News and Stories

International interest in Calvin reaches all-time high
The doors to a Calvin education have never been more open. Students from more than 90 countries have submitted their applications to Calvin for the 2023-2024 school year.
May 26, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Beyond the Field: Calvin Graduate's Journey to Becoming an Educator
During her first year at Calvin, a soccer injury sidelined Liske Lieuwen. But the challenge of not playing sports for the first time since six years old soon turned into an opportunity for Lieuwen to rest, reflect, and discover God's calling for her career.
May 22, 2023 | Meghan Gracy

Meet A Knight: Match Day Stories
Calvin University recently connected with three pre-med alumni who were matched to their residencies on the national Match Day this spring. Catch up with these residents and learn more about their journeys.
May 12, 2023 | Amanda Greenhoe

Calvin University Grad Headed to Mexico Through U.S. Fulbright Program
A semester in Honduras was the highlight of Elizabeth Booze's Calvin journey. Now, a few months after she graduates, thanks to receiving a prestigious U.S. Fulbright Student Award, she'll be heading back abroad to teach English as a Second Language.
April 28, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

A Test Drive Confirms College Decision
For Kenna Hiemstra, the Entrada Scholars Program allowed her to test drive college. As she completes her first year at Calvin University, she confirms her one-month trial run last summer was indeed worth it and painted an authentic picture of her experience so far.
April 24, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

On a Mission to Inspire Students to Dream Bigger
For two decades, Matt Heun, a professor of engineering at Calvin University, has inspired students to go beyond their own expectations of themselves. This spring, he's the recipient of Calvin’s 2023 Presidential Award for Exemplary Teaching—the highest honor the university awards for teaching.
April 21, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Scott Rush Named Professor of the Year
Scott Rush, associate professor of business at Calvin University, is the 2023 Professor of the Year. The award is granted by the Student Alumni Association on behalf of the senior class to honor a faculty member who has made an impact on the lives of his or her students.
April 19, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University creating one-year pathway to the teaching profession
With a nationwide shortage of certified teachers, Calvin University has developed an accelerated and affordable path for anyone with a bachelor's degree to earn both a master's and certification in the state of Michigan in just one year.
April 19, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Dale Van Kley
Longtime Calvin history professor Dale Van Kley is remembered for his scholarship and academic rigor.
April 11, 2023 | Lynn Bolt Rosendale

Engineers take Calvin education beyond proof of concept
On Saturday, April 15, 2023, 20 teams of students will showcase the design projects they engineered over the past year. The teams solved real-world problems and are now equipped to not only meet, but exceed their industry's standards for excellence.
April 05, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Student-produced documentaries to be featured at FREEP Film Festival
Two Calvin University student-produced documentaries will be shown on April 28 at the FREEP Film Festival in Detroit, Mich. in their “Real Fresh” program of student documentaries.
March 27, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

A rare journey to save the rarest of penguins
Calvin University alum Janelle Wierenga is working with a team of researchers in New Zealand to try and discover what's causing a pair of diseases that are threatening to wipe out the rarest of penguins on the planet.
March 24, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

When the journey and the finish line both matter
There are many paths and places to prepare to become a doctor. For Catie Kramer, from Pickering, Ontario, Calvin University provided her a path where her other goals, to run cross country and track and to grow in her Christian faith, would not compete with, but rather complement her career pursuit.
March 23, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Finding community in a foreign land
For sophomore Rachit Kharel, the transition from high school to college was filled with anxiety. He also discovered the layers of community throughout the process. Now, 7,000 miles from his home country of Nepal, Kharel has found another place he belongs.
March 13, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Discovering a deeper and more integrated faith
When Noro Dung was looking at colleges and universities, she wanted a place grounded and rooted in God, a place where she was not forced, but rather free, to pursue her faith. At Calvin, she's indeed found that freedom, but also discovered a deeper and more integrated faith.
March 10, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Building Calvin's Inaugural Robotics Football Team
In its first year of existence, the Calvin Robotics Football team is competing at a high level, with the likes of Notre Dame, Valparaiso, and Navy.
March 03, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

First-year research experience opening doors to student's dream
First-year pre-med student Myles Radersma earned a unique opportunity to gain research experience and professional mentorship through the American College of Cardiology.
February 27, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University student awarded prestigious Hatfield Prize
Calvin senior Emily Steen is one of three students in the country to be awarded The Hatfield Prize by the Center for Public Justice.
January 19, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Student documentary helping history come alive
Two Calvin University film and media production students produced "The West Church," a documentary that highlights a partnership in Umm al-Jimal that dates back half a century.
January 10, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin in 2022: A Year in Review
From a presidential transition to the first-ever graduation ceremony behind bars to adding new sports, spaces, and academic programming, there was no shortage of exciting happenings at Calvin in 2022.
December 31, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Building robots and community
Two students started Combat Robotics at Calvin University, allowing both novices and experts in the robotics field to build robots, test their creations in battle, and experience a fun, supportive community.
December 16, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

