Calvin Alumni Association

Fall in Massachusetts—with Calvin University! 🍂

Calvin grads, parents, and friends of Calvin are invited to meet Interim President Greg Elzinga at one of two East Coast events in October. We'll see you there!

📍 RSVP for Whitinsville: https://www.facebook.com/events/864176508999128/
📍 RSVP for Boston: https://www.facebook.com/events/925819642917686/

Prince Conference Center at Calvin University still has available hotel rooms for Homecoming & Family Weekend (Oct. 4–5)! This is the perfect place to stay for walkability, comfortability, and more. 🛏️

Discounts are available! Be sure to select the "Calvin Alumni Rate" or "Parent Rate" when perusing dates and rates.

Looking for a calm Grand Rapids getaway? We know the perfect place.

Book your trip using the link in our bio today.

Saturday's Calvin Knights football tailgate in Wisconsin was beautiful—amazing weather, and even MORE amazing fans! ❤️💛

It's always good to read the fine print. 😎

Sign up by 11:59 p.m. tomorrow (9/15) to be entered into a drawing* for one of four $250 Apple gift cards.

Now's the time! calvin.edu/classic 🏃

Brad '05 and Jenny (Los) White '03's cycling journey started in Spain and now fuels their mission with Velo Kids! 🚴‍♂️ From local rides to global adventures, their bike shop and nonprofit are all about empowering kids and building community through the joy of cycling.

💡 Read the full story, Cycling for Community, at calvin.edu/spark.

Homecoming & Family Weekend includes a variety of arts offerings—from concerts to hands-on experiences.

Registration is required for:
🎵 Calvin Music Festival
🎨 Plein Air Art Workshop
🎭 River City Improv

RSVP and learn more at calvin.edu/homecoming.

Early-bird pricing? That calls for a high-five. ✋

Discounts disappear at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday! Runners who sign up by this deadline are also GUARANTEED their preferred shirt size. 👕

▶ calvin.edu/classic, presented by Eenhoorn LLC

We're riding high from a BIG win for Calvin Knights football last Saturday! Wisconsin alumni and friends, cheer on the maroon and gold in your neck of the woods this weekend. 🏈 Join us for a pre-game tailgate before heading to the field for kickoff.

🗓 Saturday, September 14, 10 a.m. CST (kickoff noon CST)
📍 Concordia University–Wisconsin
👋 RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/536420808949382/

September 7, 2024 at get together post-Calvin's inaugural football game (submitted by Jim Apol '87)

"Running is one of my favorite things to do! I have participated in approximately 3️⃣0️⃣ Calvin Classic 5k runs—missing only a handful since the first Calvin 5k​." –Barb Palsrok Zuidema ex'87

We love Barb's commitment to our 5k! Join her and others on when you sign up at calvin.edu/classic. 🏃

Atlanta alumni, we're headed your way in a few short weeks! Join Interim President Greg Elzinga and fellow Knights for an evening of Calvin updates and community.

🗓 Thursday, September 26, 6–8 p.m.
📍 Hobnob (Vinings location)
👋 RSVP and more details at https://www.facebook.com/events/1442697446393968/

It's official: Homecoming & Family Weekend Registration is LIVE! 🎉 Check out our whole list of happenings at calvin.edu/homecoming.

➡ Not every weekend activity requires a ticket—but some do! Those activities include:

- Co****le Tournament
- Cookout at Knollcrest
- Calvin Music Festival
- Open Climb
- Calvin Classic 5k
- Plein Air Art Workshop
- Homecoming Football Game
- Soccer Matches
- River City Improv

Save your spot today! ❤💛

Calvin University | Music at Calvin | Calvin Knights | Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens

🏈 Go Knights!

We've got exciting news: speaker nominations for Festival 2026 are open now through December 31, 2024!

Every nomination we receive is a help to us as we strive to put together a roster of brilliant and creative folks working within diverse genres, faith traditions, and cultural contexts.

To learn more about the speaker selection process and to fill out the nomination form, visit: https://ow.ly/mZo550T8RS7

What began as a dream inspired by a local pharmacist evolved into groundbreaking international research. Yenupini Tonlaar Adams ’12 noticed a critical gap in healthcare. As a result, she developed a model that aims to extend vital support for mothers up to 12 months after birth.

💡 Discover how Adams' passion and perseverance are shaping the future of postpartum care at calvin.edu/spark.

Calvin alumni: it’s move-in day on campus! Remember yours? 😎

For this , we want to see photos 📸 from YOUR first year (move-in day or beyond!) as a Knight. We’ll start!

Here’s Executive Director Jeff Haverdink ‘97 as he moved into Beets Hall on September 1, 1993. His roommate, Chad Pierce ‘97, was born on the EXACT same day—in the SAME hospital. 🤯

Now it’s your turn!

Alumni Law Professionals of West Michigan: Join fellow Knights for a fall happy hour!

📍 Miller Johnson (Grand Rapids location)
🗓 Tuesday, 9/24, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
👋 RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/1276944453716613/

Congratulations to E.B. Sonheim '13, director of marketing at Feyen Zylstra, for her Athena Young Professional Award nomination! Official winners will be announced on October 9.

🏅 The award is presented to a local rising leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative–serving as a role model and improving the quality of life for others.

Read more at https://grandrapids.org/news/meet-the-35th-annual-athena-awards-finalists/

Knights for Life! ❤️💛

Calvin alums Patrick and Paige Avila turned a pandemic challenge into Popnotch Goods, a gourmet popcorn company in East Grand Rapids. From online sales to pop-ups, the couple blends creativity and faith to grow their unique brand, making their store the heart of their business.

Learn more about their story ➡ https://calvin.edu/spark/recipe-success

Whisk away on a musical and historical adventure to Germany! 🇩🇪 From May 5–17, 2025, explore castles, museums, and gardens—all with ties to Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Luther, and more. Germany trip leaders are experts in their fields, including Jim Bratt and his daughter, Suzanne.

Explore all of our trip offerings at calvin.edu/go/travel.

We're proud to announce the launch of our first-ever marching band program under the leadership of seasoned band director Dr. Steve Sudduth. With 25 years of experience building and directing marching bands, Sudduth brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for connecting music programs with their communities.

"Marching bands hold a special place in the heart of a community. They create a strong connection between the university and the public, offering a window into the vibrancy of a school’s music program. A successful marching band can uplift the identity of an institution and become a cherished tradition." -Sudduth

Peace to the memory of Pennylyn (Penny) Dykstra-Pruim. We are grateful for her nearly two decades of service to Calvin University—her hospitality and warmth extended far beyond our campus.

https://calvin.edu/stories/calvin-remembers-pennylyn-dykstra-pruim

The fall 2024 edition of Spark has been hitting mailboxes over the last few weeks! 📬

To peruse the e-version, visit calvin.edu/spark.

It was a brisk morning with our Heritage Class, warmed by coffee and conversation. These alums are members of the Class of 1974 and beyond!

Our West Michigan Young Alumni Network gathered for happy hour this week! 🫶 This is just the beginning of a series of events for grads from the last 15 years. Thanks to Sandy Point Beach House for hosting!

📍 Next stop: Founders Brewing in October—stay tuned for more details.