VERGE A MAGAZINE OF CALVIN COLLEGE | SPRING 2018
VERGE SPRING 2018
A Calvin College publication for prospective students and parents. Verge—the edge, rim, or margin; the brink. The point beyond which an act, state, or condition is likely to start or happen—as in “on the verge.”
Wherever you’re
The verge is a place where you’re finally able to see everything that’s in front of you. A place where you can say, “I can get there from here.” At Calvin, you’ll find yourself on the verge of more than you can imagine. New ideas, unexpected opportunities, new territory in your life, your studies, and your faith. From the verge, you’ll catch a vision of how to live. And Calvin will take you there.
CONTACT To submit a question or a letter: info@calvin.edu To change your address: info@calvin.edu PRODUCTION VERGE is produced by Calvin’s Communications and Marketing department. EDITORIAL AND CREATIVE TEAM Sarah Johnson ’00, head writer Jeanne Nienhuis ’80, editor Joy’l Ver Heul ’04, creative director Erin Elders ’16, designer
CALVIN COLLEGE EQUIPS STUDENTS TO THINK DEEPLY, TO ACT JUSTLY, AND TO LIVE WHOLEHEARTEDLY AS CHRIST’S AGENTS OF RENEWAL IN THE WORLD. —Calvin College, Mission Statement
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coming from, it all starts here.
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LIFE IS MADE UP OF MOMENTS. Not all moments are equal. There are big moments, like choosing your college. Small moments, like putting on a pair of socks. Heavy moments, like realizing you can’t do it on your own. And wonderful moments, like realizing you don’t have to. At Calvin, every moment is an opportunity. To live in a way that matters. To find strength in a community that’s cheering you on. We believe you were created for something, and at Calvin, you’ll learn, explore, create, and honor your Creator through every moment of your life.
calvin.edu/everymoment
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Temi’s preparing for an engineering career—and she’s uniting her heart and mind to engage a world that needs her creative solutions.
Temitope Ogunnoiki Engineering Major Electrical and Computer Engineering
“When I first came to Calvin, I was surprised by how much I loved the classes outside my major. Those classes opened my mind to fresh ideas and new things. I enjoyed them so much that I’m taking a political science class now, even though I don’t need one to graduate.”
“Christ is calling me to take action and bring peace and restoration to the oppressed.”
Watch Temi’s story at calvin.edu/everymoment/temi
At Calvin, Andrew has been given the space to find his voice, and he’s using that voice to create amazing works of art.
J. Andrew Gilbert Bachelor of Fine Arts
“As an artist, I’m thinking a lot more about the images I’m making. The visual rhetoric class at Calvin really helped me understand how we’re always saying something through the images we make.”
“Calvin has definitely challenged me to think deeply about what I’m creating.”
Watch Andrew’s story at calvin.edu/everymoment/andrew
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Josiah’s classes energize him to think deeply about God’s plan for his life.
Josiah Enos Political Science Major
“At Calvin, I’ve learned that I actually do have the ability to understand big problems and, with God’s guidance, to do something about those problems. Before, a lot of things around me—like the injustices in the world—just didn’t make sense. I had a really narrow view of the world. At Calvin, the community takes a hard look at these problems and is empowered to make positive change.”
“I’m constantly with people who are asking tough questions and pushing me forward.”
Watch Josiah’s story at calvin.edu/everymoment/josiah
calvin.edu/everymoment Cotter didn’t want his college to be a safe haven from the world. At Calvin, he found a place where he could freely explore all his interests—and be challenged to do something with them.
Cotter Koopman
Computer Science Major
“Calvin is a Christian college, but what I think is unique here is this idea that we’re not supposed to be protected from the world. Calvin’s not about sealing ourselves in a safe, godly bubble. Calvin is all about looking at the whole world, looking at every person and idea, and searching for truth and value. Calvin’s not afraid of exploration or non-Christian things or ideas, but at the same time is strongly rooted in a very intelligent, theological framework.”
