VERGE A MAGAZINE OF CALVIN COLLEGE | FALL 2018
THIS COULD BE YOUR
PLACE.
VERGE FALL 2018
A Calvin College publication for prospective students and families. 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.” 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 Amanda Impens, designer Erin Elders ’16, designer
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GET READY TO EXPLORE THE UNKNOWN. TRAVEL A PATH TO SEE WHERE IT LEADS. CREATE SOMETHING NEW. PRACTICE HOLINESS. TRUST GOD. SEIZE EVERY CHANCE TO DISCOVER. RESTORE. CONNECT. CALVIN IS AN ADVENTURE—MAKE IT YOUR OWN.
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GETTING THERE CHRISTINA RIBBENS FROM: Blacksburg, VA MAJOR: History MINORS: Data science and studio art
“
ALL OF THE SUBJECTS I HAVE STUDIED HERE, BOTH WITHIN MY MAJOR AND AS A PART OF THE CORE CURRICULUM, HAVE TAUGHT ME CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS. I’VE ALSO ADOPTED A WORK ETHIC THAT EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR IN ALL SORTS OF FIELDS. 4 VERGE
Part of Christina’s job was researching Mrs. Ford for a new exhibit celebrating 100 years since her birth. She prepared some of the items to be displayed. “It was really great to be trusted with such important artifacts,” she says.
Christina’s learned a lot about herself at Calvin. She took an Asian history course and learned that she loved history. Through her involvement on the Improv team, she learned that she’s good at connecting with people through humor.
“The history department helped me get this fantastic internship, and it helped me grow in professionalism, communication and research skills, and creative problem solving. In every area of study, there are so many opportunities to learn skills and make connections at Calvin,” Christina says.
She had an internship at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in downtown Grand Rapids. In her internship, Christina learned that she feels energized when she’s digging into research and historical questions—and she learned a lot about First Lady Betty Ford.
Christina also had an internship at International Justice Mission (IJM) in Washington D.C., where she further developed her time management and detail management skills. “Because of my experience at Calvin ... I feel confident that I can contribute in whatever job I have.”
THERESE HOUNAKEY
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I’M READY TO LEAD BECAUSE OF VARIOUS LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED TO ME AT CALVIN. I CAN NOW CONFIDENTLY SAY THAT I SEE MYSELF AS A LEADER.” FROM: Grand Rapids, MI MAJOR: Business – Human Resources
Therese realizes that she’s changed a lot since high school, and she’s glad about that. As a business major, Therese takes hands-on classes from Christian professors who have experience working in the corporate world. She’s been influenced by how they integrate their faith with their work.
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YOU HEN VIS
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What’s your next brilliant idea? Where is God nudging you today? And where will you be four years from now? We asked some current Calvin seniors to think back on their senior year at high school and consider how God has used their college journey to shape them. Here’s just part of their story.
“Professors at Calvin are pretty cool and resourceful. I’d recommend getting to know them!” They will make time for you, even as a high school student. When you register for a visit, be sure to schedule a meeting with a faculty member. They will give you the inside details on your future academic life.
KASH SIGDEL
I’VE HAD OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDY ABROAD, DESIGN COOL PROJECTS, AND TOUR FACTORIES. MY FAVORITE OPPORTUNITY BY FAR IS AN INDEPENDENT STUDY IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING.” FROM: Kathmandu, Nepal MAJOR: Engineering – Mechanical MINOR: Mathematics
Kash has always been good with numbers. When he was a senior in high school, he figured he’d end up being an engineer… but would he love it? As a Calvin senior engineering major, he knows he will. That’s something he learned gradually through challenging academics and innovative professors.
“I see business as a tool to create a better world. I’m encouraged to approach the world of human resources through the lense of social justice,” Therese says.
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RESTORING GOD’S CREATION
YOU HEN VIS
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Tobe pulled on his waders. As a research assistant in the biology department, he performed antibacterial resistance tests on the bacteria that are in Grand Rapids’ main watershed, Plaster Creek. “This research has made me aware of the need for stewardship towards God’s creation. I feel called to make the world a better place,” he says. Tobe Ndika, biology major, pre-med
DURING THE FRIDAYS AT CALVIN PROGRAM, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a panel discussion. Ask the professor, student, and admissions counselor how they see Calvin transforming students and the community. 6 VERGE
5 TRANSFORMATIVE CALVIN PROJECTS
THE CALVIN COMMUNITY IS DRIVEN TO MAKE CONNECTIONS AND DELIVER LIFE-GIVING SOLUTIONS. WHEN YOU JOIN US, YOUR CURIOSITY WILL BE CELEBRATED AS YOU TACKLE TOUGH PROBLEMS AND EXPLORE GOD’S CALL ON YOUR LIFE.
