Verge Spring 2020 – Juniors

VERGE A MAGAZINE OF CALVIN UNIVERSITY | SPRING 2020

THE PEOPLE YOU MEET

VERGE SPRING 2020

A Calvin University 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 office.

EDITORIAL AND CREATIVE TEAM Sarah Johnson ’00, head writer Erin Petty ’05, writer Jeanne Nienhuis ’80, editor Erin Elders ’16, designer Amanda Impens, designer

Calvin University does not discriminate with regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, or disability in any of its educational programs or other activities.

Information about campus security and personal safety can be found in the Calvin University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, available at calvin.edu/go/clery.

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THE PEOPLE WHO

r u o Y Join Story

College is the beginning of a new journey.

And from the moment you step onto campus, there will be people here to support you. Maybe some will be familiar to you, others will start out as strangers.

But each one of those people will have the potential to make a positive impact on your life. The people who live on your floor can become your best friends. Your professors could become mentors and cheerleaders.

Your teammates might become your prayer partners. A student club, your support system. By the time you leave this place, you’ll be different. The people you meet, and the relationships you build, will change you. And you can trust that change will be good as you grow into the person God created you to be.

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Heading into your senior year, you have a lot to focus on: finishing strong academically, soaking up as much time with friends as you can, and filling out all those college applications. There will be highs and lows, and these current Calvin students want to encourage you.

WHAT TO DO YOUR SENIOR YEAR MAKE MEMORIES WITH YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS

Get a feel for Calvin

VISIT CAMPUS

FOLLOW COLLEGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

TAKE CLASSES YOU ENJOY

Senior year will go by fast! Go on some

by staying overnight in

It’s a great way to get to

equals less stress. If you

the dorms, meeting

know a school’s vibe. Follow

can, squeeze in some subjects that bring you joy.

adventures, take

students, and talking to a

@CalvinUniversity on

pictures, and have fun.

prof about your interests.

Instagram and Facebook.

calvin.edu/visit

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A balanced schedule

SUBMIT THE FAFSA

PRAY ABOUT IT

If you’re interested in

Torn about where to

APPLY TO YOUR TOP SCHOOLS

Choosing a school can

STAY CALM

college scholarships,

go to school? Pray for

The sooner the better! You

feel like a huge decision,

grants, and loans, you can

direction, discernment,

can apply to Calvin starting

but you’ve got this. It’s

fill out the Free Application

and peace as you sort

in August using either the

going to be okay!

for Federal Student Aid

through your options.

Calvin Application or the

starting in October.

Common Application.

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THE PEOPLE WHO

Inspire You

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1. NCAA DIII ATHLETES

4. VISIONARY ARTISTS

Clay Francisco has always had a passion for baseball. As a Division III athlete, he was able to play the sport he loved, 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.”

It took Christine Vermeer four weeks to complete a mural along the underpass that connects the east and west sides of campus but over a year to plan it. She built a portfolio of her work, wrote a proposal for her design, and applied for permissions to paint the underpass. “My hope is that students, staff, and visitors will bring their own memories and observations to this piece.”

Keep up with sports at Calvin.

Follow @calvinknights on Twitter or visit calvinknights.com.

2. ACADEMIC FELLOWS 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.”

3. CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS 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, he made sure the conference went off without a hitch. Planning to host over 300 attendees, they chose and developed a theme, planned and contacted speakers, and managed sponsorships and volunteers.

5. STUDENT FILM PRODUCERS Joel Riddering, along with several of his classmates, created a documentary titled, Saving Roll. It was part of last year’s 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. Follow @calvincommunicationdept on Instagram if you’re curious about studying communication.

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ARTS AND MEDIA

ACADEMIC CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Abstraction (Computer Science) American Society of Civil Engineers American Society of Mechanical Engineers Apologetics Club Architecture Club Calvin Hacks Calvin Startups Calvin Student Nursing Christian Medical & Dental Association Engineering Unlimited HR Club Knight Investment Management Marketing Club 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 Pre-Med Club Science and Religion Forum Society for Professional Educators Society of Women Engineers Women in Computing Women’s Business Network

CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES African Students Association Asian American Association Association of American Natives and Interested Individuals Blend Canadian Student Association Chinese Student Association French Chapel

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French Film Festival Intercultural Student Development Lounge International Treasure Korean Student Association Latin American Student Association 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 Calvin Interfaith Alliance 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

Artist Collaborative Calvin Theatre Company Cave Café Center Art Gallery Chimes (student newspaper) Dialogue (creative journal) Film Arts Committee Improv Media Showcase New Found Narrative Poetry Jams Spring Arts Festival Student Activities Office Student Video Productions TEDx Calvin Visual Arts Guild

GAMING Board Game Guild Video Game Sphere

MUSIC AND DANCE 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 Pep Band Rangeela Symphonic Band uKnighted Wind Ensemble Women’s Chorale

SPORTS AND RECREATION Badminton Club Calvin Outdoor Recreation & Adventure Club Co-ed Rec Beach Volleyball Co-ed Rec Futsal Co-ed Rec Soccer Co-ed Rec Volleyball Equestrian Club Floor Hockey Friday Night Soccer Group Fitness Dance

RESIDENCE HALL & CAMPUS EVENTS

Group Fitness Spin Group Fitness Yoga 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 Be the Match Faith and International Development Conference Healthy Minds Liberty in North Korea Period.

