Calvin-Parents - Monday, January 7, 2008 - Volume 5: No. 1
 
Calvin-Parents is an e-mail newsletter that is published to keep Calvin parents informed of campus news, programs, events and other helpful information. Families and Friends
In This Issue:
Campus Events: You Are Invited!
Conferences, Workshops, Lectures
In This Issue:


Although the Interim is a brief and somewhat intensive academic term, most students find that the opportunity to focus for three weeks on just one course provides a welcome change of pace from the rigors of a regular semester. The residence halls and Knollcrest East communities take opportunity to program many special events during the Interim. Here is a sampling of a few of those events:
Dorm game night
 •  Dorm tournaments: board games, ping pong
•  Karaoke night
•  Saturday Ski Trip
•  January Series discussions
•  MLK commemorative events
•  Outdoor ice-skating (weather permitting!)

•  Flamingo Football
•  extended open house hours
•  Midnight Broomball
•  January Jamboree
•  Dorm Praise Break at 10 pm
•  Interim Intramurals (indoor soccer, dodge ball)
•  Gym Night
Square dance




Calvin's Interim 2008 Web site Check out Calvin's new Interim Web site which highlights:

•  featured Interim courses
•  photo of the day
•  after class events
•  course weblogs

 






Please take a moment to respond to the January 2008 question: "During this past year, on which topic has your student most requested your assistance or advice?" "Question of the Month" is a non-scientific "pop" survey for Calvin parents. You are invited to submit your answer to each monthly question--we will tabulate and post the results the following month. Please take a moment to respond to the January 2008 question: "During this past year, on which topic has your student most requested your assistance or advice?"
Please record your response here.




Mark your calendar now for this popular annual event, which provides your Calvin student an opportunity to share the Calvin experience with a younger sibling, cousin, family friend, etc. Mark your calendar now for this popular annual event, which provides your Calvin student an opportunity to share the Calvin experience with a younger sibling, cousin, family friend, etc. The cost is $22 per sibling, which includes up to six meals in the dining halls (Friday dinner through Sunday lunch), admission to all of the Siblings Weekend activities on campus (with the exception of Rangeela), and bowling at Eastbrook Lanes. Tickets for either Rangeela performance (Friday or Saturday night) must be purchased separately through the Calvin Box Office at 616-526-6282; tickets will go on sale later in January 2008. For additional information visit the Siblings Weekend Web site.

Older siblings (grades 10-12) should note that Siblings Weekend 2008 is also a Fridays at Calvin visit weekend; Monday, February 18 is also a scheduled "Mondays" at Calvin program date.




Micah Challenge is a global Christian campaign. The aim is to deepen engagement with impoverished communities through education, advocacy and prayer. The Micah Challenge supports Calvin's mission and continual efforts to educate and advocate around issues of justice and global health. During the month of January Calvin is taking on the Micah challenge a variety of events. Read more on the Faith Web site. Micah Challenge is a global Christian campaign. The aim is to deepen engagement with impoverished communities through education, advocacy and prayer. The Micah Challenge supports Calvin's mission and continual efforts to educate and advocate around issues of justice and global health. During the month of January Calvin is taking on the Micah challenge with a variety of events. Read more on the Faith Web site.




Current students have been informed of the opportunity to apply for named and departmental scholarships for 2008-2009. These "named" scholarships are established by donors for students who meet specific eligibility criteria, often based on factors such as academic major, intended career goal, GPA, minority status, etc. Current students have been informed of the opportunity to apply for named and departmental scholarships for 2008-2009. These "named" scholarships are established by donors for students who meet specific eligibility criteria, often based on factors such as academic major, intended career goal, GPA, minority status, etc. These scholarships are listed in the college catalog beginning on page 278. Students can also access an online search tool to assist with this process. The application form for Upperclass Named/Departmental Scholarships, Education, Engineering and Nursing Scholarships is available on-line. Students can access and complete the application on KnightVision: KnightVision> My Resources> Student Scholarships and Financial Aid>Apply for Aid>Upperclass Named Scholarship Application.

A number of other scholarships are awarded to students in particular academic departments. Applications for these scholarships are available from, and must be submitted to, the academic department for which the scholarship is designated. The application for most of these scholarships needs to be completed and submitted by March 1.




