News and Stories

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

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

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 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 remembers Clayton Meyer
Clayton (Clayt) Meyer, 75, died on August 6, 2022. For three decades, he was working literally underground and behind the scenes to make Calvin University a place where students thrive.
August 31, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

U.S. Department of Education leaders to visit Calvin Prison Initiative program
On August 30, James Kvaal, Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, is coming to west Michigan to see how Second Chance Pell grants have impacted the Calvin Prison Initiative program. This is Kvaal's first prison first as Under Secretary.
August 26, 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

Counting Presidents
Dr. Wiebe Boer began his tenure as president of Calvin University in summer 2022. But, is he the 11th or 12th president of the university? Will Katerberg, the curator of Heritage Hall, offers historical insight in helping us answer this question. And he offers two more options to consider.
August 10, 2022 | Will Katerberg

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

Calvin University diversity trailblazer wins prestigious award
On Friday, August 5, 2022, Rev. Dr. Michelle Loyd-Paige received the Dante Venegas Award, a prestigious honor given out by the Office of Race Relations recognizing distinguished leadership in diversity and racial justice in the Christian Reformed Church.
August 06, 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

Meet a Knight: Kevin Broene
Kevin Broene, a 2004 graduate who studied education and business, gives an update on his work as an athletic director and how he's striving to teach young people grit and endurance.
July 19, 2022 | Shelly DeJong

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

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

Meet a Knight: Nana Owusu-Achau
Nana Owusu-Achau, a 2012 graduate with majors in computer science information systems and business with a minor in engineering, gives an update on what he has been up to since graduation and how he is striving to be an agent of renewal.
June 08, 2022 | Shelly DeJong

Calvin Remembers James Martrice Brown
A week after receiving his bachelor's degree inside Handlon Correctional Facility, James Martrice Brown suffered a stroke and died three days later. He's remembered by his classmates and professors as someone who was always looking out for others.
June 03, 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

Meet a Knight: Andrew Huston
Andrew Huston, a 2020 graduate with a bachelor of science in engineering and a concentration in mechanical engineering, gives an update on his work as a systems engineer on NASA’s HALO program and how he's striving to be a steward of Creation.
May 24, 2022 | Shelly DeJong

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

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

Fulbright Recognizes Two Calvin Students with Highly Competitive Awards
Two graduating seniors, Michelle Merritt and Sarah Gibes, have received highly competitive Fulbright awards.
May 13, 2022 | Shelly DeJong

A Calvin Student, His Community, and the Boston Marathon
Calvin student, Jesse McCurdy, ran the Boston Marathon on April 18th.
May 12, 2022 | Shelly DeJong

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

State leaders honor Calvin University president with special tribute
Michael Le Roy, president of Calvin University, was presented with a special tribute from state leaders honoring his steadfast commitment to the Calvin University community and all of private higher education.
May 05, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin University holds graduation ceremony behind bars
On Monday, May 9, 2022, 45 inmates will receive a bachelor's degree from Calvin University as part of a formal Commencement ceremony held inside Handlon Correctional Facility. This marks a first for the state of Michigan.
May 04, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Senior geology major named Goldwater Scholar
Calvin University student Jillian Herlinger talks about her experiences at Calvin and how the Goldwater Scholarship will impact her future career goals in the field of geology.
April 27, 2022 | Kayliani Powlison

An unimaginable adoption story born out of tragedy
Valmarcus Jones and Jerline Riley grew up in the same neighborhood. Their worlds collided in 1994 with tragic consequences. The way they have reunited is an unimaginable and beautiful story of redemption.
April 21, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin English professor publishes “Refugia Faith” to spread awareness about the climate crisis
Debra Rienstra, professor of English at Calvin, recently published an interdisciplinary work to bring awareness to the climate crisis and show how Christians can act as stewards of the Earth.
March 31, 2022 | Kayliani Powlison