Hear Cotter’s band at sleepovergr.bandcamp.com
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“Calvin is a place that took me seriously. There’s a freedom to create yourself.”
Here’s what Maddie knows about excellence: You can’t achieve it in a day. At Calvin, she’s been challenged on the softball field, in the classroom, and in her friendships.
“Calvin has given me a space to be curious and ask my own questions.”
Maddie DeGroot
Physical Education Major
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CALVIN? When I stepped foot on Calvin’s campus, the sense of community was overwhelming. I felt like it was the perfect fit for me because I value belonging to a loving, Christian community. I also chose Calvin because I knew I would be challenged academically, but would also have the opportunity to stay involved in athletics. While athletic scholarships from other schools were tempting, I knew that the academic excellence found at Calvin was worth it. I am from West Michigan so I was comfortable with the idea of being close to home, but I also knew that Calvin was far enough away for me to branch out and explore new opportunities as well.
WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE ON THE SOFTBALL TEAM TAUGHT YOU ABOUT EXCELLENCE? Being on the softball team has taught me that excellence is achieved through the 6 a.m. practices in the middle of winter, or finding it within yourself to get that extra rep in the weight room when your arms are so tired. Excellence is achieved after hundreds of pushups, after thousands of ground balls, and after discussions with teammates about leadership. The culture of striving for excellence that defines our team has transferred into other aspects of my college life as well. In the classroom, I strive to find ways to make my understanding of concepts deeper and more applicable to my life. In my relationships, I strive for authenticity and intentional time with the people I love. This takes work. It takes accepting the challenge and working toward becoming a well-rounded individual, knowing it will not happen overnight.
Watch Maddie’s story at calvin.edu/everymoment/maddie
HOW HAS CALVIN SURPRISED YOU? Because I have attended Christian schools my entire life, I thought I knew what to expect from Calvin classes and how faith is integrated into the curriculum. I was wrong. Professors pose questions that make me think more deeply about my faith and help me apply what I am learning to help better my relationship with the Creator. I appreciate the challenge to think deeply, and it is something I have become accustomed to in every semester at Calvin. My task is not only to learn the material but to apply it and to use it in my daily life. Because of Calvin, I love learning, and love tackling the hard questions.
“ God created each human with a unique story and
unique opinions and beliefs, and it is important to recognize the beauty in that. Calvin has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and really discover for myself what this world is about.”
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CHOOSING HIS OWN
ADVENTURE BY MATT KUCINSKI
Here’s what Calvin grad
On a mountain in Pyeongchang,
THE RIGHT COMMUNITY
Garrett Bazany says about
Korea, Garrett Bazany is showing
At Calvin, Garrett found a
Korean young people how to ski.
community that welcomed him
But even more than instructing
and challenged him. “Calvin is the
them how to maneuver down the
perfect size for me. Not too big,
slopes, he’s opening their eyes to
not too small.” With help from
what’s possible.
Calvin professors, Garrett took on
his life today: “I’m just living my normal life, staying active, and trying to find
Like them, Garrett’s life has
a research position at Michigan State University and traveled
ways to make things work.”
been changed by a physical
But take a quick scan of his
was paralyzed from the chest
He completed Calvin’s pre-
down in a trampoline accident.
physician assistant (pre-PA)
Instagram feed, and it’s clear
disability. When he was 15, he
“I had about a week of ‘woe is me,
he isn’t living a “normal life.”
what am I going to do with my
From skiing to mountain
But it didn’t take long, and a
biking, from kayaking to wakeboarding, his life is an adventure.
life?’” recalls Garrett.
switch flipped. “After my accident, my life didn’t end,” he says. “In many ways, it began. God started me on a journey I never could have imagined. It has changed me in so many ways and made me who I am today.”
