News and Stories

Computer Science Professor to Advise U.S. Department of State
For 30-plus years, Joel Adams has been equipping and advising his students at Calvin University to be agents of renewal in their fields. Now, the professor of computer science is being asked to advise the U.S. Secretary of State.
May 20, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

History professor receives Presidential Award for Exemplary Teaching
Professor Kate van Liere is the 2022 winner of the Presidential Award for Exemplary Teaching, the highest teaching honor bestowed by Calvin University.
May 19, 2022 | Phil de Haan

Money Magazine includes Calvin University among its 2022 Best Colleges
Quality, affordability, and outcomes are the factors that have Calvin University on Money's 2022 "Best Colleges in America" list.
May 19, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

STEM student receives Beckman scholarship
Fenton Lawler ‘22 talks about his research experiences and future aspirations after accepting the honorable Beckman scholarship. Calvin University is among a select group of institutions nationwide who has a Beckman Scholars Program.
May 18, 2022 | Kayliani Powlison

Walking into a new identity
On Monday, May 9, 2022, Calvin University awarded degrees to 76 inmates in a grand celebration in Ionia, Michigan. It marked the first time in the state of Michigan that bachelor's degrees were awarded behind bars.
May 10, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

A crash course on propaganda
Calvin University professor Kathi Groenendyk offers a crash course on propaganda in an effort to provide perspective on what we are seeing play out in Russia and Ukraine.
March 15, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Ruth Padilla DeBorst to receive 2022 Kuyper Prize
On Wednesday, April 6, during the Kuyper Conference, Ruth Padilla DeBorst will accept the 2022 Abraham Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life.
February 28, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin Students Discover and Name New Glowing Chemical Compound “Knightletin”
Chemistry students spontaneously discover a new chemical compound that when shown under black light, glows a brilliant blue.
February 03, 2022 | Kayliani Powlison

Engineering students provide key insights for Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity wondered how to reduce carbon emissions even further in a house they are building. For the answer, they turned to an engineering class at Calvin University.
January 14, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Students engage in sustainability research
Summer research projects at Calvin University are uncovering insights about energy, rain gardens, and native trees.
January 07, 2022 | Lauren Vanden Bosch

2021 at Calvin: A year in review
As 2021 draws to a close, News and Stories looks back and highlights ten ways in which Calvin has experienced momentum over the past year.
December 31, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

11 Calvin University Podcasts Worth a Listen
A list of podcasts from Calvin University's staff and faculty.
December 17, 2021 | Shelly DeJong

Calvin professor helping to shape the future of education
Clarence Joldersma, director of the master of education program at Calvin University, contributed to a once-in-a-generation UNESCO report called the Futures of Education.
December 16, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Students engage in research about the natural world
Students team up with faculty to explore the stars, fluorescence, and sand dunes.
December 10, 2021 | Lauren Vanden Bosch

Students engage in public health research
Recent student and faculty research projects have tackled subjects surrounding rare diseases, clean water, and more.
December 06, 2021 | Lauren Vanden Bosch

Calvin remembers Charlotte Otten
English professor emerita Charlotte Otten retired from Calvin in 1991, but for the past three decades she continued to encourage her colleagues in their teaching and scholarship.
December 02, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

When the numbers begin to fade
Since 2002, the Jubilee Fellows Program has helped Calvin University students discern a call to pastoral ministry. Now, that program extends to students at Handlon Correctional Facility.
November 24, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University receives $500K grant to strengthen the humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded Calvin $500K in relief funding as part of the American Rescue Plan that was passed by Congress earlier this year.
November 18, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin professor wins Lilly Fellows Program's Book Award
Calvin University professor in both language and education, David Smith, wins the Lilly Fellows Program's Book Award.
November 03, 2021 | Kayliani Powlison

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 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 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

Rare Falcons Showcase Wilderness Research Opportunities on Urban Campus
A pair of rare merlin falcons and their three now fledged babies have taken residence on Calvin’s campus, and they are captivating both community birders and researchers alike.
July 21, 2021 | Shelly DeJong

