Partners in annual giving
Our paths in life have taken us in diverse directions, but what we all have in common is this: Calvin College enjoys a cherished place in our hearts, and we are deeply grateful for it. Calvin is where we, or someone close to us, formed life-long friendships, trained for our careers, and explored and solidified our Christian beliefs. As students we held earnest late-night conversations, tackled hard coursework, and engaged with other Christian students at a site in southeast Grand Rapids.We were on the receiving end of intelligent lectures from well-educated faculty. As young and not-so-young alumni, we know those college years shaped us in countless ways. And we are not unique. As many parents and friends of the college will tell you, since its founding in 1876, the Calvin experience has richly influenced thousands of other alumni, too.
Calvin’s founders united a deep-seated Christian faith with intellectual curiosity and academic rigor. Starting with one classroom and seven students, they created an institution of higher learning with a distinctly Reformed perspective. The school began an ambitious journey and hasn't looked back since.With its well-recognized emphasis on community, caring and encouragement; meaningful dialogue, intentional discussion and first-rate lectures on current issues; visionary administration and well-trained student leaders; and its sine qua non, integration of faith and academics by dedicated and accomplished professors, Calvin defines excellence.What’s more is that its distinguished reputation is continually earned. The institution works diligently, in fast-changing times, to prepare students to meet their goals.
So where does the 1876 Society come in? Simply stated, the society advances Calvin’s profound mission “to do God’s work in God’s world” with its members’ yearly leadership gifts to the Calvin Annual Fund. Thanks in large part to this high level of support, the college provides much-needed financial aid, recruits and retains gifted faculty, secures state-of-the-art lab and classroom equipment, maintains its beautiful campus and much more. In these pages you will read about students, faculty members and others who have been positively impacted by the generosity of 1876 Society support.
And you? If you are a member, thank you! If you are not already a member, we invite you to join us by making a gift to the Calvin Annual Fund of $1,000 or more. Know that your gift will significantly help Calvin's many facets remain vibrant, our fidelity to the college mission remain true, and the entire Calvin experience to be sustainable for generations to come. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Anne VanderMale Tuuk '75 and Craig Lubben '78
1876 Society Advisory Council Co-Chairs