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abroad on a medical missions trip.
program—and surprised his classmates by walking with assistance to receive his diploma. Now, he’s inspiring people of all abilities to live an active lifestyle. “I would never have imagined I’d come this far in eight years. I never thought I’d make a difference internationally. ”
“The injury has made me who I am. It’s given me opportunities I never would have had and allowed me to impact others’ lives in ways that wouldn’t have been possible without the injury. This is God’s purpose in my life.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR GARRETT • Moving out west • Starting PA (physician assistant) school • Training in adaptive sports at the National Ability Center • Being coached for the Paralympics
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LEARN FROM THE BEST “One of the key things I want students to leave with is confidence that their feelings and ideas and approaches to things matter, and that we need to hear that. Once you think your own voice is important, the whole world changes.” Jennifer Holberg, English
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“I enjoy helping people to see this world from a different perspective—one that hopefully lends itself to critical thinking, being a better person, a better citizen, and a better Christian.” Roman Williams, Sociology
#professorsofcalvincollege “I strive to be innovative. And what’s innovative in my work is synthesizing narratives. The narrative doesn’t just fall into place. It doesn’t just fall from the heavens. You have to do a lot of digging.” Eric Washington, History
“Calvin is a really unique place because we get to be explicitly Christian. Yes, we think about how our faith shapes who we are and how we think, and we also think about how our faith influences the actual things that we do.” Rachael Baker, Chemistry
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NCAA DIII NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
TOP 10 NCAA DIII ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS
DIII SPORTS AT CALVIN
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Baseball
Soccer*
* Includes JV teams
Basketball*
Softball
** ACHA DI and ACHA DIII
Cross country*
Swimming and diving
Golf
Tennis
Hockey**
Track and field
Lacrosse
Volleyball
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BIG IMPACT FROM International Development Studies
Data Analytics
eventually lose track
An international development studies minor helps you understand the challenges that face the developing world—and lead the search for solutions.
Information about people and behavior shapes decisions in almost every field and career. With a data analytics minor, you’ll learn to wisely manage, interpret, and apply those data.
of how many times
PAIRS NICELY WITH: business,
PAIRS NICELY WITH: kinesiology,
history, education, political science,
business, public health, political
social work, sociology
science, graphic design, English,
“What’s your major?” In college, you’ll
you’re asked this question. But while
WHY IT MATTERS: “The
sociology
your choice of major
opportunities both in and
WHY IT MATTERS: “If you know
outside the classroom, near
a little programming and you’ve
is important, the right
and far from the Calvin GR
got some data-savvy, you’ve got
minor can play a huge
campus, are tremendous.”
a leg up on people who don’t.”
—Jill Van Beek ’09
—Professor Randy Pruim
role in preparing you for where God is taking you, too. 14 VERGE
EXPLOR
E
70+
MINOR
OPTION
S
MINOR DETAILS By Jacquelyn Hubbard ’18
Asian Studies
Gender Studies
Environmental Studies
Be prepared to serve God in a profoundly diverse and influential part of the world. In this interdisciplinary minor, you’ll study the history, religions, and cultures of Asia.
Develop a deep understanding of the ways people impact their environments and grasp the issues and policies that move communities toward sustainability.
pre-law, religion, philosophy
Gender affects our every interaction, from our personal relationships to our engagement with culture and society. A gender studies minor shows you how gender intersects with literature, history, politics, and philosophy.
WHY IT MATTERS: “I’ve built a
PAIRS NICELY WITH: philosophy,
career and life out of taking leaps—
literature, psychology, social
WHY IT MATTERS: “An environmental
trying new things, going to new
work, sociology, political science,
studies minor teaches environmental
places, and exploring new ideas.
