News and Stories

U.S. News & World Report ranks Calvin near the top of multiple lists
Calvin University ranks fourth overall among all Midwest regional universities featured in U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Best Colleges Guidebook. The university also received high marks for undergraduate teaching, merit-based aid awarding, international student enrollment, and first-year retention.
September 18, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Tom McWhertor
On Thursday, August 17, Tom McWhertor, a longtime enrollment and external relations administrator, died following a struggle with cancer. His former colleagues say he was committed to pursuing justice and instrumental in helping Calvin live into its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
August 26, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Fleeing a war and pursuing a calling
Liza Skrypak is a refugee from Ukraine who begins her time at Calvin this fall. She hopes to create a documentary on her home country and chose to study at Calvin University because of the strong film and media program that will help her pursue her calling.
August 24, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University in high demand, setting multiple enrollment records
Calvin University is set to welcome 1,150 new students for the 2023-2024 academic year, representing more than a 15% increase over last year’s incoming class. The diversity of learners choosing Calvin is setting university records.
August 14, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University Turns Four
On July 10, 2019, Calvin changed its last name from "college" to "university." In just four years, a lot has happened to open the doors to a wider range of learners and to advance the reputation of the liberal arts school.
July 10, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University deepens its partnerships with two South Korean universities
Calvin University has signed Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with Handong Global University and Baekseok University, representing a commitment to foster partnerships of mutual educational benefit with the two South Korean private Christian institutions.
June 27, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Philip Holtrop
From an early age, Philip Holtrop set off on a path to ministry. That road would eventually lead to his ordination in 1971. But, along the way, Holtrop would develop a thirst for learning, and this thirst would enrich both his path and equip him as a guide for many other navigators of the faith.
June 16, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin students equipped to compete on the world's stage
In June, students from Calvin University head to Grenoble, France to compete in a Model UN competition. This past year, the team finished within the top ten of two national competitions featuring Ivy League schools and large state universities.
June 08, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Global Calvin Network Introduces Honduran Student to Calvin
Growing up in Honduras, Horacio Portillo Diaz ’25 spent much of his life nearly 3,000 miles away from Grand Rapids. However, Calvin University’s global reach made its way into his community.
June 01, 2023 | Meghan Gracy

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

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

Calvin University Celebrates First Wire-to-Wire Graduating Class
On Saturday, April 29, 2023, more than 800 students will graduate from Calvin University. In doing so, they become the first class to both begin and end their journey at the institution under its current name.
April 26, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University names corridor in honor of Africa’s first black female physics professor
The corridor that connects the Chapel Patio to the Hekman Library via Hiemenga Hall’s third floor is now named “Dr. Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye Corridor” and will include a wall where women in the history of Calvin, the broader academy, and the world will be celebrated for their impact.
April 14, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University announces world renowned African Development Bank President as 2023 Commencement Speaker
On Saturday, April 29, 2023, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank Group, will give Calvin University's 2023 Commencement address.
April 06, 2023 | Matt Kucinski

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

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

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

From Hostility to Hospitality: How Calvin is Renewing Civics Education
The Civic Hospitality Project, a partnership between the Kuyers Institute and the Henry Institute, gives K-12 educators many curricular tools and exercises they can draw from in putting together their civics lesson plans. The goal? For civics education to aspire to more than simply tolerance.
February 20, 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 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

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

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

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

Calvin remembers Doug Nagel
Doug Nagel supported his alma mater cheerfully and generously for nearly half a century. His life helped make a Calvin education accessible to more people and to spread God's Word around the world.
December 08, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

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

Germany Bound: When A Requirement Opens Doors
Calvin senior Alec Twining first took a German class because it was required for the engineering department's summer program in Berlin, Germany. And then he happened to fall in love with the language.
May 05, 2021 | Shelly DeJong

