VERGE Spring 2019

A MAGAZINE OF CALVIN COLLEGE | SPRING 2019

VERGE SPRING 2019

A Calvin College publication for prospective students and families.

GIVING YOUR

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 admissions and financial aid office.

EDITORIAL AND CREATIVE TEAM Sarah Johnson ’00, head writer Jeanne Nienhuis ’80, editor Erin Elders ’16, designer Amanda Impens, designer Madisyn Kuipers ’19, artwork Connor Bechler ’20, writer Anne Van Solkema ’19, writer Lyric Floria ’20, photographer

Madisyn Kuipers learned how to use a letterpress in a January class at Calvin. Follow @calvincollege on Instagram to see more behind-the-scenes photos and learn how she created the cover.

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WHOLE HEART. There’s a theme you’ll hear at Calvin—the goal of your life is to offer your whole heart to God. Your time here is a journey to discover what that means for you.

That journey will be challenging and kind of messy. You might end up with paint all over. You might have to change your mind. You might explore the other side of the world. But here’s what we know for sure: the almighty God of the universe created you to be good for the world. And at Calvin, you’ll have a community cheering you on as you offer your whole heart—your whole self—to God.

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What will your first week at Calvin be like? You might be dreading leaving your high school friends—or excited about a new adventure. Whatever your mindset is today, these current Calvin students want to encourage you.

WAYS TO CONNECT YOUR FIRST WEEK MAKE THE MOST OF ORIENTATION

GET TO KNOW THE CAMPUS

KEEP YOUR DOOR OPEN

CHEER ON THE KNIGHTS

Before classes start,

Get to know the people

Break out the maroon

A lot of Calvin students

take a walk to find your

you’ll be living with,

and gold—the start of fall

say their orientation

class locations with

including your resident

semester means the start

group becomes the

a friend. It’s a great

assistant (RA), who can help

of fall sports. Athletic

friends they stick with.

way to explore.

you navigate college life.

events like soccer games

Open doors = happy floors!

and volleyball matches are free to students.

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SERVE THE CITY

FIND YOUR GROUP If you’re interested in joining

EXPLORE GR BY RIDING THE RAPID

Even before classes start, you’ll be helping

STAY CENTERED Being in a new space with

a student organization, be

Students can ride

new people can be a lot to

in practical and

sure to come to an event

the Grand Rapids bus

handle. Connect with God

meaningful ways as you

called Cokes and Clubs. You

system (called The

at a daily chapel service, go

serve a Grand Rapids

can learn about different

Rapid) for 50 cents

for a walk in the beautiful

organization with your

activities and clubs, meet

using a discount card.

Ecosystem Preserve, or

orientation group.

student leaders, and sign up

find a quiet spot on

for more information.

campus to journal.

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THINGS YOU CAN DO WHILE TAKING A FULL COURSE LOAD

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1. PLAY NCAA DIII ATHLETICS

4. PRODUCE A MOVIE

Clay Francisco has always had a passion for baseball. As a Division III athlete, he can play the sport he loves, keep up with coursework, and build a community. “The best thing about being part of the team are my teammates. They are some of the funniest, craziest, coolest, most genuine, hard working guys I will ever meet.”

Joel Riddering, along with several of his classmates, created a documentary.

Titled, “Saving Roll,” it’s part of this year’s Calvin College Film and Media Showcase.

“Working on ‘Saving Roll’ was a great opportunity. I learned so much about film production and got to work with some amazing people.” Their film follows six local actors who raised money for a struggling theater and their journey to Grand Rapids Comic Con.

Keep up with spring sports at Calvin. Follow @calvinknights on Twitter or visit calvinknights.com.

2. EDIT A NEWSPAPER Michelle Hofman is the editor-in-chief of Chimes. She manages a team of other students to put out a newspaper each week. “If you told freshman me I’d be editor-in-chief of the paper, I wouldn’t have believed you. Editor-in-chief wasn’t a goal I had in mind when I joined Chimes.

But now that I have the position, I love what I do and the people I work with.”

3. ORGANIZE AN ENTIRE CONFERENCE Cameron Doan spent his junior year serving as a co-director for the Faith and International Development Conference (FIDC), a completely student-led event.

Along with Ivanna Rodriguez and Emma VanderKolk, they made sure the conference went off without a hitch. Planning to host over 300 attendees, they chose and developed a theme. They planned and contacted speakers, and they managed sponsorships and volunteers.

