Spark

On January 24, Calvin University inaugurated its 13th president, Gregory Elzinga ’90, to lead and serve students, faculty, staff, and alumni worldwide. Dignitaries, civic leaders, and campus and community members gathered at Calvin’s Covenant Fine Arts Center for the inauguration service, which included a time of worship and celebration of God’s faithfulness.

The event featured the president’s eldest daughter, Brooke Elzinga ’21, his brother, Brett Elzinga ’93, University Pastor Mary Hulst ’91, Alumni Board member Janorisè Evans Robinson ’92, and Grand Rapids mayor David LaGrand ’88, among others. Elzinga was commended for his leadership at Calvin, prayed over, and charged to continue living out the Christ-centered mission of the institution.

Elzinga was also presented with a commemorative art piece, revealed at the event. The stunning maroon and gold vessel was crafted by Professor Lee Bolt ’05, who incorporated the written prayers of Calvin community members in the creation process. The sculpture’s surface displays these words from a contemporary faith statement of the Christian Reformed Church in North America: The future is secure, for our world belongs to God.

Through reflections on scripture from Romans 12, 2 Corinthians 5, and Ephesians 2 and 3, Elzinga’s inaugural address shared a biblical foundation for reconciliation and renewal. He also offered a strategic and hopeful vision for Calvin, which faces headwinds in the current higher education climate. The following are excerpts from his remarks, “Reconciliation and Renewal: Calvin University’s Impact in the World.”

“Being agents of renewal means taking responsibility for the world around us. It means striving for sustainability, advocating for justice, and working toward a future where all creation can flourish. Our commitment to renewal is reflected in our dedication to research, our innovative approaches to education, and our efforts to make a positive impact on society. And we do this because this is what followers of Jesus Christ are called and commanded to do.”

“As we move forward, let us embrace our roles as ambassadors of reconciliation and agents of renewal. Let us commit to building a university community that reflects these values in every aspect of our work and our study. Together, we can create a place where these are not just ideals, but lived realities. Through Christ, the true ministry of reconciliation becomes the seedbed for renewal.”

View the full service at calvin.edu/inauguration. Send your own words of encouragement to President Elzinga at president@calvin.edu.