Renewable Energy Organization Residence Hall Community Partnerships Sexuality and Gender Awareness Spring break service-learning trips StreetFest (first-year student orientation service project) Students for Compassionate Living Students for Life

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 Fall and Spring Formal

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Calvin Energy Renewable Fund Community Gardens Food Recovery Network Kill-a-watt dorm competition Mad Farmer Food Fest Outdoor Recreation/Creation Care Living Community Plaster Creek Stewards Residence Halls Sustainability Coordinators Student Sustainability Council

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: Find your people. Join a group that’s doing something you already love, and you’ll find built-in community.

Get outside your comfort zone. You’ll make friends with people you might never have met and learn something new. Don’t be afraid to stretch yourself!

Strengthen your résumé.

Get involved in an activity that aligns with your career interests, and make some connections.

Go with a friend. Head to Cokes and Clubs with your roommate, and join a club together!

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

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BIG IMPACT FROM Biomedical Engineering

Asian 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.

of how many times

Pursue a career that sits at the intersection of two indemand fields: engineering and health care. Equip yourself to serve people with cuttingedge skills and technology like surgical robotics, medical imaging, and prosthetics.

you’re asked this

PAIRS NICELY WITH: engineering,

pre-law, religion, philosophy

question. And while

pre-medicine, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, neuroscience, public

WHY IT MATTERS: “I’ve built a

“What’s your major?”

In college, you’ll eventually lose track

your choice of major is important, the right

health, integrative biotechnology WHY IT MATTERS: “Having this minor on a resume shows employers

minor can play a huge

that you’re prepared and eager to

role in preparing you

—Professor Gayle Ermer

for where God is taking you, too.

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contribute in this growing area.”

PAIRS NICELY WITH: international development, business, education,

career and life out of taking leaps— trying new things, going to new places, and exploring new ideas.

I owe that momentum in large part to my experience as a student in the Asian studies program at Calvin.”

—Aaron Delgaty ’09

EXPLOR

E

70+

MINOR

OPTION

S

AMAZING MINORS Data Analytics

Environmental Studies

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 that data.

Develop a deep understanding of the ways people impact their environments and grasp the issues and policies that move communities toward sustainability.

PAIRS NICELY WITH: kinesiology,

business, civil engineering,

business, public health, political

international development,

science, graphic design, English,

history, political science

sociology, computer science

PAIRS NICELY WITH: biology,

WHY IT MATTERS: “An environmental

WHY IT MATTERS: “If you know

studies minor teaches environmental

a little programming and you’ve

literacy, equipping you to engage

got some data-savvy, you’ve got

environmental questions in your

a leg up on people who don’t.”

particular career.”

—Professor Randy Pruim

—Professor James Skillen

More Options African studies Medieval studies Archaeology Ministry leadership Art history Optics Astronomy Recreation leadership Dance Supply chain management Entrepreneurship Theatre Gender studies Urban studies Global studies and so many more!

Greek International development International relations Journalism Latin Latin American studies

EXPLORE MORE MINORS AT

CALVIN.EDU/ACADEMICS

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l e p a Ch Your experiences and community at Calvin will encourage you to claim your faith as your own.

Consider chapel a starting point.

Every weekday at 10 a.m., chapel offers a way for students, faculty, and staff to pause, reflect, and worship God.

Chapel is a time of rest and reflection in the midst of a busy day.

—Joyce Chew I love going to chapel because I can see my friends and worship with them.

—Lauren Holwerda If you love to sing, go to Chapel!

—Judah Manoraj

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MONDAY

TUESDAY

BELONG

BE WITH

Experience the body of Christ through multicultural music, prayer, and worship.

Hear from local pastors, students, and profs how God is working in Grand Rapids and the Calvin community.

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

BELIEVE

BE STILL

Be encouraged by digging into the Word of God.

Center your heart and mind with the beauty of Lectio Divina or Taizé.

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

BE LOUD

L.O.F.T.

Sing your heart out as you lift your voice in praise, led by the student worship team.

(Living Our Faith Together) Come together for our Sunday evening service led by Calvin’s beloved chaplain, Pastor Mary.