If you’re curious about studying communication, follow the Calvin College CAS Department on Facebook.

5. COMPLETE A FELLOWSHIP McGregor fellow Lauren Moose worked alongside economics professor and author Adel Abadeer. They researched the ways women are excluded in the Arab world.

After reading scholarly works, Lauren wrote summaries on the topic, and Abadeer gathered data from the summaries for a comparative study. “The whole experience was incredibly rewarding. Working with Professor Abadeer on his research helped me to grow in my confidence in discussing global inequality and reminded me of the importance of having difficult conversations regarding oppression.”

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Chimes (student newspaper) Dialogue (creative journal) Film Arts Committee Improv Media Showcase Poetry Jams Pop Music Guild Spring Arts Festival Student Activities Office Student Video Productions TEDx Calvin Visual Arts Guild

ACADEMIC CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Abstraction (Computer Science) American Society of Civil Engineers American Society of Mechanical Engineers Apologetics Club Business and Economics Network Calvin Business Forum Calvin College Marketing Club Calvin Student Nursing Engineering Unlimited Geo Club Girls Who Code HR Club Knight Investment Management National Society of Black Engineers National Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association Physical, Occupational, and Recreational Therapy Club Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science) Pre-Health Professionals Science and Religion Forum Society for Professional Educators Society of Women Engineers Sport Management Club Women in Computing Women’s Business Network

CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES African Students Association Association of American Natives and Interested Individuals Blend Chinese Student Association French Chapel French Film Festival Intercultural Student Development Lounge International Treasure

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Korean Student Association Latin American Student Association Middle East Club Mu Kappa My Brother’s Keeper Peer Mentors Puentes Rangeela Sister to Sister South Asian Student Association Spanish Chapel Spanish House

FAITH AND DISCIPLESHIP Barnabas team Campus-wide Bible studies Daily Chapel Delight (women’s community) L.O.F.T. (Living Our Faith Together weekly service) Mentoring Re-igKnight (student-led worship) Residence Hall Worship Worship Apprentices Young Life Leadership

ARTS AND MEDIA Artist Collaborative Calvin Theatre Company Cave Café Center Art Gallery

GAMING Board Game Guild Chess Club Video Game Sphere

MUSIC AND DANCE Annex Voices Campus Choir Capella Calvin’s Got Talent Chapel musicians Dance Guild Dance Marathon Gospel Choir Jazz Band Knightingals Oratorio Society Orchestra Our Daily Dance Crew (ODD) Pep Band Rangeela Symphonic Band uKnighted Wind Ensemble Women’s Chorale

SPORTS AND RECREATION Adventure Club Badminton Club Co-ed Rec Beach Volleyball Co-ed Rec Futsal Co-ed Rec Soccer Co-ed Rec Volleyball Cycling Club Equestrian Club Fish and Hunt Club Floor Hockey Friday Night Soccer Group Fitness Spin Group Fitness Tai Chi Group Fitness Yoga Group Fitness Zumba

RESIDENCE HALLS & CAMPUS EVENTS

Martial Arts Club Men's Advanced Soccer Men's Flag Football Men’s Rugby Men’s Volleyball Rec Basketball Rec Frisbee Golf Rec Handball Rec Ping Pong Rec Spikeball Running Club Snowsports Ultimate Frisbee Water Polo Club Women’s Rugby

ADVOCACY AND SERVICE Active Minds Be the Match Christians for Justice Leadership Institute Faith and International Development Conference Gender Equality Now Liberty in North Korea Love Your Melon Calvin Crew Period.

Protect Life at Calvin College Renewable Energy Organization Residence Hall Community Partnerships Sexuality and Gender Awareness Spring break service-learning trips StreetFest (first-year student orientation service project) Students Against Sexual Violence

TRADITIONS Calvin-Hope Rivalry Game Chaos Night Christmas tree lighting Cold Knight Plunge Cokes and Clubs Fall and spring formals Midnight Madness Slice and Dice competition

Academic Help Ambassadors Barnabas Broomball Community Partnerships Calvin’s Got Talent Dance Guild Dorm worship Floor Bible studies Floor dinners Floutings (floor outings) Grassroots Floor Honors Floor Knights4Life Multicultural Activities NiteLife Outdoor Recreation/Creation Care Living Community Social Events Team Spring Formal