Increasingly, Calvin parents, alumni and donors are choosing to endow a scholarship to honor a loved one, encourage students to pursue a particular field of study, and to help students access the lifelong benefits of a Calvin education. Calvin currently administers more than 500 named scholarships--50 new scholarships were added during the past year.An endowed "named" scholarship (as described above) is quite literally a gift that keeps on giving. Increasingly, Calvin parents, alumni and donors are choosing to endow a scholarship to honor a loved one, encourage students to pursue a particular field of study, and to help students access the lifelong benefits of a Calvin education. Calvin currently administers more than 500 named scholarships--50 new scholarships were added during the past year. An endowed scholarship is a wonderful stewardship opportunity to consider for your resources and will benefit generations of students, ensuring a healthy Calvin College for tomorrow. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity please contact Lois Konyndyk at 800-968-4363 or namedscholarships@calvin.edu.




The theme for this year's conference is "Sustainability: Fruit that Lasts," based on John 15:5: "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing."Calvin will be hosting its third annual student-organized Faith and International Development Conference from January 31 - February 2. Hundreds of students from all over the U.S. and Canada will be attending. The theme for this year's conference is "Sustainability: Fruit that Lasts," based on John 15:5: "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing." Each of the plenary speakers for the conference will zero in on one of these development targets - community, ecology, healthcare and economics. A fifth plenary session will feature a panel discussion between the four speakers and the audience. The key sponsors for this year's Faith and International Development Conference are the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, International Aid, the Mennonite Central Committee, Partners Worldwide and World Vision. For additional information visit the conference Web site.



Furniture and large items may not be stored in on-campus storage areas. Some local storage businesses do offer student discounts and special summer packages for storage space. For more information call 616-526-6094 or write to parents@calvin.edu. Some parents have asked about Calvin’s policy regarding storage of student property during the summer months. Students who will be returning to Calvin in September 2007 to live in either the residence halls or Knollcrest East apartments may store boxes and trunks in the designated trunk storage rooms. Although these rooms are locked throughout the summer, students must understand that storage is considered “at your own risk” as the college does not have insurance for students' personal property. Furniture and large items may not be stored in on-campus storage areas. Some local storage businesses do offer student discounts and special summer packages for storage space. For more information call 616-526-6094 or write to parents@calvin.edu.




Another goal is excellence. We continually measure our performance by asking students to evaluate the quality of their dining experience. Calvin Dining Services’ number one goal is to serve the Calvin community flavorful and nutritious meals. We want our students to have a dining experience that is fun, relaxing and enjoyable. Weekly menus feature fresh fruit, fresh natural juices, fresh baked goods, salad bars with numerous toppings, vegetarian offerings and a variety of entrees at each meal. Another goal is excellence. We continually measure our performance by asking students to evaluate the quality of their dining experience. If your student has suggestions or ideas about our services please direct them to any hospitality manager, to complete one of the comment cards found in either dining hall, or the convenient Web feedback form, and we will be glad to respond!  


Weekend-hapsThis weekly feature of Calvin-Parents attempts to showcase student life events--movies, concerts, weekend events, etc.--by highlighting links to the student Web resources below:
•  "Weekend-haps" (this past weekend!)
•  Student Activities (SAO) Web site
Dorm lobby photo NOTE: If you read the "Weekend-haps" Web site on a Monday, please note that this is a listing of events that took place during the weekend prior. This site is typically updated with upcoming weekend events every Thursday.



A faculty and staff "mentoring" program facilitates one-on-one relationships with students, and the residence hall staff helps build connections and meaningful friendships for students living away from home. Calvin's thoughtful Christian community strengthens heart, soul, mind and body. Calvin students, faculty and staff value the task of serving God together through intellectual exploration, spirited interaction, worship and work. A faculty and staff "mentoring" program facilitates one-on-one relationships with students, and the residence hall staff helps build connections and meaningful friendships for students living away from home. For more information visit the Calvin Distinctives Web site.


Campus Events: You Are Invited!


Calvin KnightsFor information about athletic events visit the Sports Information Web site. Need Calvin sports results fast? Call the Calvin sports hotline at 616-526-6522 for current sports updates. You can also sign up for the Calvin Sports-Report, a free e-mail bulletin notifying Calvin sports fans of current sports news.