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

How a spring break trip altered a Calvin sophomore’s perspective on justice
Sophomore Gisel Espinoza's service-learning trip to Louisiana over spring break equipped her with skills to “act justly” as an agent of renewal.
March 24, 2022 | Kayliani Powlison

Meet a Knight: Skyler Rich
Skyler Rich, the founder and co-owner of For Everyone Collective, gives an update on his business, how he's staying engaged and grounded in his work, and some advice to incoming students.
March 18, 2022 | Shelly DeJong

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

Dance Marathon calls on students to dance for local children’s hospitals
Hear more from current student leaders about what impassions them to fundraise for the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
March 10, 2022 | Kayliani Powlison

Recent Calvin Grad Publishes Article in Economics Journal
Matthew Bone says his experience at Calvin was full of opportunities. One of then, a research project that led to his co-authorship of a paper with his professor that is published in a leading economics journal.
February 09, 2022 | Kayliani Powlison

Center for Social Research evolving for a flourishing future
Calvin's Center for Social Research is becoming its own legal entity independent of Calvin University, positioning it to serve a broader range of clients and grow in new ways.
February 08, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

Calvin remembers Gordon DeBlaey
The Calvin community reflects on the career, life, and legacy of longtime sociology professor Gordon DeBlaey.
January 21, 2022 | Lynn Rosendale

From Persecution to Advocacy: Student Author Shares Her Inspiring Story
On January 11, 2022, senior Freshta Tori Jan's book, Courage: My Story of Persecution, will be published. In it, Tori Jan shares her journey fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan, relentlessly pursuing education against all odds, and learning the power of her own voice.
January 11, 2022 | Shelly DeJong

Calvin remembers Nick Moll
Nick Moll, a junior at Calvin University, died on December 30, 2021. The Calvin community says his infectious positivity and excitement paired with his deep love for people made him a joy to be around.
January 06, 2022 | Matt Kucinski

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

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

Calvin remembers Cornelius Hegewald
Longtime Calvin German professor emeritus Cornelius Hegewald is remembered for his love of culture and love of people.
December 17, 2021 | Lynn Rosendale

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

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

Rachael Denhollander to receive 2021 Kuyper Prize
Rachael Denhollander, recognized as a leading voice on the topic of sexual abuse, is the recipient of the 2021 Kuyper Prize. The prize is awarded by Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary.
December 07, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

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 Start-Ups helps student entrepreneurs' ideas come to life
Calvin Start-Ups, a student organization at Calvin, is working together to bring College Cupcakes from an idea to reality.
December 03, 2021 | Shelly DeJong

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

Calvin remembers Steve Schuitema
While Steve Schuitema's roles changed a few times during his Calvin tenure, his work ethic, attention to detail, and kindheartedness remained steadfast. 
November 29, 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 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

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 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

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

Calvin alum goes to great lengths to support cause
Calvin University alum Marian Cardwell attempted a record-breaking feat in the open water for a cause near and dear to her heart.
August 06, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

One Wrong Turn Led to a Lilly Fellowship
After feeling lost at a big university, Alex Raycroft transferred to Calvin and found the community she was looking for. One wrong turn off the Beltline changed the course of her life.
June 16, 2021 | Shelly DeJong

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

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 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

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

Calvin Remembers Bert de Vries
Longtime Calvin history professor and founder of Calvin's archaeology program Bert de Vries remembered for his passion and compassion.
March 31, 2021 | Lynn Bolt Rosendale

Calvin remembers Darlene Meyering
Darlene Meyering served at Calvin for more than 30 years. Her colleagues say that her love for God led to an overflowing joy that touched everything she did and everyone she met.
March 28, 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

Calvin remembers John Bielema
John Bielema served as a regional gift officer at Calvin for 17 years. He's remembered by his former colleagues as someone who loved the mission of Calvin and was driven to raise as much money as he could to support that mission.
March 16, 2021 | Matt Kucinski

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

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

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 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

Calvin University announces Fall 2020 Dean's List
Calvin University has released its fall 2020 Deans' List.
January 11, 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

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

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

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

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

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