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Calvin Energy Renewable Fund Community Garden Environmental Stewardship Coalition Food Recovery Network Kill-o-watt dorm competition Mad Farmer Food Fest Outdoor Recreation/Creation Care Living Community Plaster Creek Stewards Residence Halls Sustainability Coordinators

LEADERSHIP AND POLITICAL OPPORTUNITIES Calvin College Democrats Calvin College Republicans Calvin LifeWork Model United Nations Political Action and Dialogue Club Student Senate

WRITE YOUR OWN LIST OF MUST-DO CALVIN ACTIVITIES Spoiler alert: there’s no way you can take advantage of all the activities and opportunities at Calvin. Here are some steps to writing your own Calvin checklist: Get the most out of your orientation. Your OL (student orientation leader) is your personal guide to finding your way at Calvin.

Ask them about what activities they’re involved in—and what they think you shouldn’t miss.

Make the most of your faculty advising appointment. Ask how you can meet and connect with students and faculty in your department.

Go to this thing called “Cokes and Clubs.” Cokes and Clubs is where you’ll meet student leaders and sign up for information on clubs and organizations (and get free candy).

Ask your nextdoor neighbors. When you live in the residence halls, chances are you’ll share a bathroom with sophomore suitemates. Ask them how they figured out what to be involved with.

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How can I get to church on Sunday?

Local churches welcome students and understand that you might not have transportation. Many of them send vans right to your dorm to pick you up on Sunday morning before church and bring you back after the service.

What if I don’t know what I want to major in?

It’s more common than you think, and Calvin is a great place to discover the best major for you.

You can start with a variety of classes that interest you while using practical resources like the Career Center to identify your gifts and pursue your God-given purpose.

Even if you don’t find the right fit immediately, general education classes can count toward graduation.

QUESTIONS THAT Is it hard to find an on-campus job?

With over 1,500 on-campus jobs available, there are lots of options and an online database for searching. Not only are supervisors at Calvin flexible and eager to show you the ropes, but they can also be great references for job applications in the future.

When will I know who my roommate is?

For students who send in their housing applications before May 1, you’ll know who your roommate is in mid June! For all other students, roommate information will be included in a mailing in early August along with your building assignment.

To apply for housing, visit calvin.edu/go/enroll

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What if I get sick?

What is Welcome Week?

At one point or another, everyone gets sick and your professors know this, which is why most allow for a few absences in their attendance policy. You can snuggle up in your bed and focus on getting better without the stress. Feel like you need to see a doctor? All students are welcome at Health Services, a comprehensive primary care office right on campus.

What are some ways I can prepare for life after college while I’m in college?

You will have access to an innovative program called Calvin LifeWork. You’ll get expert advice and be able to practice important skills—like building a personal budget, developing as a leader, and interviewing for a job.

Welcome Week, or Quest as we call it here at Calvin, is a great way to kick off your Calvin journey.

You’ll be connected to others in your Quest group. As you familiarize yourself with campus, meet some of your professors, learn about resources, and serve in the Grand Rapids community.

For more information, visit calvin.edu/lifework

HAVE ANSWERS How much homework is there, really?

Expect to have homework daily.

It won’t be overwhelming and it isn’t checked every day, but your professors will keep you accountable for the work required to really grasp the material for exams. So be sure to plan some time to study into your daily schedule—grab a study buddy (or three) and find one of the many cozy study spots on campus.

Can I meet any of my Calvin classmates now?

Yes! Once you receive your acceptance to Calvin, join the “Calvin College Class of 2023” group on Facebook to connect with your future classmates, ask questions, and stay up on important information.

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UNIVERSE, MEET

CALVIN UNIVERSITY Calvin College is becoming Calvin University on July 10. Why the name change? Well, there have been some exciting changes happening, and “university” is a more accurate description of who we are. In the past five years, we’ve started innovative programs, expanded our academic offerings, strengthened our research, and become even more global.

What’s really exciting about this is that we’re just getting started. We’re already planning what Calvin University will look like in 2023 (when you graduate) and all the way out to 2030.

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The name change happens on July 10, the birthday of our namesake, theologian John Calvin.

If you’re curious about what’s changing—and what’s not—visit the website calvin.edu/vision2030.

10 RECENT PROJECTS CALVIN HAS LAUNCHED Calvin LifeWork Calvin Prison Initiative Honors and Collegiate Scholars Civitas Lab Center for Student Success Summer research expansion Masters in Accounting Campus Master Plan Climate Commitment Hong Kong Extension And expect more new projects from Calvin University!