Calvin College is pleased to announce these upcoming concerts and events:

Alumni Choir Concert: "Souvenirs: A Musical Journey," Pearl Shangkuan, conductor - Friday, January 11 at 8:00 pm (Second Christian Reformed Church, 2021 Sheldon Road, Grand Haven, Michigan; tickets not required) •  - Friday, January 11 at 8:00 pm (Second Christian Reformed Church, 2021 Sheldon Road, Grand Haven, Michigan; tickets not required)
•  - Sunday, January 13 at 8:00 pm (Fine Arts Center Auditorium; tickets are required. Calvin Box Office, 616-526-6282)
•  - Saturday, January 19 at 8:00 pm (Fine Arts Center Auditorium; tickets not required)
•  - Sunday, January 27 at 8:00 pm (Calvin Chapel; tickets not required)
•  - Monday, January 28 at 8:00 pm (Calvin Chapel; tickets not required)




The Thursday, January 10 program features filmmaker Steve McCurdy who will present "Postcards From Italy." All Passport to Adventure programs are presented in the Calvin Fine Arts Auditorium at 7:30 pm. The Passport to Adventure Travel Series features professional, full-color films with live commentary by the filmmakers. The Thursday, January 10 program features filmmaker Steve McCurdy who will present "Postcards From Italy." All Passport to Adventure programs are presented in the Calvin Fine Arts Auditorium at 7:30 pm. Tickets are required; contact the Calvin Box Office at 616-526-6282. Passport to Adventure is a public, non-profit activity under the sponsorship of the Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning (CALL).




The classic Calvin-Hope men's basketball rivalry will reignite on Saturday, January 26 at 2:00 pm at the Calvin College Fieldhouse. The classic Calvin-Hope men's basketball rivalry will reignite on Saturday, January 26 at 2:00 pm at the Calvin College Fieldhouse. Calvin and Hope parents, family, and alumni are invited to gather at one of more than 40 Rivalry sites across the U.S. and Canada to participate in this Calvin-Hope tradition via live satellite broadcast. To locate the event closest to your area visit the Rivalry Web site. Are you unable to find a Rivalry location nearby? Call 616-526-6142 and perhaps we can recruit you (in 2009) to help make local arrangements to plan a new Rivalry event in your hometown! Check out the Calvin/Hope "Rivalry" Web site!

The Calvin-Hope rivalry has gained national attention in recent years and was recently ranked one of the country's fiercest rivalries behind Duke/North Carolina, Connecticut/Tennessee (women's) and Louisville/Kentucky. The first game between the two schools was played during the 1920-21 season. Since then, Hope and Calvin have played 165 times; Calvin has won 83 games and Hope has won 82.




The Calvin Theatre Company will present Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll, adapted and Directed by Todd Farley, on January 31 and February 1-2 and 7-9 in the Lab Theatre at Calvin College.The Calvin Theatre Company will present Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll, adapted and Directed by Todd Farley, on January 31 and February 1-2 and 7-9 in the Lab Theatre at Calvin College. Lewis Carroll's fantastic tale takes on a new twist in this whimsical mimo-drama (a mix of physical and spoken theatre). Familiar characters such as the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, Jabberwocky, and Alice will charm the audience with their mime, full-body puppetry, and fanciful banter. Calvin Theatre Company's Alice in Wonderland celebrates a creativity and childlike imagination that defies common sense yet in the process touches something deeply hidden in our hearts--delight. Tickets are available from the Calvin Box Office; 616-526-6282.




KnightShift: Homecoming 2008Homecoming 2008 is not an event just for students and alumni--Calvin parents and family members are warmly invited as well! Events include a Gospel Choir reunion and concert, as well as a Project Neighborhood Reunion (celebrating 10 years!). Other Homecoming highlights feature:
•  Calvin basketball & ice hockey
•  Annual Airband contest
•  Alice In Wonderland, CTC's winter play
•  Alumni photography exhibition
•  Award luncheon honoring Dr. Don Wilson
•  Cold Knight Club Sem Pond Jump
•  other concerts and events
Visit the Homecoming Web site to view the complete program and details. Tickets for Homecoming events can be ordered online.


Conferences, Workshops, Lectures



The lineup for the 2008 January Series of Calvin College features its usual collection of top-notch experts from around the world. The January Series is held in the Calvin College Fine Arts Center Auditorium; tickets are not required. This week's presentations include:

Sonia Nazario


Sonia Nazario
Enrique's Journey

Chris Seiple
Stewarding American Power: Recommendations for the Next President
 Chris Seiple
Eleanor Clift
Eleanor Clift
Countdown to Election 2008

Debra Rienstra
Words Wear Out: How Writers Help Us Renew Religious Language
 Debra Rienstra
Ishmael Beah
Ishmael Beah
A Long Way Gone:
Memoirs of a Boy Soldier


All presentations begin at 12:30 pm and end promptly at 1:30 pm (EST). Additionally, remote webcasts at a dozen sites around the U.S. will bring January Series' expertise to such locales as Muskegon, Ann Arbor and Chicago and as far away as Florida and California. In addition to these remote sites, listeners may also join in as most of the presentations will be broadcast in real audio through the Calvin Web site. More information, including the entire 2008 January Series schedule and the complete list of remote webcast sites, is available on the January Series Web site.