School of Health creates blueprint for student and client success
The Calvin University School of Health brings many health-related disciplines together in structure, the blueprints pull those together in close physical proximity.
December 15, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin adds two new cohort programs for fall 2023
The Sustainability Fellows Cohort and Common Good Coalition are two new exciting options for students entering Calvin in fall 2023 to consider. The application deadline is December 15, 2022.
December 12, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Student entrepreneurs compete for $1,000
A dozen Calvin University students pitched their ideas at the 2022 Fall PitchUp competition with the top prize winner receiving $1,000.
December 08, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Engineering students shifting carbon into neutral at Calvin University
In a semester-long engineering class project, students developed their communication, math, and problem-solving skills as they discovered a path for Calvin to eliminate its natural-gas related net CO2 emissions from its heating.
December 07, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Putting your name on a personalized scholarship
On December 1, 2022, more than $5 million in additional aid opens up for incoming and returning students in the form of Named Scholarships. This is on top of the robust financial aid packages that Calvin already offers.
December 01, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Professor and student team up to help local fire department
Professor John Sparks and senior exercise science major Daniel Wunder designed and led workshops this summer to help fire fighters in Grand Rapids prevent some of the most common injuries that keep them off the job.
November 18, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Bruce Dice
Bruce Dice aimed to inspire a love and wonder for God's creation. The significant collection of minerals he donated to Calvin back in 2010 in establishing the Bruce Dice Mineralogical Museum and an annual student scholarship are continuing to build that legacy at Calvin.
November 17, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Engineer's watershed moment having ripple effects
When Julie Wildschut '00 was a middle school student she had her watershed moment. Now three decades later, that moment is having a ripple effect on students, communities, and a watershed.
October 21, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

12 Study Spaces Students Love at Calvin University
President Wiebe Boer is the 12th president of Calvin University. So, during the month of October, each week leading up to Inauguration we are sharing a “Top 12” list. This week, Student Body president Nain Miranda asked his peers to provide their list of the study spaces they love most on campus.
October 18, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

12 Discoveries President Boer Made in First 100 Days
Upon arriving at Calvin University in late June 2022, President Boer has been learning about the campus and the community. Here are 12 discoveries he's made as he's become reacquainted with his alma mater.
October 03, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Unparalleled preparation leads to booming speech pathology program at Calvin University
In a speech pathology graduate student’s first year they earn more than 100 clinical hours right on campus. This has put the program in high demand for both students and employers. And it's a reason the program is expanding.
September 29, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University to celebrate Grand Opening of School of Business
On Wednesday, September 14, West Michigan business leaders, the Calvin community, students, and the general public is invited to celebrate the grand opening of the Calvin University School of Business building.
September 13, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

U.S. News & World Report gives Calvin University high marks in 2023 Guidebook
U.S. News & World Report ranks Calvin University fourth overall among Midwest Regional Universities in its 2023 guidebook. Calvin also appears in the top 10 for best undergraduate teaching and ranks second for most international students.
September 12, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University launches initiative to help students start businesses
Calvin alums are investing $500K to help launch Calvin Startup Garage, an incubator that will provide student entrepreneurs with the skills, funding, mentorship, and a community to help them start businesses.
September 08, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Jim Bosscher
Jim Bosscher's faith manifested itself in his actions. While he was a leader in the establishment of Camp Tall Turf, Safe Haven Ministries, the Christian Engineering Society, curbside recycling, and a four-year engineering program at Calvin University, it was how he led his students that has left quite an imprint.
August 11, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Research team's $1 million grant explores how movies shape morals
Carl Plantinga, professor of film and media at Calvin University, is co-leading a grant project through the Templeton Religion Trust's "Art Seeking Understanding" Initiative that aims to discover how one's moral understanding can be shaped during and in discussions after a movie.
August 08, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

New business program provides supply of in-demand graduates
This fall, Calvin University is launching the Operations and Supply Chain Management program. The program was built after talking with multiple business leaders from various industries about what skills are needed today and what will set graduates up for future success 5-10 years down the road.
August 03, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Pine Rest and Calvin University partner to address nursing shortage
Calvin University and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the Calvin-Pine Rest BSN Partnership.
July 27, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University Builds Momentum
Since Calvin changed its last name from "college" to "university" in 2019, the institution has established two new schools, added six graduate programs, set fundraising records, and become the first university in MIchigan to award bachelor's degrees behind bars.
July 22, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

John Ross Named Professor of the Year
Kinesiology professor John Ross is the 2022 recipient of the Professor of the Year Award. The honor is bestowed on one professor each year following a vote of graduating seniors.
June 27, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin selects dean for School of Health
Adejoke Bolanle Ayoola is Calvin University's inaugural dean for its School of Health. Ayoola is globally recognized as an experienced practitioner, educator, researcher, and administrator.
June 24, 2022 | Amanda Greenhoe

Major Watershed Restoration Grant Awarded to Plaster Creek Stewards
Calvin University's Plaster Creek Stewards has been awarded a major two-year grant from the State of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The grant has a total value of over $1 million.
June 21, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

From Calvin University to Med School
Every year, Calvin seniors receive acceptance letters to their desired medical schools. Hear from six Class of 2022 grads about what inspires them to pursue their concentrations.
June 02, 2022 | Kayliani Powlison

Calvin philosophy alumna earns two prestigious fellowships
Emmalon Davis, a 2010 graduate of Calvin University, is the only philosophy professor nationwide to be selected for a fellowship from the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS).
May 27, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

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