Alumni Testimonials

 

Nathan Beach

Nathan Beach is from Ann Arbor, Michigan. He graduated in 2008 with honors in Computer Science.

"Honors classes have challenged me by forcing me to think more deeply and critically. They also provide smaller class sizes with more motivated students and professors, which often leads to more engaging class discussions."

 

Alex Blanski

Alex Blanski is from Minneapolis, MN. He graduated in December 2007 with honors in Biochemistry.

"The Honors Program has been a wonderful way to explore new facets of the material I enjoy most in my studies. Looking at things in new ways with other people who enjoy it as much as I do makes school that much more of a pleasure."

Susan Pearson

Susan Pearson is from Wheaton, IL. She graduated with honors in Business in 2008.

"The Honors Program has offered me the opportunity to work more closely with professors withine my major, along with professors throughout all of the disciplines. it has also made me more competitive for life after Calvin by requiring more extensive reading and research projects that have impressed my future employers."

 

Cheri

Cheri Vande Bunte is from Grandville, Michigan and graduated with honors in Biology in 2007.

"Honors classes helped me to understand current issues related to my major and also to find various careers in the field. The professors were always eager to help students better understand."

Eric

Eric Baker is from Dearborn, Michigan. He is a 2006 honors graduate in English with an Asian Studies minor.

"Calvin's honors program provides an excellent opportunity to more deeply engage various subjects, build relationships and dialogue with other academically serious students and fosters intimate interaction with professors. I especially like Calvin's liberal arts approach to honors work, which encourages students to do honors work in serveral disciplines before ultimately focusing on their major."

Laura

Laura Guichelaar is a 2006 graduate with honors in Biology, originally from Ontario.

"Honours courses are a great way to take advantage of one of the most valuable resources Calvin has to offer - some of the greatest professors you'll ever have the chance to meet."

 

 

Jon Meyer
Jon Meyer
is a native of Orange, California who graduated with honors in Religion in 2004 and is now a graduate student at Yale Divinity School.

"The Honors Program means close interaction with professors, intensive study in your favorite disciplines, and a free dinner - and who doesn't want a free dinner?"

 

Rachel Birr
Rachel Birr
is from Saint Charles IL and graduated with honors in Social Work in 2004. She is now working and taking courses toward a law degree.

"Being involved in the Honors Program has given me new opportunities to build friendships and worthwhile, enriching discussions in the classroom."


Yaw Bediako
, a native of Ghana, graduated with honors in Biology in 2004 and is currently doing research at the Van Andel Institute before going on to graduate school.

"The Honors Program has helped make me aware of several opportunities for academic growth here at Calvin that I would not otherwise have been aware of."

 

Ryan Tetzloff
Ryan Tetzloff
graduated with honors in Engineering in 2002 and is working in Minneapolis, MN.

"The Honors Program gave me the opportunity to explore subjects of personal interest and build relationships with professors - two experiences not available in traditional classwork."

Emmanuel Legbeti
Emmanuel Legbeti
is a native of Jos, Nigeria, who graduated with honors in Mechanical Engineering in 2004 and is now working in industry.

"I arrived at Calvin College with a dream, searching for a system that would bring out the best in me--I did not have to look far. The Honors Program at Calvin College started me off in the direction I had long desired. My involvement with the honors program exposed me to professional and advanced work, which was both challenging and very interesting. I had the opportunity to work directly with my professors on research and I also had a chance to converse with other students who share similar goals as mine. I am certain that the Honors Program at Calvin College has provided me with a complete educational package—I recommend it to all students."

 


Lisa Ryckbost
is from Newark, NY and graduated with honors in Communication Disorders in 2004. She is currently a graduate student at Bowling Green University.

"Being in the Honors Program has given me the opportunity to explore different areas of my major outside the context of my classes. I have been able to create projects and research areas that I have a personal interest in, not just ones assigned by a professor. The work is often challenging, but is always rewarding and worth the effort in the long run."


Rebecca Mejia
is originally from St. Petersurg, FL. She graduating with honors in Engineering in 2005.

"The Honors Program has given me the opportunity to delve deeper into subjects I enjoy."


Jackie (Zhen) Tao is from China. He graduated with honors in Political Science in 2004, and has entered Columbia Law School. "I was pleased to hear a distinguished visiting lecturer declare in class that Calvin is "the best college in Michigan." I am especially grateful for the challenging honors courses I took at Calvin, which prepared me exceptionally well for the rigors of law school."