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 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

John Wertz awarded Professor of the Year
The professor of the year recognition is awarded annually by a vote of Calvin’s senior class. Biology professor, John Wertz, is the 2021 recipient.
June 02, 2021 | Shelly DeJong

Fulbright Recognizes Three Calvin Students in Record-Breaking Year
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program had a record high number of applicants this year. Three graduating Calvin seniors stood out among the 11,700+ applicants.
May 27, 2021 | Shelly DeJong

Innovating, Serving, and Equipping Students for Success
Professor of Chemistry Kumar Sinniah is the 2021 recipient of the Presidential Award for Exemplary Teaching, the highest teaching honor at Calvin University.
May 24, 2021 | Amanda Greenhoe

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 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

A humanities major at heart finds place in pre-med
As a freshman, Christopher Visser immediately declared a double major in classics and philosophy. Now he is in his 5th year at Calvin majoring in classics and biochemistry and heading to medical school in the fall.
April 21, 2021 | Shelly DeJong

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

Mapping: a creative path for all students
Calvin sophomore Eleanor Ludwig is seeing how geographic information science (GIS) is providing her a path where all of her interests are plotted on the map.
March 30, 2021 | Shelly DeJong

Beyond the Courtroom: Judge inspires kinesiology students to speak up boldly
The judge in Larry Nassar's sentencing case recently spoke at Calvin University, inspiring students to change the world one person at a time.
March 17, 2021 | Shelly DeJong

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

Researchers find energy savings from improved energy efficiency to be overestimated
Matt Heun, professor of engineering at Calvin University, is among a team of researchers who published their conclusions today that the models used to produce global climate scenarios may overestimate the energy and emission savings from improved energy efficiency.
March 03, 2021 | Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New business school expands opportunities for students
In a Q&A, faculty from Calvin's business department talk about why adding a business school matters for Calvin students and how this expansion will further set them apart when they graduate.
December 02, 2020 | Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Exploring the intersection of Faith and Democracy
At Calvin College, experts will dig deeper into the national discussion of the relationship between Christianity and American politics.
December 03, 2018 | Connor Bechler

Calvin Prison Initiative students lead restorative justice conference
A population of students in the Calvin Prison Initiative (CPI) program are helping facilitate some important conversations related to restorative justice, hoping to lead change from behind bars.
November 26, 2018 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

Leading Climate Action with The Gospel
Kyle Meyaard-Schaap is the national organizer and spokesperson for the Young Evangelicals for Climate Action, an organization that includes more than 10,000 young people.
November 20, 2018 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin students among best in the nation for CPA exam pass rate
In 2017, 75% of Calvin students taking the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam for the first time passed, a rate 25% higher than the national average.
November 16, 2018 | Connor Bechler

French interim celebrates 50 years of language and learning
This year, the Calvin French interim celebrates its 50th anniversary. Professor Art Otten, chair of the French Department in 1968, decided to organize Calvin’s first-ever interim abroad to Paris and Montpellier.
November 12, 2018 | Hannah Ebeling

Calvin receives $1 million NSF grant to increase student retention in STEM
Calvin College faculty are working on finding solutions that will give every student an equal opportunity at success in STEM fields.
November 08, 2018 | Matt Kucinski

First-year students researching Lake Michigan dunes
Now in its seventh year, Calvin's First-Year Research in Earth Science course continues to immerse first-year students in hands-on research along the Lake Michigan coastline.
November 06, 2018 | Connor Bechler

Calvin social work program ranked in top 40 nationwide
Calvin College received recognition for its outstanding social work program, ranked in the top 40 programs nationwide by The Best Schools.
November 06, 2018 | Hannah Ebeling

Calvin remembers John Beebe
John Beebe is remembered for his passion for plants and people. Beebe served on the biology faculty of Calvin College for 37 years.
October 29, 2018 | Matt Kucinski