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Your future dorm room is where you’ll plan your next adventure with your friends, invite your floormates over for Bible study, get in last minute studying ... and oh yeah, sleep!

It’s the details you bring that make your room fun—and the community you join that will make it home.

Each room has a huge window with a ledge that’s perfect for plants.

There’s plenty of space to grow several in each room.

You might want to pick up some

dry erase markers.

You can leave notes for your

roommate or

suitemates on your door or bathroom mirror.

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window

shower toilet

desks bookcases

chairs

sink

beds closets

There’s an awesome poster sale

in the fall if you’re lacking wall art. Bring plenty of poster putty.

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At Calvin, you can find delicious, quality meals personalized to your tastes. And you can discover foods from around the world. With plenty of options, you and your friends will never get bored.

Two dining halls, each with a variety of food stations. Your meal is covered by just one swipe.

Five cafĂŠs will keep you energized between meals. You can find a freshly-made smoothie, a hot entrĂŠe, a specialty coffee, or more.

Calvin has something for every diet.

There are allergen-sensitive zones, gluten-free options, and vegetarian and vegan meals. An on-site dietitian is also available for individual counseling and diet management.

16

TRY

SOMETHING NEW

RECOMMENDATIONS Piazza Taqueria Hudsonville ice cream bar The Zone (allergy-free area) Uppercrust Deli Johnny’s Café

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1. WORKING ON THE WORLD’S LARGEST SUPERCOMPUTER Elizabeth Koning did research in artificial intelligence and machine learning at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). While there, she got to use ORNL’s Summit Supercomputer for her research. “I received wonderful mentoring while there. Seeing the research process with graduate students and senior researchers helped me look forward to graduate school.”

2. HELPING CALVIN ATHLETES

4. RESEARCHING RARE DISEASES Kali Reese has spent many hours in the lab of professors Amy Wilstermann and Rachael Baker. There she studies proteins, genes, and mutations as part of the awardwinning Rare Disease Research group at Calvin. “We are called to be stewards of all God’s creation. As a Christian community, looking beyond more common diseases helps us reach out to those who are often overlooked. We should work equally hard to empower those with rare diseases as we do for those with common diseases.”

Lee Barents works as a building manager at the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex.

As part of his job, he’s providing support to athletic teams, managing equipment, and keeping facilities in peak condition.

“I have an inside look at how an athletic facility and college sports are run. This job has better prepared me for a future in sport management.”

3. MANAGING A TEAM AT THE CAMPUS CALL CENTER Lillian Spackman worked as both a caller and a manager at Calvin’s Phonathon. She managed a team of students calling donors to support the Calvin Annual Fund. “It was a great opportunity to improve some of my ‘soft’ skills as I began a leadership role my second semester. I learned how to coordinate teams and communicate well with my supervisor. And I found I had an aptitude for administration.”

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Want to discover more about rare disease research at Calvin? Visit calvin.edu/research/rare-disease.

5. INTERNING AT AN ENGINEERING FIRM Stephen Ng interned at DornerWorks, Ltd., an embedded systems engineering firm. “I helped solve clients’ engineering problems by writing code and doing testing for several projects. I went beyond learning more about software and hardware. I learned how companies actually work and the importance of organizational communication.”

HOW CALVIN STUDENTS ARE EARNING MONEY (AND BUILDING THEIR RESUMÉS)

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PLAN FOR YOUR ADVISING APPOINTMENT

START

HERE

Are you interested in teacher education, nursing, engineering, or pre-med? Be sure to mention this to your advisor so he or she can get you into the right courses.

Contact your coach for information on try-outs and practice schedules.

Be sure to sign-up for music auditions when you register for orientation.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR MAJOR? YES

Great! Explore your program’s website to be familiar with courses.

That’s ok! Your advisor will help you build a schedule that will help you discover more.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN MUSIC OR ATHLETICS? YES

Be sure to tell your advisor so he or she can get you into the right courses.

NO

Be honest with your advisor.

If you have strong interests or dislikes let him or her know.

DO YOU WANT TO STUDY ABROAD? YES

Mention this to your advisor.

Some semester programs cover required classes, so you won’t need to take them on campus.

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NO

Take the Jobzology assessment through Calvin LifeWork.

NO

Talk with your advisor about ways to get involved on campus.

