The Semester in Washington, DC is named in honor of Paul B. Henry, a leader of Christian vision and action.  Henry taught political science at Calvin College from 1970 to 1978.  While at Calvin, he served on the Michigan Board of Education.  In 1978, Henry left to pursue public service full-time.  He was elected to the Michigan State House, and later, to the State Senate.  Henry was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1984 and served there until his untimely death in 1993.  Henry's political and academic careers were characterized by strong Christian principles, as set forth in his book, Politics for Evangelicals.

Calvin College is a Christian college.  It seeks, in all its courses and programs, to integrate faith commitment with academic study.  This program allows North American students to live, work, and study in the capital of the world's remaining "superpower" under the guidance of the Calvin professor in residence.  Students will have the opportunity to interact with persons from a multitude of professions, nationalities, and backgrounds, including other students in their housing units.  Calvin College sees this program as important not only as professional and academic training for the students' future careers, but also as preparation for living as Christian citizens in an increasingly pluralistic society.