News and Stories

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

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

Quartet of alumni soloists to lead 2022 Handel’s Messiah
While Calvin University has invited the West Michigan community to performances of Handel's Messiah for more than a century, this year's edition is unique in that all four soloists are Calvin alumni.
December 01, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

NY Times best-selling author of "The Mediterranean Dish" returns to alma mater
On December 1, Calvin alumna Suzy Karadsheh, a 2022 New York Times best-selling author of "The Mediterranean Dish," will be cooking, speaking, and signing copies of her book at Calvin University.
November 30, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

World-renowned artist Makoto Fujimura awarded Kuyper Prize
Makoto Fujimura is the recipient of the 2023 Kuyper Prize, awarded by Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary. Fujimura is the first visual artist to receive the prize, which has been awarded annually since 1998.
November 08, 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

I'll take World-Renowned Speakers for 15 days
Calvin University's 2023 January Series features a NASA scientist, New York Times best-selling authors, a former speechwriter for three U.S. presidents, and the holder of the longest winning streak on Jeopardy!
September 28, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University Hosts Weekend Full of Fun
Calvin University is welcoming alumni, family, and friends to campus for Homecoming & Family Weekend. The weekend features a world-famous comedian, nationally ranked athletic teams, and a race around Calvin’s beautiful campus.
September 27, 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

Award-winning author and Calvin prof launches interfaith writing workshop
English professors from Calvin University, Aquinas College, and Cornerstone University created a rigorous week-long writing workshop for adults to experience this June.
February 23, 2022 | Kayliani Powlison

Calvin remembers Lena Meijer
Philanthropists Fred and Lena Meijer were deeply devoted to the west Michigan community, supporting a variety of endeavors. Calvin is especially grateful for their assistance in the establishment of the Frederik Meijer Chair in Dutch Language and Culture and the Gateway Initiative, designed to offer access to higher education for first-generation students.
January 22, 2022 | Lynn Rosendale

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 announces 2019 January Series lineup
From Wednesday, Jan. 3 through Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2019, Calvin College welcomes to campus a wide range of experts leading some of the nation and world’s most pivotal and timely conversations.
September 12, 2018 | Matt Kucinski

Strengthening worship through scholarship
The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship launches the Teacher-Scholar program, a second stream of grants in its successful Vital Worship Grants Program.
August 07, 2018 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin students earn Goldwater honors
Over the past decade, Calvin has been a national leader in producing Goldwater scholars and those recognized as honorable mentions; this year was no exception, with four students recognized as honorable mentions.
May 17, 2018 | Hannah Ebeling

Off-campus programs celebrates 50 years of cross-cultural living and learning
On April 9, 2018, Calvin College celebrated 50 years of off-campus programs, which included an expo where students were invited to explore more than 30 off-campus opportunities for the 2019 school year.
April 27, 2018 | Hannah Ebeling

Festival of Faith & Writing creates new conversations
Calvin College's 2018 Festival lineup includes a Peabody Award-winning producer, Pulitzer prize-winning poet, and a New York Times best-selling young adult writer, to name just a few.
March 15, 2018 | Matt Kucinski

Global Religion Research Initiative Grant spurs intercontinental collaboration
Notre Dame's Global Religion Research Initiative awarded international development studies professor Tracy Kuperus, in collaboration with faculty from five other institutions, a grant to study youth, faith, and politics in Africa.
February 28, 2018 | Hannah Ebeling

Calvin alumnus Paul Schrader returns to Grand Rapids to screen First Reformed
In February, Calvin College alumnus Paul Schrader presented a pre-release screening of his film First Reformed, and participated in a panel discussion at his alma mater.
February 28, 2018 | Hannah Ebeling

Calvin classroom pilots cutting-edge Google technology
In collaboration with Google, the Michigan Colleges Alliance is piloting the Google Course Share Collaboration, a new approach that aims to expand course options at smaller private colleges.
February 08, 2018 | Matt Kucinski

Student-led conference explores the many complexities of home
From February 8-10, 2018, Calvin College hosts the 13th-annual Faith and International Development Conference. Student directors talk about the exciting things attendees can expect at the conference.
February 05, 2018 | Hannah Ebeling

Calvin College students turn their class into a performance
From February 1-3, the Calvin Theatre Company (CTC) presents “The Amish Project,” a play that explores the true story of the community of Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania.
January 31, 2018 | News & Stories Staff