organizational communications
literacy, equipping you to engage
PAIRS NICELY WITH: international development, business, education,
I owe that momentum in large part to my experience as a student in the Asian studies program at Calvin.” —Aaron Delgaty ’09
WHY IT MATTERS: “My gender studies minor has strengthened my faith and helped me better
PAIRS NICELY WITH: biology, business, civil engineering, international development, history, political science
environmental questions in your particular career.” —Professor James Skillen
understand some of the things I feel pressured by. I’ve become more self-aware and more sensitive towards the needs of others.” —Sydney Lee ’15
EXPLORE MORE MINORS AT
CALVIN.EDU/ACADEMICS
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GUIDES FOR YOUR ACADEMIC JOURNEY
Classes at Calvin are definitely an adventure, but not in the getlost-in-the-wilderness sense of the word. They’re eye-opening and revealing. They will change your heart, challenge your mind, and take you to some unexpected places. You’re not on this trip alone, and plenty of people are here to help.
Start with:
Ask questions of:
Get to know:
Your academic adviser
Your Orientation Leader (OL)
A professor or academic expert will advise you about your interests and help you choose the right classes for your first semester. Don’t be afraid to ask them hard questions about your schedule and academic programs—they can help you figure out how to double major or how to fit in a semester abroad!
This is an experienced upper-class student who will be your go-to during the first few days. Ask them for directions to your classes, advice on the best study spots, how to set up a planner, just about anything.
Your Academic Help Ambassadors (AHAs)
Look for:
Don't be shy to:
Have coffee:
Your Academic Evaluation Report (AER)
Request a tutor or academic coach
With a junior or senior from your major
This is a real-time personalized document that tells you what you need to graduate. It changes as you complete classes or add a major or minor. You can access it in the fall by logging into your Calvin account.
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College classes are different from high school. Be sure to reach out to your professors for advice and guidance. Or contact the Center for Student Success for (free) tutoring or academic coaching.
You’ll meet AHAs in the residence halls, and they’ll help you and your friends practice academic faithfulness by organizing study times and helping with time management and study skills.
Ask them about their favorite classes, study tips, internship opportunities, and what they wish they would have known when they were a freshman.
WHAT TO DO YOUR
FIRST WEEK MAKE THE MOST OF ORIENTATION A lot of Calvin students say
1 23 4 5 6 7 8
their orientation group quickly
GET TO KNOW THE CAMPUS
becomes their really good
Walk with a friend through
friend group, so be open for
your schedule to find where
an amazing experience.
your classes meet. It’s a
KEEP YOUR DOOR OPEN Get to know the people you’ll be living with, including your student resident assistant (RA), who can help you navigate college life. Open doors = friendly floors!
SERVE THE CITY Even before classes start, you’ll be helping in practical and meaningful ways as you serve a Grand Rapids organization with your orientation group.
EXPLORE GR BY RIDING THE RAPID Students can ride the Grand Rapids bus system for 50 cents using the discount card available at the Campus Safety Office or
the Service Learning Center.
good way to explore and get the hang of things before classes start.
CHECK OUT THE CAMPUS BOOKSTORE You can buy your textbooks, a Calvin planner, and pick up some maroon and gold gear.
FIND YOUR NICHE AT COKES AND CLUBS Meet student org leaders and learn how you can connect right away.
TAKE TIME TO STAY CENTERED Being in a new space with new people can be a lot to handle. Connect with God at a daily chapel service, go for a walk in the beautiful Ecosystem Preserve, or find a quiet spot on campus to journal.
