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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 -
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 4,2022 -
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 -
I'll be home for Christmas
For the first time in 36 years, Ron Hammond, a student in the Calvin Prison Initiative program, will spend Christmas outside prison walls. December 24,2021 -
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 -
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 -
Calvin University turns two
On July 10, 2019, Calvin changed its name from "college" to "university." Two years later, it's well on its way to Vision 2030. July 10,2021 -
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 -
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 -
Set free inside prison walls
Narcissism and anger led Shawn England down a destructive path that led to life in prison. Now, 30 years later, after a Saul-to-Paul-like conversion, he's helping create a flourishing community where he is planted. April 2,2021 -
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 -
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 -
Turning over the keys
For the past five years, Calvin faculty and staff have been building a bachelor's degree program inside prison walls. What the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed, is they've actually been building leaders. April 1,2020 -
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 -
Calvin creates associate provost position
In January, Kevin den Dulk became Calvin's first associate provost, a position that focuses on extending Calvin's mission to reach new populations. February 11,2020 -
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 -
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 1,2019 -
Calvin Prison Initiative students lead restorative justice conference
A population of students in the Calvin Prison Initiative (CPI) program are helping facilitate some important conversations related to restorative justice, hoping to lead change from behind bars. November 26,2018 -
Radical hope at Handlon
The inaugural class of Calvin College students at Handlon Correctional Facility now have associate's degrees. And with it, hope. May 23,2018 -
Calvin making history at Handlon
On Monday, May 21, 15 inmates from Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility in Ionia, Michigan will receive associate’s degrees from Calvin College. May 21,2018