Calvin College gifted complete set of Audubon’s Birds of America
Calvin College was recently gifted Birds of America, a collection of prints by naturalist and painter John James Audubon. It is one of only 120 complete sets known to exist.
January 29, 2018 | Hannah Ebeling

Service auctions provide students with creative way to support community partners
In November and December, all seven residence halls at Calvin College host dorm-wide service auctions.
December 05, 2017 | Hannah Ebeling

Concerts in context for 25 years
At the end of 2017, Calvin College's Student Activities Office will have hosted 700 headlining artists and more than 600 opening acts.
December 04, 2017 | Hannah Ebeling

Calvin students debate whether free speech is worth the cost
The debate, “The Constitution and Free Speech: Is It Worth the Cost?,” was the third and final event in the department’s Constitution debate series and grappled with issues of free speech.
November 28, 2017 | Hannah Ebeling

Children’s book invites anyone to explore the Lord’s supper
En la mesa de Dios-At God's Table is a Spanish-English children's book that explores the richly symbolic practice of the Lord's Supper in Christian worshiping communities.
November 01, 2017 | Hannah Ebeling

History students create mental health exhibit for public museum
Three Calvin students' class project has spurred an exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
October 31, 2017 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

Ecosystem Preserve expands, adds a new avenue for adventure
Calvin added four more acres to the public portion of its Ecosystem Preserve. The added land includes interesting ecological features and a new trail which will be open to visitors in fall 2017.
October 23, 2017 | Hannah Ebeling

West of the Imagination
Thirty oil paintings conveying Professor Franklin Speyers' love of the West will be on display in the college's Center Art Gallery from October 26 to December 30.
October 06, 2017 | Jaquelyn Hubbard

Calvin scores silver rating for sustainability
Calvin College received a silver rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS).
September 20, 2017 | Hannah Ebeling

Community rallies to support colleague who lost her husband
This past June, Ramiza Fazlic unexpectedly lost her husband. The couple had been married 40 years. In less than three days, members of the Calvin community had donated $10,000 to help with funeral expenses.
August 11, 2017 | Hannah Ebeling

Taking Your Church to College
Leaders representing churches and Christian institutes from around the country gathered at Calvin College for the “Taking Your Church to College” event.
June 26, 2017 | Hannah Ebeling

Calvin College's Nagel Institute awarded $2.2 million grant
The Templeton Religion Trust has awarded Joel Carpenter and the Nagel Institute a $2.2 million grant award titled African Theological Advance.
June 22, 2017 | Hannah Ebeling

Music's part in life's harmony
The topic of vocation is important to Calvin College professor David Fuentes because part of his job is to help students uncover their personal calling and understand how much of their lives will be directly related to music.
June 16, 2017 | Hannah Ebeling

Walking Boldly: Simon Boenaidi
Now working with a church planting network in Oregon, Simon Boenaidi ’17 says Calvin shaped his understanding of his own faith, the place of God in the world and his role in God’s redemptive plan.
June 15, 2017 | News and Stories Staff

CCCS supports faculty research and writing
The Calvin Center for Christian Scholarship offers grants to encourage faculty in the initiation, continuation and completion of scholarly projects related to center's mission.
June 13, 2017 | Hannah Ebeling

Student captures former prisoner's redemptive story
For 2017 grad Nathan Roels' final film project at Calvin College, he highlighted the story of a former prisoner’s reconciled relationships.
June 13, 2017 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

Childhood Lure Leads to Compelling Historical Work
After years of intensive research, Douglas Howard has published an intriguing and unique history of the Ottoman Empire.
June 12, 2017 | Hannah Ebeling

Partnering to improve mental health in Grand Rapids
In 2011, “Women Supporting Women: Supportive/Educative Groups for Ethnically Diverse, Urban, Impoverished Women Dealing with Depression and Anxiety” was launched in three Grand Rapids neighborhoods.
May 16, 2017 | Matt Kucinski

Discovering a deeper passion for poetry
Calvin College English professor Lew Klatt reflects on his experience the past three years serving as poet laureate for Grand Rapids.
April 20, 2017 | Matt Kucinski

Guatemalan artists are focus of alum's research
In March 2017, Peter Cahill '16 presented his ceramics research at the National Council of Education for the Ceramic Arts conference in Portland, Oregon.
April 13, 2017 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

Festival of Faith and Music engages pop culture
The eighth edition of FFM will take place on Calvin’s campus from March 30 to April 1, 2017.
March 22, 2017 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