RESEARCHING FOR BETTER TREATMENT Ryan spent the summer after his freshman year at Calvin working in a research lab. With Professor Rachael Baker and Professor Amy Wilstermann, he’s establishing a unique protocol for maintaining a zebrafish population. Why? To better understand Björnstad Syndrome, which is one of the rare diseases being researched at Calvin. “I have seen so many people from my hometown that suffer from rare diseases that there is little information or research on. I want to be a part of the effort to bring more understanding of the diseases that individuals and families suffer from so that they can have at least a prognosis and eventually a treatment or therapy to improve their condition,” Ryan says. Ryan German, biology major
CELEBRATING WORDS AND BELIEF Pete was introduced to Calvin when he came to the Festival of Faith and Writing. “During the Festival, I was able to see the thought process and the desire to have conversations at Calvin; that’s really the reason I decided to come here,” he says. Last spring at the Festival, Pete got to do so much more than observe. He was on the Festival’s student committee and helped plan the event, which brought dynamic speakers to campus like a Pulitzer prize-winning poet and a best-selling young adult writer. Pete Ford, English major
INVESTING A $2 MILLION PORTFOLIO Jen-Lyn learned about investments from a class, like most college students. And then she took it to the next level. She served as the Chief Operating Officer of Knight Investment Management (KIM), a student-run organization that invests $2 million in the stock market. “As business students, we view our resumé as a very big deal, and KIM is a great way to build that resumé,” she says. Jen-Lyn Sin, 2018 Calvin business graduate, marketing manager at Posh Petals
ACTING WITH INTENTION It’s one of her favorite parts of the week: Dianne pulled up to a women’s shelter with a trunk full of foil trays of food. Free food. Food that would have gone in the trash. Calvin Food Recovery Network, a student-led organization, delivers unused dining hall food to local organizations each week. Dianne Cayetano, recreation therapy and psychology major
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FIRST-YEAR OPPORTUNITIES IMAGINE: IT’S ONE YEAR FROM NOW, AND YOU’RE ALREADY DEEPLY CONNECTED WITH COLLEGE PROFESSORS AND FRIENDS THAT CARE ABOUT THE SAME THINGS YOU DO. YOU’RE ALREADY HAVING EXPERIENCES THAT YOU CAN PUT ON YOUR POST-COLLEGE RÉSUMÉ.
MINISTRY HONORS AND LEADERSHIP FELLOWS COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS
THE ARTIST COLLABORATIVE
PERKINS LEADERSHIP FELLOWS
This cohort of students
Honors Scholars is a
Join a community that
Cultivate your leadership
is enthusiastic about
selective cohort where
thinks deeply about how
skills with a small group
participating in the life of
you’ll work closely with
art can transform lives,
of your peers. This group
the church. Take courses
faculty across academic
inspire justice, and improve
is open to all, and first-
together, go on retreats,
disciplines. Collegiate
the world around us.
generation college
and go on an expenses-
Scholars gives you access
paid pilgrimage.
to interdisciplinary upper-
Unique opportunity:
to join. Courses, conferences,
students are encouraged
level classes while having
Arts-related travel abroad,
and other opportunities
Unique opportunity:
the flexibility to pursue
with expenses paid
will prepare you to address
Tuition-free summer course
your interests outside of
and ministry internship
the classroom.
EXPRESS INTEREST BY:
EXPRESS INTEREST BY:
Unique opportunity:
December 1, 2018 calvin.edu/ministry-fellows
HONORS SCHOLARS APPLICATION DUE:
injustice, and racism. Unique opportunity:
Team-taught interdisciplinary courses
big issues like poverty,
Two students receive February 1, 2019 calvin.edu/ artist-collaborative
full-tuition scholarships
EXPRESS INTEREST BY:
February 1, 2019 calvin.edu/ leadership-fellows
December 15, 2018 calvin.edu/honors
CALVIN LIFEWORK
Don’t stress about life after college. In about
Unique opportunity:
one hour a month, Calvin LifeWork will help
Complete three
you ask those big questions (“What is God’s
years, and earn a
plan for me?”) and answer the nitty-gritty ones
$3,000 scholarship
(“How do I make a budget, anyway?”).
for your fourth
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Optional for all incoming Calvin students. calvin.edu/lifework
SPORT FAITH LIFE
“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.”
MADDIE DE GROOT, SOFTBALL PLAYER
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YOUR
PLACE Step onto campus for your visit and take a deep breath. Calvin is where you’ll marvel at the intricacies of God’s universe. Where you’ll achieve more than you thought possible. Where you’ll meet lifelong friends. Where you’ll set a path for the future. This place is your place —welcome.
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VIBRANT CONNECTIONS
Hallways aren’t just how you get from point A to point B. You’ll chat with your favorite art professor on your way to English class or your lacrosse teammate on your way to your job. Calvin’s unique size (3,800 students) means that you’re always meeting someone new and running into good friends on campus. 12 VERGE
EMPOWERING RENEWAL
Turn your heart toward God as you sing worship songs at the top of your lungs. Marvel at God’s faithfulness as you hear incredible testimonies. Listen to the Holy Spirit as you practice contemplative prayer. Each weekday, there’s a pause in the class schedule where you can choose to gather and renew. VERGE 13
RESTORING MIDDAY
Welcome to lunch at Calvin: wood fired pizza, smoothies, vegan tacos, amazing grilled cheese, and endless soft serve. Meet up with friends and catch up on your social life. Or find a quiet spot and finish your reading for class. 14 VERGE
UNEXPECTED DISCOVERIES
Tickets here are inexpensive, and shows here are surprising. Listen in as popular artists discuss how faith influences their performance. Cheer on your friends as they take the stage to sing, dance, act, or perform. Or buy a ticket without any clue what you’re getting into–because you know if it’s at Calvin, it’s going to blow you away. VERGE 15
S R N O J O
I A T M ES U Q
WHEN YOU’RE HEADED TO COLLEGE, YOU MIGHT HAVE A LOT OF QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR MAJOR. HERE’S HOW WE MIGHT ANSWER THEM AT CALVIN:
Q
Q
Should I hold off on college until I’m confident in what I want to major in?
