News and Stories

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

Calvin University community invested in 2022 World Cup
Calvin faculty, staff, and students hold citizenship or residency in 25 of the 32 countries represented at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
November 19, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Football is coming to Calvin University
Calvin University's Board of Trustees voted on and approved the university's athletics strategic plan, which includes adding women's acrobatics and tumbling, men's volleyball, and men's American football to its portfolio of NCAA Division III athletic offerings.
October 28, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University President Wiebe Boer delivers Inaugural Address
On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, more than 2,000 people gathered in Van Noord Arena for the inauguration of Calvin’s 12th president Dr. Wiebe Boer. He delivered an inaugural address titled: "The Greatest Generation is Now."
October 27, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

12 Favorite Student Traditions 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 a list of their favorite student traditions.
October 25, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Pop-up market celebrates diversity of local business owners
On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, Calvin University invites the local community to campus for a pop-up market supporting local women-and BIPOC-owned-businesses.
October 25, 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

Calvin University launches Leadership Development Program for Underrepresented Faculty and Staff
On Monday, October 24, Calvin University will launch a new professional development program specifically designed for underrepresented members of Calvin's staff and faculty.
October 17, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

12 Athletics Moments to Remember at Calvin University
In honor of President Wiebe Boer's inauguration as the university's 12th president later this month, sports information director Jeff Febus curated a list of 12 of the most memorable moments in Calvin athletics history.
October 10, 2022 | Jeff Febus , Matt Kucinski

Calvin University to inaugurate Wiebe Boer as 12th president
The formal inauguration ceremony for Dr. Wiebe K. Boer will take place at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, in Calvin’s Van Noord Arena.
October 05, 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

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

Discovering identity through community
Tim Baker is serving a life sentence for decisions he made to try and fit in. Now 20-plus years later through the Calvin Prison Initiative program, he's found the freedom to be himself and is accepted for who he is.
September 11, 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 Prison Initiative seen as national model for prison education
In late August, leaders of the U.S. Department of Education visited the Calvin Prison Initiative. Four hours later, they left inspired not just by stories of transformation, but by the strategic, thoughtful collaboration that is making CPI a national model to follow for prison education.
September 01, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin welcomes more than 1,000 incoming students and most diverse class in university history
This fall, more than 1,000 incoming students begin their pursuit of an undergraduate or graduate degree at Calvin University. The entering class shows academic strength and is record-setting in terms of ethnic and geographic diversity.
August 23, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Princeton Review shortlists Calvin for supporting student wellbeing
The Princeton Review ranks Calvin University as one of the nation's best institutions for undergraduates to earn their college degree. Calvin is also the only school in Michigan to be on the top 25 list for both student support and counseling services AND health services.
August 17, 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

Accelerating Calvin University's Energy Transition
Calvin University is making history in Michigan by becoming the first university in the state to pursue Solar-as-a-Service as an approach to accelerating the energy transition.
July 08, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Wiebe Boer begins presidency at Calvin University
President Wiebe, who holds triple citizenship from Canada, the United States, and the Netherlands, concluded his first week of festivities as Calvin's president by celebrating Canada Day with dozens of students, faculty, and staff.
July 01, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University appoints Dr. Wiebe Boer as next president
The Calvin University Board of Trustees has accepted the presidential search committee’s unanimous recommendation and appointed Dr. Wiebe Boer as the institution’s 12th president.
March 28, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

A presidential search led by prayer
The presidential search committee is providing a weekly Biblical text, prayerful response, musical reflection, and a blessing, as a tangible way to help lead the community through discerning God’s leading.
December 23, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

My first semester at Calvin University
Calvin freshmen share their trials and successes after their first semester as college students.
December 21, 2021 | Kayliani Powlison

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

Calvin's cohort programs help students find community
Navigating through college is challenging. Joining a cohort group not only builds community from day one, but it also makes the college experience more enriching and enjoyable.
December 09, 2021 | Kayliani Powlison

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 University, Safe Haven, GRPD, and YWCA team up to keep students safe
A $300,000 grant from the Department of Justice Office on Violence against Women (OVW) is allowing Calvin University to expand its efforts toward keeping its campus community safe.
November 30, 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

New Summer Program Helps High School Students Explore Possible Careers
In summer 2022, Calvin University is launching a program to help high school students better understand their interests and explore various career possibilities before heading off to college.
November 19, 2021 | Kayliani Powlison

Calvin diversity leader scripts playbook for Christian organizations
Michelle Loyd-Paige, Calvin University's executive associate to the president for diversity and inclusion, recently co-authored a book that provides recommendations and guidance for Christian organizations related to diversity and inclusion.
November 05, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

Nature is medicine: Calvin works to connect community with nature
Calvin University has joined the Campus Nature Rx Network, a group of 24 U.S. and Canadian Institutions that work together to help college students with their mental health through equitable engagement with nature.
November 04, 2021 | Shelly DeJong

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

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

Graduates take Project Neighborhood lessons and traditions into their post-college lives
After getting to know each other during Project Neighborhood (PN), Emma Tongue, Bethany Williams, and Katie Haan '21 decided to live together in Grand Rapids and continue PN traditions after graduation.
July 23, 2021 | Lauren Vanden Bosch

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

Service-Learning Adapts with Local Volunteering
When Rebekah Van Zoest learned that Calvin’s traditional spring break would be canceled due to COVID, she helped organize a plan to connect Calvin student volunteers with local organizations that serve the community.
June 09, 2021 | Shelly DeJong

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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