Calvin in Grand Rapids

Comfortably Urban, Creatively Growing

Grand Rapids, Michigan is truly a one-of-a-kind city, a spot shining ever brighter on the west side of Michigan. On the one hand, it's a city steeped in history and tradition, evident throughout the churches, museums and other historic downtown landmarks. On the other hand, it's a city reaching new levels of potential as young professionals push it to become more exciting than ever before (ever been to an urban pillow fight or paper airplane drop?)

Take, for example, "Medical Mile"—a road running through the core of the city  flanked on either side by new developments housing medical and scientific research facilities. Pre-medical and nursing students take advantage of the clinical and research opportunities this area provides.

Or consider ArtPrize, a two-week international art competition that brings over a thousand artists and over 100,000 spectators to view art in, on and around the buildings of downtown GR. You even get to help choose the winner of this competition by voting for your favorite pieces!

We'd like to think these unique offerings point to the character of our city, which we think of as comfortably urban, yet creatively growing.

Watch the Grand Rapids Lip Dub!

Calvin in Grand Rapids

So where does Calvin fit into all of this? The ways Calvin integrates into the larger Grand Rapids community are as varied and diverse as the student body of Calvin itself. Maybe it's the Calvin art student displaying his work at Calvin's downtown 106 Gallery.  Or maybe it's the first-year student participating in StreetFest, partnering with community organizations to serve the broader Grand Rapids community. It could be the senior at Calvin doing her internship at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Or maybe still it's the group of Calvin students living in a Project Neighborhood home, strengthening ties with neighbors and each other.

Whatever the case may be, your options for getting involved in the Grand Rapids community are vast, and Calvin strives to encourage and assist its students in making the most of their time in this amazing place.