Should I major in missions if I want to serve God with my career?
No! About half of your classes at Calvin will be taken outside your major. Start by taking a wide variety of classes in subjects that interest you.
At Calvin, you’ll learn to serve God wherever you are led— because God is at work in every sphere: the classroom, the boardroom, the lab, the gallery, the mission field…everywhere.
I should major in something practical, right?
Whatever your major, you’ll be prepared for a career. 99.4% of 2017 Calvin graduates are employed or in grad school. The critical thinking and analytical skills you develop are exactly what you need to succeed.
Q
Does Calvin have what I want to study? Calvin is big enough to give you a lot of academic options (more than 100), and small enough to give you a close intellectual community. There’s also an interdisciplinary major that you can develop along with your faculty advisor.
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How can I get practical experience in my field?
Q
Q
Calvin’s community is well connected. Count on the Career Center and your profs to help you find relevant internships, practical classroom experiences, and research opportunities in many fields.
Will I have time for a challenging major and athletics? At Calvin, you can do both. The great part about being a DIII school is that our athletes are scholars first. Your coaches understand the pressures of a student schedule.
Q Do you have more questions about your major? Send us an email, and we will mail you information about your interests. admissions@calvin.edu
S
ACADEMIC OPTIONS ARTS Art
+ 0 0 1
Art History Ceramics Dance Drawing and Painting Film Production Fine Arts (BFA) Graphic Design Instrumental Music Music Music History Music Theory & Composition Photography Theatre Vocal Music
BUSINESS
CALVIN.EDU/ACADEMICS
Accounting (BSA) Master of Accounting (MAcc) Business Analytics and Research Entrepreneurship Finance Human Resources Mgmt. Marketing Professional Selling Sport Management Supply Chain Management
COMMUNICATION & MEDIA STUDIES
Communication Digital Communication Film and Media Journalism Organizational Communication Strategic Communication
1:1 FACULTY ADVISING
EDUCATION
Education (BA, BS) Elementary (K-5th grade) Secondary (6th-12th grade) Many specializations, including: Art Bilingual Spanish Education Early Childhood Education English as a Second Language Health Education Integrated Science Mathematics Physical Education Social Studies Special Education Urban Studies in Education World Languages 20+ other certifiable areas of study Master of Education (MEd)
HEALTH SCIENCES
Exercise Science Kinesiology Nursing Pre-Dentistry Pre-Medicine Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Optometry Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Physician Assistant Pre-Podiatry Pre-Veterinary Public Health Speech Pathology & Audiology (BA, MA) Therapeutic Recreation
Calvin professors are eager to mentor and guide you through your academic life at Calvin. Your faculty advisor will meet with you one-on-one to craft your class schedule and make sure you are on track to graduate. They’ll also connect you to opportunities on campus and around the globe.
HUMANITIES
Archaeology English Gender Studies History Interdisciplinary Studies Linguistics Literature Medieval Studies Philosophy Religion Writing
MINISTRY
Church-Based Community Dev. Congregational Studies Missions Music in Worship Pastoral Ministry Pre-Seminary Worship Youth Ministry
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS Actuarial Science Astronomy Biochemistry Biology Biotechnology Chemistry Computer Science Data Analytics Data Science Engineering (BSE) Chemical Civil & Environmental Electrical & Computer Mechanical Environmental Geology Environmental Sciences Environmental Studies
Geology Information Systems Mathematics Neuroscience Optics Physics Scientific Computation & Modeling Statistics
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Economics Geography International Dev. Studies International Relations Political Science Pre-Law Psychology Social Science Social Work Sociology Urban Studies
WORLD LANGUAGES & CULTURAL STUDIES
African Studies Asian Studies Chinese Studies Classical Studies Dutch French German Studies Global Studies Greek Japanese Studies Korean Latin Latin American Studies Spanish
YOUR ADVISOR COULD BE:
A Newberry Award-winning author A chorus master of a Grammy-nominated symphony An executive director for an international business ethics organization An expert on wind engineering
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AND SO THE
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ADVENTURE BEGINS
calvin.edu/visit
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NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS, MI PERMIT #552
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid 3201 Burton St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4388 calvin.edu #calvincollege social.calvin.edu
SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT
calvin.edu/visit (800) 688-0122
Calvin College equips students to
THINK DEEPLY ACT JUSTLY LIVE WHOLEHEARTEDLY as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world.