The January Series celebrates its 30th anniversary
Calvin College's award-winning noontime lecture series provides deeper insight into pivotal issues facing the nation and world today.
September 15, 2016 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin alum uses teaching experience to run a business
Melody VanderWeide '99 created a resourceful website for Grand Rapidian parents.
September 09, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

Stage managing from Calvin to NYC
Sharon Suh '16 is spending this summer interning for The Delecorte Theater in New York City.
August 24, 2016

Engaging the church in global justice through media
Jason Fileta '05 recently produced a documentary about climate change and the church.
August 12, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

Anti-bullying play provides hope to students
Calvin professor produces play to educate youngsters on the devastating effects of bullying.
August 12, 2016 | Lynn Rosendale

In concert and in a lab coat
Andrew Plaisier '16 is beginning a two-year cello performance master’s program at the University of Michigan in the studio of Anthony Elliot.
August 04, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

The Festival of Faith and Writing from a First-timer's Perspective
News and Stories contributing writer Jacob Thielman describes festival as a beautiful riot of perspectives on faith, writing and the multitude of problems and processes and practices that bloom from their collision.
April 26, 2016 | Jacob Thielman

Calvin professor helps put students’ poetry in motion
Lew Klatt, poet laureate for Grand Rapids, answers a trio of questions about a project that helps kids express their understanding of local history through haiku.
April 07, 2016 | Matt Kucinski

Festival of Faith and Writing celebrates silver anniversary
The Festival of Faith and Writing is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a lineup of speakers that its new director says is perhaps the most celebrated group of writers to assemble at one time at FFW.
March 31, 2016 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin College Launches Center for Faith and Writing
Bob and Shelley Hudson's generous gift helps establish the Calvin Center for Faith and Writing.
March 23, 2016 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin College announces 2016 January Series lineup
Pulitzer Prize winning journalists and global health and security experts among impressive 2016 January Series lineup.
November 04, 2015 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin Theatre Company weaves together dark and light for its 2015-16 season
The Calvin Theatre Company announces its playbill for 2015-16.
October 06, 2015 | Rachel Watson

Alumni association to give $1,500 to Calvin alum ArtPrize contestant
Through Oct. 8, Calvin alums will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite Calvin alumni-created piece of artwork.
September 23, 2015 | Rachel Watson

New art exhibition brings light into the gallery
"Light: An Eternal Presence - The Donna Spaan Contemporary Collection of Art is on display in Calvin's Center Art Gallery.
September 16, 2015 | Rachel Watson

Calvin College faculty hears from prominent alum, Paul Schrader
Film and Media faculty anticipate what promises to be an interesting and educational experience with award-winning and renowned filmmaker, Paul Schrader.
August 28, 2015 | Katelyn Bosch

Alums kickoff soccer club's inaugural season
Three Calvin alums were part of Grand Rapids FC's inaugural season that drew thousands of fans.
August 11, 2015 | Jeff Febus

Walking Boldly: Teunis Verwijs
Teunis Verwijs ’15 is currently applying to galleries and museums in Amsterdam.
June 12, 2015 | Matt Kucinski , Lynn Rosendale

Nurturer of Sacred Space
With a devoted commitment to her classroom and her students, Jo-Ann Van Reeuwyk earns Presidential Award for Exemplary Teaching.
May 11, 2015 | Phil de Haan

Q&A: Inside the Festival of Faith and Music
Student activities director Ken Heffner recently sat down with student writer Lori Dykstra to talk about all things Festival of Faith and Music.
March 06, 2015 | Lori Dykstra

Rangeela celebrates 20 years of storytelling
Since 1995, Rangeela has been an annual event for the Calvin community to share in the expression of various cultures and celebrate the diversity on campus.
February 20, 2015 | Lori Dykstra

Calvin College brings 'Q Commons' back to Grand Rapids
The event, held Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Ladies Literary Club, aims to inspire people to learn and consider how to advance the common good in their city.
February 19, 2015 | Matt Kucinski

Festival aims to change perception of disability
Calvin College professor Chris Smit is organizing the inaugural DisArt Festival, an event that showcases art created by people with disabilities.
February 11, 2015 | Lori Dykstra

Philosophy prof wins Christianity Today's Book of the Year Award
James K.A. Smith's book on philosopher Charles Taylor receives top honors in CT Magazine's Christianity and Culture category.
January 14, 2015 | Phil de Haan

Detroit visionary replaces former Chicago mayor in January Series lineup
Josh Linkner, a driving force in the city of Detroit's comeback, will talk about the importance of reinvention for cities and individuals.
January 12, 2015 | Matt Kucinski

