in 2020.
February 11, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin creates associate provost position
In January, Kevin den Dulk became Calvin's first associate provost, a position that focuses on extending Calvin's mission to reach new populations.
February 11, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Olivia Haverkamp
Olivia Haverkamp died on Sunday, January 26, following a three-year battle with a rare childhood cancer. Her disease didn't define her, rather it was her trust in the Lord and her love for others that are remembered by the Calvin community.
January 30, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Andrew Prezioso
Andrew Prezioso is remembered for his beautiful singing voice and contagious laugh. While his voice stood out in a crowd, he elevated and valued everyone else's.
January 22, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Ruth Rus
Ruth Rus taught piano at Calvin for three decades. Her colleagues say she cared deeply for her students and colleagues, and she was a gifted musician who loved and understood every note she played.
January 15, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin names new vice president for finance
Calvin University president Michael Le Roy has appointed Jim English as the institution’s next vice president for finance.
January 14, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Saving the Michigan Tuition Grant
In October 2019, a line-item veto by Governor Gretchen Whitmer included cutting the $2,400 per year Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG). The response of the Calvin community? Take action.
December 20, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Al Bratt
For nearly four decades, Al Bratt helped students at Calvin fall in love with the natural world. Bratt, 86, died on December 11, 2019.
December 20, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Engaging popular culture, drawing near to God
While Christians and the church sometimes shy away from engaging with popular culture, leaders in Calvin University's student activities office stress their approach to engaging popular culture is deeply rooted in drawing students toward, rather than away from God.
December 13, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Four teams pursuing national championships
The Calvin University women’s volleyball, men’s soccer, and men’s and women’s cross country teams continue their pursuit of Calvin’s 12th national title.
November 21, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Collecting acorns, preserving roots
On Friday, July 19, the oldest known tree on Calvin's 400-acre campus came crashing down. But a simple act taken more than a decade prior helped preserve the tree's legacy.
November 20, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

NCAA Tournament runs start on campus
The Calvin University men's soccer, women's volleyball, and men's and women's cross country teams all begin their postseason action in their own backyard.
November 14, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Dance Marathon kicks off at Calvin
Calvin University's Dance Marathon student organization has started its year-long fundraiser to help kids and their families at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. This year, Calvin's Dance Marathon group is sponsored by Wendy’s.
October 29, 2019 | Hannah Smith

A familiar game, a new outcome
Students in the Calvin Prison Initiative program spent a collective 775 hours over 15 months handcrafting a chess set for Calvin University.
October 15, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

It's "Tebow Time" in Grand Rapids
On Thursday, October 24, 2019, Tim Tebow, a professional athlete, ESPN analyst, and author will be speaking at Calvin University.
October 03, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University announces 2020 January Series lineup
The 2020 edition of the January Series features New York Times best-selling authors, Billboard-topping musicians, and a 41-year veteran of the White House press corps.
September 19, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University ranks high in leading guidebooks
U.S. News & World Report is the latest ranking guide to give Calvin University high marks in 2019.
September 09, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Chris Overvoorde
Longtime Calvin art professor Chris Overvoorde is remembered for his dedication to his students and the university and his masterful paintings and drawings.
September 05, 2019 | Lynn Rosendale

Calvin remembers Max Renauldo
Max Renauldo is remembered for his devotion to God, his family and friends, and his country.
August 27, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Plaster Creek Stewards receive national award
Plaster Creek Stewards, an initiative of Calvin University, received national recognition for their work returning health and beauty to one of the most contaminated urban waterways in West Michigan.
August 05, 2019 | Staff

Peet's Coffee opens first shop in Michigan
In August 2019, Peet's Coffee opens its first shop in Michigan at Calvin University.
July 23, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University coming July 10
On July 10, 2019, Calvin College officially becomes Calvin University. The Calvin community will commemorate the significant milestone with a series of events, including a panel discussion, dedication service, and celebration cookout.
July 01, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

From Praying to Publishing: Student Authors Three Books
Jackie Amissah-Nunoo, a public health major at Calvin, discovered her lifelong calling in recent years: serving Christ through writing. Her pursuit of that passion has provided her with quite the platform.
June 26, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Tim Tebow coming to Grand Rapids
Tim Tebow, a professional athlete, ESPN analyst, and author, will be a featured speaker at the Second Global Congress on Sport and Christianity in October 2019.
June 12, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Pair of Calvin students strike gold with research award
Two Calvin students have been named Goldwater Scholars for 2019-2020. Widely considered the top research award for undergrads, Calvin is the only private institution in Michigan to have multiple students receive the award.
June 05, 2019

Calvin graduates the Class of 2019
On Saturday, May 18, 2019, nearly 900 students will participate in Calvin College's 99th Commencement ceremony.
May 17, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

From first-year class to Fulbright
When Mimi Sterenberg came to Calvin she hadn't taken a Spanish class in her life. Now, through a Fulbright scholarship, she's headed to Spain to teach English.
May 17, 2019 | Hannah Ebeling

Calvin remembers Daniel Bays
Calvin professor emeritus of history Daniel Bays is remembered by his colleagues as a voracious learner, dedicated scholar, and as a key partner in growing the Asian Studies Program at Calvin.
May 17, 2019 | Staff

Joe Kuilema named Professor of the Year
Calvin social work professor Joe Kuilema voted 2019 Professor of the Year by students.
May 14, 2019 | Lynn Rosendale

