Calvin University Receives $3.2 Million Gift to Establish Sharon Whalen Memorial Scholarship
Calvin University is pleased to announce the establishment of the Sharon Whalen Memorial Scholarship, made possible through a generous $3.2 million gift from Sharon Whalen ’71 and her husband, Robert Whalen. This scholarship will provide vital financial support to Calvin students, helping make a Calvin education more attainable while fostering a lifelong love of God and learning.
Sharon Whalen, nee Dykstra, was blessed with a joyous, loving nature and a passion for life. She welcomed each day with her beaming smile and an open heart. Her years of study at Calvin University, culminating in 1971 with a bachelor of arts degree in English, led to a life full of curiosity and adventure.
After graduation, Sharon edited publications, planted trees in British Columbia, taught school, worked as a blaster in the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming, and served as a librarian. Her passions were wide ranging: she was an avid reader, practiced tai chi and yoga, sang in choirs, and created beautiful gardens. She and her husband Bob spent much of their life in the American West and Canada. Together they hauled cases of dynamite, searched the mountains for arrowheads, and co-founded a successful company specializing in oilfield cleanup, securing a patent in the process.
They shared a commitment to education and together chose to leave a portion of their estate to the educational institutions most significant in shaping their lives. For Sharon, this meant Calvin University. “She cherished the thought of sharing possibilities with young people, encouraging the love of God and of learning. May her memory be a blessing,” said Sharon’s lifelong friend, Sara Huizinga ex‘69.
Scholarship Details
- Award Amount: Multiple $3,000 awards per year, beginning Fall 2026
- Eligibility: Open to all students through Calvin’s named scholarship application process
- Purpose: To reduce financial barriers and support students in pursuing a transformative Christian liberal arts education
Jodi Cole Muyskens, senior director of the Named Scholarship Program, noted, “The new Sharon Whalen Memorial Scholarship empowers Calvin to support students where the need is greatest. This gift will significantly expand our financial aid resources, promote academic success, and ensure talented individuals have access to a transformative education. The ripple effect of this generosity will be felt for generations as recipients go on to lead, serve, and innovate in their communities and beyond.”
Ken Erffmeyer, vice president for advancement, added, “At Calvin University, we are truly blessed and deeply grateful for the generous contribution from the Robert and Sharon Whalen estate. This incredible gift will make a significant impact on our students’ lives, empowering them to pursue their educational dreams and make a positive difference in the world. As stewards of this legacy, we are committed to nurturing the hearts and minds of our students, grounded in faith and dedicated to serving Christ in all we do.”
The Sharon Whalen Memorial Scholarship stands as a lasting tribute to a remarkable life and a shared commitment to education, faith, and opportunity.