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THE PEOPLE YOU LIVE WITH Your dorm—and particularly your floor—is your home base at Calvin.

It’s where you’ll live, cultivate meaningful relationships, and find support as you navigate college life.

What your dorm floor might look like: 10 suites that consist of two bedrooms connected by a shared bathroom (so you’ll get a roommate AND two suitemates) 30–40 people on each floor Stackable furniture (beds, desks, bookcases, chairs) Community coffee kitchen with full-size appliances (if you love to cook, you’re covered!)

RESIDENT ASSISTANT: Your floor’s RA has your back.

Whether you’re having a personal issue, want to know what’s happening on campus this weekend, or just need someone to talk to, your RA is here for you.

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Sophie & Corinna “We’ve developed our own routine that works for both of us and makes life a little bit easier. Don’t be afraid to be honest and be intentional about expectations.” —Corinna Currently watching: Broadchurch, West World, New Girl Favorite dining hall food: Yogurt parfait bar (Corinna), blazing buffalo wrap (Sophie)

Daniel & Daniel “The best thing about having a roommate is how close you become to a random person. The late night talks and just overall goofing around make the transition from home to college so much easier.” —Daniel J. Favorite dining hall food: Pineapple pizza or waffles (Daniel J.), General Tso’s Chicken (Daniel K.)

Tiffany & Rachel “It can be hard to adjust to living with someone else. Go into it with an open mind, and see past the things that might bug you so that you can see the good. Also, pray for your roommate!” —Rachel Currently watching: Random dance videos on TikTok Favorite Bible verse: Jeremiah 29:11 (Tiffany), 2 Corinthians 12:8–10 (Rachel)

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Joey & Jon “Dive deep! Your roommate isn’t just a person to turn off the light when you are too lazy. This is a person you live life with—the deeper you go, the more fun you will both have.” —Joey Currently watching: Shipping Wars and Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Hanna & Sydney “Have fun and find things you have in common. We watch Disney Weddings together and even got matching pajamas for Christmas.” —Hanna Currently reading: “Just Mercy”

by Bryan Stevenson (Sydney), the Bible (Hanna) Favorite dining hall food: Oreo pie (Sydney), wing night (Hanna)

Ben & Josh “I have learned a multitude of things just from the discussions Ben and I have had throughout the year— he has been a large part of my growth.” —Josh Favorite dining hall food: Without a doubt, the taqueria line is the best!

Currently watching: Lost

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Professors will teach all your classes here (not TA’s or grad students)—but they do so much more. Prof. Maggie Caulfield from the biology department partners with students on research projects and is intentional about helping them further their career potential. “I talk with students who want to bounce around ideas about their next steps after Calvin and do my best to help them network with connections,” she says.

Prof. Caulfield knows that working on a research team as an undergraduate is a valuable experience that can propel students to the next step in their lives, often graduate school or a job. She’s served as a reference for med school and grad school applications and writes letters of recommendation for her students who are pursuing internships or fellowships.

And the assistance goes both ways. “I appreciate the energy and enthusiasm that the students bring to the laboratory and classroom. It keeps me energized, and optimistic about what we can accomplish in both settings.”

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YOUR

Professors PROFESSOR MAGGIE CAULFIELD

As soon as your first year you’ll

have opportunities to do research at Calvin. Prof. Caulfield and her students are researching why some diseases can affect females and males differently. The project will involve collaboration with another university and culminate in students presenting their findings at a scientific conference.

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PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT YOU ALONG THE WAY Calvin is definitely an adventure—but not in the get-lost-in-thewilderness sense of the word. It 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.

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Your academic advisor 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!

Your Orientation Leader (OL) 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.

Barnabas Team Member

Career Center Coach

You’ll meet the Barnabas Team in your dorm— there’s one on each floor—and they will walk alongside you on your faith journey. This person is the hub of activities meant to help deepen community and grow your relationship with God, like Bible studies, HymnSings, prayer groups, and more.

Whether you are trying to figure out what to major in, deciding on a career path, or working on writing a killer résumé, the Career Center coaches are available to you! They can help you zero in on your natural strengths and skills, give you pointers for interviews, support you in your job search, and more.

Rhetoric Center Consultant Need help on a paper, presentation, or project? Students at the Rhetoric Center will help you think through your ideas, offer feedback, and assist with editing. This is a free service, so make appointments as often as you want!

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s a e v Li e h t of 22 VERGE

n e r d l i ch . t h g li EPHESIANS 5:8b

As the COVID-19 outbreak causes major disruptions in our lives, we want to encourage you to care for yourself and to stay connected to the people you care about most. Pray and journal, send texts and emails, video chat, stand outside someone's window and wave. Take time to love well and live well.

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