A classroom for the ages
The grant-funded Intergenerational Connections Project is providing a rich learning environment where traditional college students and adult learners are thriving together.
May 14, 2019 | Hannah Ebeling

Ecosystem Preserve adds Venema Plaza and Gardens
Calvin introduces the Venema Plaza and Gardens, West Michigan’s largest public native gardens.
May 08, 2019 | Staff

Prized teacher, renowned researcher, devoted guide
Geography professor Deanna van Dijk is the recipient of the 2019 Presidential Award for Exemplary Teaching Award, Calvin's highest teaching honor.
May 03, 2019 | Staff

Calvin recognized as Tree Campus USA
For the seventh straight year, Calvin earns Tree Campus USA recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.
April 22, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Spurring innovation in 24 hours
At CalvinHacks, Calvin's first marathon software and hardware development competition, Calvin students raced to create a variety of innovative computing projects.
March 27, 2019 | Connor Bechler

Calvin LifeWork unlocks soft skills
Students in the Calvin LifeWork program access an on-campus escape room, designed to assist them in developing their understanding of teamwork and teamwork-related skills.
March 26, 2019 | Connor Bechler

An Artful Life: Remembering Edgar Boevé
Calvin remembers Edgar Boevé, known as the founder of the Calvin art department and a daring thinker in the world of Christianity and the arts.
March 11, 2019 | Lynn Rosendale

Calvin names new vice president for enrollment strategy
Calvin College president Michael Le Roy has appointed Lauren Jensen as the institution’s next vice president for enrollment strategy.
February 28, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin student opens classic Christian work to Turkey
Debora Haede, a student at Calvin College, is doing something that's never been done before: translating Dietrich Bonhoeffer's classic works into Turkish.
February 27, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Entrada Scholars Program receives community recognition award
Given by the Baptist Fellowship of Grand Rapids in honor of the legacy of Dr. Clifton Rhodes, Jr., the award recognizes the Entrada Scholars Program's role in increasing minority students' access to higher education.
February 27, 2019 | Connor Bechler

Seeing Detroit differently
Calvin students recently studied the shifts in urban politics toward the latter half of the 20th century, applying literature they were reading to the unfolding story of Detroit.
February 27, 2019 | Hannah Ebeling

Beckman Scholars Award advances undergraduate research at Calvin
The 2019 Beckman Scholars Award from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation both honors Calvin's current commitment to undergraduate research and funds new research in chemistry and the life sciences.
February 25, 2019 | Connor Bechler

Calvin announces Fall 2018 Dean's List
Nearly 42 percent of the Calvin College student body achieved Dean’s List status during the fall 2018 semester.
February 22, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Expanding opportunities for women in engineering
Fewer than 20 percent of all bachelor's degrees in engineering were awarded to women in the United States in 2015. Calvin College students are taking action to see that statistic change.
February 21, 2019 | Hannah Ebeling

Competing for sustainability at Calvin
Since 2008, students have promoted, led, and participated in Kill-a-watt, a residence hall-wide sustainability competition and education program.
February 20, 2019 | Hannah Ebeling

Interim course examines the world of Jesus and the Early Church
Over Interim, students in Religion W42: The World of Jesus and the First Christians explored the vibrant context of the gospels in class and at the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C.
February 05, 2019 | Connor Bechler

John M. Perkins awarded 2019 Kuyper Prize
Dr. John M. Perkins, one of the leading evangelical voices to come out of the Civil Rights Movement, is the recipient of the 2019 Abraham Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life.
February 04, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Conference calls students to be servants, not saviors
From February 7-9, the student-led Faith and International Development Conference will offer students, scholars, and international development organizations the opportunity to network and engage with pressing issues in the field.
February 02, 2019 | Connor Bechler

Calvin campus closed through Thursday, January 31
The Calvin College campus will remain closed through Thursday, January 31, 2019, due to the continued winter storm and dangerously cold temperatures.
January 30, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin campus closing early Tuesday, closed Wednesday
The Calvin College campus will close at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, and remain closed on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, due to inclement weather.
January 29, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin College weather safety notification
This is a reminder that Calvin College does not ask its students, faculty, or staff to assume undue risk as they travel to class or work.
January 29, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin campus closed on Monday due to inclement weather
The Calvin College campus is closed on Monday, January 28, 2019.
January 28, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

NSF grant spurs innovation in parallel computing
Calvin College computer science professor Joel Adams is using a nearly $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to collaborate with several other universities in developing new methods of teaching parallel computing.
January 23, 2019 | Connor Bechler

Public Health Initiative deepens community partnerships
Over the past four years, Calvin College's Public Health Initiative has sparked collaboration among various disciplines at Calvin, deepened relationships with community partners, and produced research that's addressing neighborhood needs.
January 02, 2019 | Hannah Ebeling

Student concerts celebrate Calvin's long tradition of music and performance
Sarah Griffioen, a musical performance and computer science double major at Calvin College, spent months practicing on her own as well as under the private instruction of Calvin music professors.
December 18, 2018 | Hannah Ebeling

Engaging interfaith dialogue at Calvin and Harvard Divinity School
This November, after two years of coordinating interfaith dialogue at Calvin College, senior Manato Jansen continued the conversation at Harvard Divinity school's prestigious Diversity and Explorations program.
December 05, 2018 | Connor Bechler