A Christmas message from Calvin College
Calvin College student Dantia Dandjinou shares a spoken word poem to express the timeless wonder of the Christmas season.
December 15, 2014 | Amanda Greenhoe

New series offers music over lunch
"Notes at Noon" features musical samplings from Calvin faculty and professional musicians from Grand Rapids.
November 04, 2014 | Katie Salyer

Art exhibition traces Native American history
Exhibition brings together Native American historical artifacts and the work of an early 20th century photographer.
October 31, 2014 | Grace Ruiter

New kiln expands artistic opportunities
Calvin will replace its 40-year old kiln with a technologically advanced, easy-to-use and energy-efficient gas reduction fire kiln.
October 30, 2014 | Grace Ruiter

Two threads emerge from impressive January Series lineup
The power of story and global security are two threads woven throughout an impressive lineup that includes a Holocaust survivor, "America's young Nelson Mandela" and a former NATO Commander.
October 28, 2014 | Matt Kucinski

Three alums crack top 20 in ArtPrize competition
Carol Roeda, Nicholas Kroeze and Ryan Spencer Reed's works of art have got the public's attention.
October 07, 2014 | Lynn Rosendale

Bringing war to life
Calvin alum's ArtPrize exhibition educates viewers on the real cost of war.
October 02, 2014 | Lynn Rosendale

Calvin community well represented in ArtPrize
Works of art by dozens of Calvin alumni are on display around and on the streets of downtown Grand Rapids.
September 26, 2014 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Dale Topp
Professor of music emeritus Dale Topp is remembered as someone who believed that everyone could benefit from music.
July 25, 2014 | Lynn Rosendale

Calvin remembers Charles Young
Professor of art history emeritus Charles Young is remembered by the Calvin community as someone who cared deeply for students.
July 22, 2014 | Matt Kucinski

We Are Calvin: Kelly Doles
Junior Kelly Doles is interning this summer at WOODTV, working behind the scenes for eightWest and Maranda's Where You Live.
June 26, 2014 | Matt Kucinski

Student uses linguistics to compare Turkish and American music
Maria Cupery compared the top ten song charts in Turkey and the United States for her research project. She presented her findings at a national conference this spring.
May 21, 2014 | Connor Sterchi

Calvin contemporizes Shakespeare for the stage
Beginning April 10, the Calvin Theatre Company will perform Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
April 07, 2014 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin prof talks about Biblical films
“DeMille’s film was really a Cold War film and at the beginning of the film he comes out from behind the curtain, stands on a stage and announces that this is the story of the birth of freedom.”
April 03, 2014 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin professor named Grand Rapids poet laureate
Professor Lew Klatt is on a three-year term as Poet Laureate of Grand Rapids, starting April 2014.
March 11, 2014 | Grace Ruiter

Rangeela explores cultures behind performances
The annual international student variety show showcased music, dance, drama and poetry from countries around the globe.
March 05, 2014 | Grace Ruiter

Festival begins conversations about faith and writing
From April 10-12, Calvin College expects to welcome more than 1,800 readers, writers and literary enthusiasts to campus for the biennial Festival of Faith and Writing.
February 21, 2014 | Matt Kucinski

Worship Symposium puts focus on Exodus
The 27th-annual Calvin Symposium on Worship features such notable speakers as Alison Adam, Jeremy Begbie, Andre' Thomas and Anne Zaki.
January 21, 2014 | Phil de Haan

Calvin professor wins 2013 Book of the Year Award
CAS professor Bill Romanowski is the recipient of the Religious Communication Association’s 2013 Book of the Year award for his work “Reforming Hollywood.”
January 10, 2014 | Matt Kucinski

Christmas greetings from Calvin College
With a recitation of Luke 2, freshman theater major Jon DeVries reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.
December 17, 2013 | Matt Kucinski , Lynn Rosendale , Jeffrey Horbachewski, Reid Petro

Art exhibition features student-faculty scholarship, new technology
The newest exhibition in Calvin's Center Art Gallery utilizes both 18th and 21st-century technology.
November 13, 2013 | Connor Sterchi

A faithful approach to theatre
Julia Kimble is finding out that arts and sciences are not an either or at Calvin. The senior theatre major is seeing how the two disciplines unite in her role as assistant designer for the Calvin Theatre Company.
November 01, 2013 | Matt Kucinski

New app guides student scavenger hunt for ArtPrize
Calvin's student development office provides a fresh way to experience ArtPrize.
September 24, 2013 | Connor Sterchi