GO HERE

YOUR FIRST SEMESTER CLASS SCHEDULE After you meet with your advisor, the Center for Student Success will build your first semester schedule. Your schedule is totally unique to you.

The schedule below is an idea of what a week might look like.

Visit calvin.edu/go/advising to see the academic calendar and video advice for your first year from students and staff.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Hot, cold, or on-the-go, there are lots of breakfast options.

If you don’t have time to visit the dining hall, you can make something quick in the coffee kitchen on your floor.

Your first semester class schedule will probably be a mix of classes in and outside of your major.

It’s a good idea to set aside time each day to read for your classes—this prep will help you comprehend the lectures in class.

7:00AM

BREAKFAST

FREE TIME

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST

FREE TIME

8:00AM

CLASS

BREAKFAST

CLASS

LAB

BREAKFAST

9:00AM

CLASS

READING

CLASS

10:00AM

CHAPEL

CHAPEL

CHAPEL

CHAPEL

CHAPEL

CLASS

GYM

CLASS

GYM

CLASS

You can volunteer in the community with other students who live in your residence hall, through classes, or on your own.

READING

Pick up an artisan grilled cheese at Upper Crust (yum!) or check out the salad bar at Knollcrest.

CLASS

11:00AM 12:00PM

LUNCH

LUNCH

VOLUNTEER

CLASS

1:00PM

LUNCH CLASS

STUDY

2:00PM

LUNCH

ON-CAMPUS JOB

STUDY GROUP

ON-CAMPUS JOB

3:00PM

NATURE PRESERVE WALK

STUDY FREE TIME

4:00PM 5:00PM

FLOOR DINNER

FLOOR DINNER

FLOOR DINNER

FLOOR DINNER

FLOOR DINNER

6:00PM

INTRAMURALS

FREE TIME

INTRAMURALS

STUDY

FREE TIME

7:00PM 8:00PM

STUDY

FREE TIME

9:00PM

10:00PM

11:00PM

FREE TIME

DORM WORSHIP

Chapel is an invitation to pause, worship, and center your heart on God.

Calvin has hundreds of oncampus jobs and internships that can easily work around your class schedule.

Meet up with friends from class in your favorite spot to talk through the class assignments and readings.

College isn’t serious all the time. Connect with friends and do something just for fun!

You’ll look forward to this all day—time to connect with your friends over pizza, tacos, or burgers.

Gather with your friends in your residence hall to sing, share, and learn about God. Head to the gym or field to play volleyball, badminton, frisbee golf, basketball… it’s all the fun without the commitment of varsity athletics.

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Start your week with stories of how God is working in our community and songs led by students. This storytelling has a purpose: reminding us of who God is and how we can respond.

Be encouraged and challenged by God’s Word. You’ll hear from local pastors, Calvin students, and others who open the Bible and share what they’re learning.

God’s word paints a beautiful picture of all cultures coming together to worship.

On Wednesdays, we get to be part of that vision, worshiping with the Gospel Choir, Latino worship, Korean worship, and more.

WEDNESDAY

BELONG

TUESDAY

BELIEVE

MONDAY

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BEGIN

Sing your heart out with the student worship team in Friday’s chapel.

It’s standing room only as we all lift our voices to praise God.

L.O.F.T. (Living Our Faith Together) is the Sunday evening service led by Calvin’s beloved chaplain, Pastor Mary.

Recenter your heart and mind on Jesus at the start of the week.

SUNDAY

Experience the beauty of Lectio Divina or Taize.

This is a time that we are still in the presence of God.

L.O.F.T.

FRIDAY

BE LOUD

THURSDAY

BE STILL

The experiences and community at Calvin will encourage you to claim your faith as your own.

Consider chapel as a starting point. Every weekday at 10 a.m., chapel offers a way for students, faculty, and staff to pause, reflect, and worship God. But don’t stop there. You’ll discover ways to deepen your faith in class, the residence halls, and through relationships.

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Office of Admissions and Financial Aid 3201 Burton St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4388 calvin.edu #calvincollege social.calvin.edu

SAY “YES” TO CALVIN calvin.edu/go/enroll

As you wrap up high school, be sure to get the details of your Calvin adventure figured out.

Here are some next steps: • Respond to Calvin’s offer of admission (doesn’t lock you in to a decision) • Pay your enrollment deposit • Complete your housing application • Register for orientation • Join the Calvin College Class of 2023 group on Facebook and introduce yourself!

NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS, MI PERMIT #552