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Calvin University announces $15 million gift to establish School of Health
An anonymous alumni donor provided a $15 million lead gift to establish the School of Health. It marks the second-largest single donation in the institution’s history.
October 18, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University launches search for next president
On October 15, 2021, the presidential search committee officially launched an international search for Calvin University's 11th president.
October 15, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University provost's book wins Aldersgate Prize
Calvin University provost Noah Toly's book, The Gardeners' Dirty Hands: Environmental Politics and Christian Ethics, was awarded the Aldersgate Prize by the John Wesley Honors College at Indiana Wesleyan University.
September 22, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

First-year undergraduate and graduate enrollment rising at Calvin University
Calvin University's first-year undergraduate enrollment is up 15% year-on-year and the institution's graduate enrollment shows a 50% uptick during that time.
September 17, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University announces 2022 January Series lineup
New York Times best-selling authors, a renowned theologian, a retired 4-star admiral, and a popular public television host, are among an eclectic lineup of speakers who will use the power of story to humanize some of today’s most important and timely issues.
September 16, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin engineering program climbing U.S. News rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks Calvin University fourth overall among Midwest regional universities. It also highlights Calvin as an innovative school, one of the best for undergraduate teaching, and continues to move its engineering program up the list.
September 13, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Princeton Review highlights Calvin University’s Health Services
Calvin University is one of just 19 institutions nationwide to appear on The Princeton Review's "Great Health Services" list.
September 01, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin alum goes to great lengths to support cause
Calvin University alum Marian Cardwell attempted a record-breaking feat in the open water for a cause near and dear to her heart.
August 06, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

The ripple effects of education
For Rene Rodriguez, an education on the streets proved extremely costly. Almost three decades later, an education inside prison walls was transformational.
July 31, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

A minivan opens door to community
Professor Fred Haan uses stories to build relationships with his engineering students. When his beloved minivan—the star of many of those stories—broke down, his students stepped up.
July 29, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University turns two
On July 10, 2019, Calvin changed its name from "college" to "university." Two years later, it's well on its way to Vision 2030.
July 10, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Fiske Guide shortlists Calvin University for affordability and engineering
In its 38th edition, The Fiske Guide to Colleges applauds Calvin University for its affordability and the strength of its engineering program.
July 06, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin LifeWork program gives grads an advantage
While Calvin University graduates get jobs and into grad school, the Calvin LifeWork program is evidence of the university's commitment to prepare students holistically for both their career and all of life.
June 24, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

President Michael Le Roy announces his final season at Calvin
President Michael Le Roy announces that the 2021-2022 academic will be his 10th and final season serving at Calvin University. Le Roy cites he and Andrea feeling a pull to the Northwest to be closer to their family.
June 10, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin partnerships pave paths to med school
This fall, Jacob Charron is headed to Michigan State’s College of Human Medicine; Sam Goorman to Wayne State University; and Vanessa Elliott to the University of Michigan. All three are medical school-bound thanks to partnerships through Calvin University.
June 03, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin Prison Initiative grads reflect on education behind bars
Eleven graduates from the Class of 2020 and 2021 share about their experience in the Calvin Prison Initiative program, and how they plan to use their Calvin education to help communities flourish behind bars.
May 21, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University celebrates historic Commencement doubleheader
Saturday, May 22, 2021 marks the 100th baccaulareate commencement for Calvin, its first as a university, and the first awarding of bachelor's degrees to inmates in the state of Michigan.
May 20, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University grad among 12 Hertz Fellows nationwide
Nathanael Kazmierczak, a 2020 Calvin University graduate, is one of the 12 recipients of the prestigious Hertz Fellowship.
May 18, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin teaches students how to hack technology
Students in Calvin University's information security course are training in the U.S. Cyber Range, a virtual computer security lab built specifically for practicing hacking and counter-hacking techniques in a controlled environment.
April 30, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University selects Noah Toly as provost
Noah Toly will begin his tenure as provost of Calvin University on July 1, 2021. Toly currently serves as executive director of the Center for Urban Engagement and chair of urban studies at Wheaton College.
April 19, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Research experience guides students to Goldwater Scholarships
Two Calvin University students were recently named Goldwater Scholars, widely considered the most prestigious award for undergraduate students in the sciences. They credit their research at Calvin for opening many doors.
April 16, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin selects dean for School of Business
Jim Ludema returns to his alma mater, Calvin University, as an experienced educator, researcher, and administrator. He also comes with an extensive network in the business world and consulting experience for Fortune 500 Companies.
April 15, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Wally Bratt
Wally Bratt was a master teacher of German and receiving Calvin's top teaching award served as proof. But it is the investment he made in people that is counted as his greatest legacy. Just ask his former students and colleagues.
April 09, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Set free inside prison walls
Narcissism and anger led Shawn England down a destructive path that led to life in prison. Now, 30 years later, after a Saul-to-Paul-like conversion, he's helping create a flourishing community where he is planted.
April 02, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Darlene Meyering
Darlene Meyering served at Calvin for more than 30 years. Her colleagues say that her love for God led to an overflowing joy that touched everything she did and everyone she met.
March 28, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University receives A- rating from S&P
An independent assessment of Calvin University's financial position has yielded an A- rating. In March 2021, S&P Global Ratings defined Calvin's outlook as stable.
March 25, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Expanding roles to support students
Calvin University faculty and staff have stepped up over the past year during the pandemic in an effort to support their community. The result? A waiting list of volunteers.
March 24, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers John Bielema
John Bielema served as a regional gift officer at Calvin for 17 years. He's remembered by his former colleagues as someone who loved the mission of Calvin and was driven to raise as much money as he could to support that mission.
March 16, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Student research leads to Toyota patent
Calvin University students and professors worked together over the past several years on a project for Toyota. Their research discoveries have now yielded a patent.
March 08, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Breaking ground, sharing vision for School of Business
On Tuesday, March 2, administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and city commissioners, joined together to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Calvin University School of Business building.
March 05, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Take me out to Commencement
On May 22, 2021, Calvin University will host a Commencement double-header at the LMCU Ballpark, the home stadium for the Detroit Tigers High-A affiliate West Michigan Whitecaps.
February 25, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