Calvin professor receives high honor from France
Calvin University French professor Jolene Vos-Camy was recently awarded the rank of chevalier, one of the oldest and most prestigious honors given by the French Republic, first created by Napoleon in 1808.
April 13, 2021 | Shelly DeJong

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

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

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

Calvin 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 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

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 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

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

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

Guiding churches through COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruption in churches around the world. Fortunately, the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship has been helping churches navigate the seasons of the church for years, and is stepping up to guide churches through this novel season.
April 08, 2020 | Matt Kucinski

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

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

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

Masters of Education program takes step toward Hong Kong
Leaders from Calvin College and Lumina College signed an agreement signaling an important step forward in Lumina College offering Calvin’s Masters of Education program in Hong Kong. The program is pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission in the United States and the Education Bureau in Hong Kong.
September 11, 2018 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin launches Kuyper Institute for Global Faculty Development
Named in honor of 19th-century Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper, the institute will enable Christian leaders and faculty to deepen their understanding of the Reformed tradition broadly, and Kuyperian thinking particularly.
July 19, 2018 | Matt Kucinski

Creating community for refugees
Ahee Kim and Kate McLain, 2018 Calvin grads, are interning in the German Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr for 2018-2019 supporting recent refugees to Berlin.
July 12, 2018 | Matt Kucinski

Fiske Guide highlights Calvin business and engineering programs
The Fiske Guide to Colleges touts Calvin College as one the country’s best and most interesting colleges in its 2019 guidebook, and highlights its business and engineering programs as particularly strong.
July 11, 2018 | Matt Kucinski

Daniel Bourdanné awarded 2018 Kuyper Prize
The general secretary of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students will receive the Abraham Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life at the Kuyper Conference hosted by Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary.
April 27, 2018 | Matt Kucinski

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

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

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

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

Calvin welcomes 965 new students for fall 2017
The 2017 incoming cohort of 965 students, combined with a strong retention rate, led to Calvin College exceeding its overall enrollment goal for the 2017-2018 academic year.
September 18, 2017 | Matt Kucinski

Walking Boldly: Sarah Witt
Through engaging classes, dedicated professors, an off-campus interim and the liberal arts, Calvin prepared Sarah Witt ’17 to study veterinary medicine on the other side of the world.
July 11, 2017 | News and Stories Staff

Walking Boldly: Nolan Coallier
Because of a mission trip to Honduras, Nolan Coallier ’17 knew he wanted to pursue medical missions. Calvin, and a full-tuition scholarship to the Medical College of Wisconsin, are helping him achieve that goal.
July 06, 2017 | News and Stories Staff

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

Walking Boldly: Beka Agava
Beka Agava ’17 learned from amazing professors, engaged the mission of Calvin and re-evaluated her decisions—and now she’s a software engineering analyst.
June 20, 2017 | News and Stories Staff

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

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

Empowering Communities Through Women’s Health
This summer, Adejoke Ayoola is heading to Nigeria to design women's health programs through the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program.
June 06, 2017 | Hannah Ebeling

Calvin celebrates the Class of 2017
On Saturday, May 20, 2017, more than 900 students participated in the college's 97th annual Commencement ceremony.
May 19, 2017 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin alum's Fulbright focuses on conservation efforts in Nicaragua
Through a Fulbright scholarship, Joel Betts '14 will be assessing the extent of agricultural and hurricane-induced forest loss in an indigenous territory in Nicaragua.
May 10, 2017 | Matt Kucinski

Fulbright allows student to pursue trio of passions
Micah Warners will be heading to Honduras to teach English to students from economically disadvantaged sectors.
April 22, 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

Calvin College professor receives Fulbright to study history of global hockey
Bruce Berglund will do research on three continents as he pursues a deeper understanding of hockey's emergence as a global sport.
April 04, 2017 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin College observes 500th anniversary of the Reformation
A series of events have been planned to commemorate the milestone year.
March 08, 2017 | Matt Kucinski