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SPRING
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AT CA
HAPPENING THIS SPRING
ALVIN
Festival of Faith & Writing By Gwyneth Findlay ’18
On the first day of the Festival of Faith & Writing (more lovingly known as “Festival”) two years ago, I met the journalist I was hosting, Jaweed Kaleem. I’d been following his work for years. On the second day of Festival, I ate lunch with Patricia and Alana Raybon, whose book I’d just read. On the final day of Festival, Ashley Bryan, a 93-year-old children’s book author, signed my copy of Beautiful Blackbird. As a student volunteer for the Festival, I had dozens of opportunities to meet, network with, and serve writers—some I’ve long admired, some who were brand new to me. And this year, we’re doing it all again: 39 student volunteers hosting 58 featured speakers, managing 130+ sessions, and guiding over 2,000 attendees around campus during this threeday extravaganza. The director, Lisa Ann Cockrel, sometimes refers to Festival as “the Lollapalooza of books.” It’s easy to be skeptical of such a sweeping statement—that is, until you experience Festival yourself. It’s not just an academic conference or a writing workshop; it’s three days for readers, writers, and book-lovers
to bask in the simple, unexplainable, fantastic joy of words. And it’s a place where the intersection of those words with belief is discussed and probed, honestly and openly. As we gear up for another Festival, it seems like almost every corner of campus is buzzing with anticipation. We’re reading Festival speakers like Amit Majmudar, Jen Hatmaker, and Nate Marshall in classes. In our dorms, we’re watching Armor of Light, directed by Abigail Disney. On walks in the Ecosystem Preserve, we’re listening to Lea Thau’s Strangers podcast. I’ll be hosting two speakers this year: author and columnist Jonathan Merritt and Handmaid’s Tale screenwriter Dorothy Fortenberry. I’ll be their guide around the Festival, their go-to resource for any questions (from “Where’s my next session?” to “Can you grab me a snack?”), and maybe even their lunch buddy one day. And on top of that, I’ll be practicing hospitality along with the student committee throughout Festival— and squeezing in as many sessions as I possibly can.
Calvin students have front-row seats to one of the coolest literary events in the country, and I’m privileged to be a part of it every step of the way.
festival.calvin.edu VERGE 19
Calvin
calvin.edu/lifework Everyone’s telling you your college education should lead to a job. We believe that your Calvin education will lead to a job—but it should also lead to more. Calvin LifeWork starts with your passion and launches your career path, all while teaching you about the value of living well.
Four years. Four tracks. One $3,000 scholarship. VOCATION Discover what God is calling you to do and who he is calling you to be. Realize you have gifts that will transcend your career—gifts that you can use for God’s kingdom.
FINANCIAL LITERACY AND LIFE SKILLS Bills, rent, budgeting, conflict resolution, making a big move. No matter what intimidates you about the adult world, we’ll equip you to thrive.
CAREER READINESS
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Most of us will spend much of our adult life working. Whether you are planning to go to grad school or get hired right after college, we’ll help you pursue your career path with both passion and purpose.
Be a leader in your field of work and study, your church and community. Your voice matters, and we’ll make sure you know how to use it to lead with conviction.
COMPLETE THE LIFEWORK PROGRAM AND YOU’LL RECEIVE A $3,000 SCHOLARSHIP FOR YOUR FOURTH YEAR AT CALVIN.
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ENROLL
Represent your Calvin pride with Class of 2022 digital swag. Browse different themes for your devices and social media accounts at calvin.edu/go/downloads.
calvin.edu/go/enroll
LET’S MAKE IT OFFICIAL! Your Calvin adventure begins now. As you wrap up high school, be sure to get the details of your future at Calvin figured out. Start by following these steps: 1. A ccept the offer of admission. Go to your Status Page and let us know that you’re planning to come! 2. P ay your deposit. Your enrollment deposit is refundable up to May 1 (or June 1 for international students). 3. C omplete the Housing application. Calvin has an amazing record of matching roommates, or you can choose your own. 4. Get ready for orientation. Register for Passport, a one-day orientation experience for you and your family that happens during the spring and summer. VERGE VERGE 21 21
t e e w S DORM DORM
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It’s where you live, so make it your own. College life can be an adjustment—bring what you need to feel at home.
PACKING L I ST
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Hand a nd bat h towe Toiletr ls ies
Decor
Plants Photos from h ome Poster s and p o ster pu Favorit tty e book s Christm as ligh ts LED lig hts for dorm r oom d ance
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Need Quarte rs for la undry Microw (it’s fre ave (th e) e re’s on Cleanin e on th g supp e floor lies (pr ) ovided ) VERGE VERGE 23 23
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid 3201 Burton St. SE
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