College Access Programs remove barriers, build bridges
In 2021, Calvin University is introducing two new summer programs in an effort to foster access, interest, and readiness for postsecondary education.
February 25, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Nursing majors gain meaningful experience during pandemic
In 2020-2021, Calvin University nursing majors are being presented with new opportunities to gain the necessary skills required of a nursing professional, while also meeting the real needs on and off-campus during this pandemic.
February 24, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

A Common and Rare Purpose
Calvin University recently partnered with Spectrum Health and MSU College of Human Medicine to create the Rare Disease Network. Calvin senior Elle Hazlett was instrumental in launching this community of rare disease researchers, doctors, patients and their families.
February 20, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

A Community Steps Up to Swipe Out Hunger
When the pandemic hit, there was an increase in food insecurity on college and university campuses across the U.S. At Calvin, members of the community stepped up and started a food pantry and a swipe out hunger initiative.
February 20, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Breaking ground on new School of Business
On Tuesday, March 2, Calvin University will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new School of Business building. The new 15,000-square foot building is expected to be ready for fall 2022 classes.
February 17, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Creatively building community
Residence life staff have put together about a dozen days of activities that support the learning outcomes of residence life in helping to build community, while respecting Calvin University's current health and safety protocols.
February 15, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University students return for spring semester
On Tuesday, February 2, Calvin University began its spring semester of in-person learning. And, like fall 2020, the university's return-to-learning testing program proved to be a crucial step in identifying positive cases early and mitigating community spread.
February 02, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Named Scholarships help shift college decision
With more than 1,000 named scholarships available, a 30-minute investment in an application is likely to yield a scholarship that fills the gap for a student wanting to attend Calvin University.
January 27, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University launches master's program in media and strategic communication
Calvin's new master of arts degree in media and strategic communication is a one-year program designed to blend theory, practice, and ethics.
January 25, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

When A Community Shapes You
When Michael went to jail in 1992 for second-degree murder, he felt his humanity had ended. Nearly three decades later, he testifies to how his Calvin community helped him see himself no longer as an agent of destruction, but rather as an agent of renewal.
January 22, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University approved as COVID-19 vaccination site
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division of Immunization approved Calvin University Health Services as a COVID-19 vaccination site. Calvin is the first university campus clinic in west Michigan to receive this designation.
January 15, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Don and Shirley Lautenbach
Don and Shirley Lautenbach's life inspired a love for learning and their gift of hospitality ensured that everyone felt welcome to be part of the journey. This legacy lives on at Calvin and through their 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.
January 13, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University announces Fall 2020 Dean's List
Calvin University has released its fall 2020 Deans' List.
January 11, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

No borders at Calvin University
Calvin University created an online cohort so that international students who could not make it to campus this fall would have an option to begin their time at Calvin. This fall, 65 students completed their first semester online, and all 65 intend to continue online or in-person this spring.
December 23, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Placing Poetry on Creation's Canvas
For a graphic design class project, Gabrielle Eisma, a junior at Calvin University, took 16 poems written by local artists and curated an unconventional and quite hidden gallery space.
December 18, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Building a bridge for Spanish immersion students
Calvin University is helping high school students who are fluent in Spanish build on their Spanish immersion experience and deepen their understanding of the language. Better yet, students are able to earn a minor in Spanish and a semester's worth of college credit before they graduate high school.
December 14, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Conrad Bult
While he had an unmatched knowledge of every square inch of Calvin's collections in Hekman Library, it was how Conrad Bult used that knowledge that shaped the Calvin community. His insatiable curiosity and commitment to excellence made one's trip to the library an exciting adventure.
December 09, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

Psychology professor pioneers study to help adoptees improve social skills
Emily Helder, professor of psychology at Calvin University, is working with a team of staff and students to help adolescents who are experiencing peer social difficulties. This study represents the first application of UCLA's PEERS intervention on adopted individuals.
December 07, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

It's a Wonder(full) classroom
This fall semester, a Calvin University engineering class collaborated with a classroom of second-grade students. The tangible result? Two dozen automatas that were created following the engineering design process. The intangible? A sparked curiosity, creativity, and wonder.
November 27, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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