Asian Studies grads influencing multiple fields
Graduates of Calvin's Asian Studies program are serving in multiple fields, using the knowledge of Chinese or Japanese language and culture they began to acquire at Calvin College.
February 01, 2017 | Larry Herzberg

Empowering Cambodian youth through education
Rachel Meyer '06 is teaching elementary school children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
November 18, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

First Fulbright scholar received by Calvin College
Annefleur Muller, a recent high school graduate from the Netherlands, is studying for a year at Calvin on a Fulbright scholarship.
November 14, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

Expert provides insight into Boko Haram
Edlyne Anugwum, a Nigerian anthropologist, believes the best way to find out what a group is up to is to ask them—so he did. On Wednesday, November 2, Anugwum will present his lecture, “Boko Haram and the Gospel of Terror in Nigeria.”
October 31, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

A just response to natural disasters
Using first-hand experience and primary research, Haitian national Daniel Jean-Louis confronts the inadequacies of current foreign aid strategies and offers effective alternatives.
October 27, 2016 | Matt Kucinski

Class of 2020 shows academic strength, international breadth
Calvin welcomes 984 new students for fall 2016.
September 19, 2016 | Matt Kucinski

From learning Japanese to teaching in Japan
Roz Scoular '13 teaches English to elementary school children in Ono City, Japan.
August 18, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

Farm knowledge from the engineering lab
Annie Stegink '09 works at Community Harvest Project, a non-profit farm in Massachusetts, using her engineering education daily.
August 15, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

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

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

Eastern Europe: Following the childhood dream
Kelly Organ '12 is a program coordinator for New Horizons Foundation in Lupeni, Romania.
July 25, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

Walking Boldly: Silas Kukaewkasem
One year into his Calvin experience, Silas Kukaewkasem returned to Thailand with a fresh perspective and understanding on a place he thought he knew so well.
July 19, 2016 | News & Stories Staff

Walking Boldly: Lauren Manck
Now conducting research at sea, Lauren Manck '12 says her love for chemistry and research, her decision to pursue graduate studies and her goals for her future career had their genesis in a first-year class at Calvin.
July 08, 2016 | News and Stories Staff

From fulfilling core to following passion
Brad Boelkins is the director of business development for Tesa, a German company.
June 30, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

An unexpected source infuses inspiration
Sarah Kluitenberg will be pursuing a masters degree at the University of London after three years of teaching at CRC Primary School in Kabala, Sierra Leone.
June 30, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

Foreign service officer as an ambassador for the U.S. and for Christ
Adam Vogelzang has served as a foreign service officer for 12 years and will soon begin his sixth assignment.
June 23, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

Big issues met with a bigger vision
Abby Skeans works for Clapham Group promoting justice and child welfare.
June 23, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

From pursuing business on a whim, to leading hundreds
Jared English has been the Shanghai general manager of CMP since November 2014.
June 23, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

A deeper pursuit of religion in poetry
Tom Mazanec is studying Chinese literature at Princeton University in hopes of becoming a professor.
June 22, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

Longtime history prof earns third Fulbright Award
Jim Bratt, history professor emeritus at Calvin College, is headed to China as a Fulbright Scholar to teach U.S. history and European cultural history at Xiamen University.
June 15, 2016 | Jacquelyn Hubbard

Calvin grad hiking 500 kilometers to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis
2016 grad Katie Slemp was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis a few years ago, now she's hiking 500 kilometers on the "Camino De Santiago Pilgrimage" to raise awareness of the disease.
May 31, 2016 | Jackie Hubbard

Fulbright student to map geography of refugees
Janaya Crevier will be heading to Austria in September 2016 to explore the journeys of a half dozen refugee families.
May 10, 2016 | Matt Kucinski

Brand Design class welcomes Clean Water Institute of Calvin College as its next client
ARTS 355 students will help CWICC gain support and build its reputation through creation of a digital brand.
February 26, 2016 | Rachel Watson