How would you like to walk up to a line of homeless people waiting for food, and offer a respectable job to everyone who wanted one? Ron Jimmerson, workforce diversity manager at plastics manufacturer Cascade Engineering, got the chance to do just that. He describes for host Shirley Hoogstra how it turned out. How would you like to walk up to a line of homeless people waiting for food, and offer a respectable job to everyone who wanted one? Ron Jimmerson, workforce diversity manager at plastics manufacturer Cascade Engineering, got the chance to do just that. He describes for host Shirley Hoogstra how it turned out.

Inner Compass is a Calvin-produced television show that explores how people make decisions regarding ethical, religious, and social justice issues. Inner Compass typically airs in western Michigan on PBS station WGVU-TV on Sunday afternoons at 1:00 pm: Grand Rapids (channel 35/cable channel 6) and Kalamazoo (channel 52). Two full seasons of episodes are also downloadable in video or audio from the Inner Compass Web site. Each Wednesday the latest program is added (or, each Monday on iTunes, podcasts section).




You are invited to join the English and Religion Departments in welcoming to campus Dr. Michael Ward, Chaplain of Peterhouse, University of Cambridge. Michael is a C. S. Lewis scholar whose book "Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis" has just been released by Oxford University Press. Dr. Ward's lecture is entitled "C. S. Lewis, Narnia, and the Seven Heavens." The lecture will take place at 7:30 pm in the Chapel Undercroft. You are invited to join the English and Religion Departments in welcoming to campus Dr. Michael Ward, Chaplain of Peterhouse, University of Cambridge. Michael is a C. S. Lewis scholar whose book "Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis" has just been released by Oxford University Press. Dr. Ward's lecture is entitled "C. S. Lewis, Narnia, and the Seven Heavens." The lecture will take place at 7:30 pm in the Chapel Undercroft.




The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and the Center for Excellence in Preaching warmly invite you to attend the Calvin Symposium on Worship, January 24-26, 2008.The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and the Center for Excellence in Preaching warmly invite you to attend the Calvin Symposium on Worship, January 24-26, 2008. Worshipers and worship leaders from around the world gather at Symposium each January for a time of fellowship, worship, and learning, seeking to deepen and integrate all aspects of worship, develop their gifts, encourage each other, and renew their commitment to the full ministry of the church. Online registration is now open.




At the Festival, our goal is to provide a vibrant community where readers and writers come together to discuss, celebrate, and explore the ways in which faith is represented in literature and how it plays out in our world today. The Festival of Faith & Writing is a biennial gathering of readers and writers hosted by Calvin College. At the Festival, our goal is to provide a vibrant community where readers and writers come together to discuss, celebrate, and explore the ways in which faith is represented in literature and how it plays out in our world today. The upcoming Festival features Kathleen Norris, Yann Martel, Katherine Paterson, Michael Chabon, Francine Rivers, Gail Godwin, Edward P. Jones, Haven Kimmel, and Elizabeth Berg, and many more. No matter what your literary interests, the 2008 Festival has a track for you, featuring writers in every imaginable genre. If you are intrigued by how faith informs art, or if you simply need a few days to celebrate the joy of words, then you should consider attending! Online registration is now available and early registration is advised.

Each month one book is showcased, written by an author who is scheduled to participate in Festival 2008. Our goal with this new feature-which we call "Festival Favorites"-is to shine light on some good books that perhaps aren't (yet) on your bookshelves. We hope you get a chance to read a few of these "favorites" before the Festival next April! January's featured book is The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon.




The summer months at Calvin are busy with many activities and events, including a sizable offering of conferences, workshops and seminars. Applications are now being accepted for the summer of 2008. Please visit our Web site for additional information and applications or contact Marilyn Rottman at 616-526-7524; mjr22@calvin.edu. Please note that the application deadline is January 31, 2008.
•  ; July 14-August 1, 2008
Funded by The Louisville Institute and Seminars in Christian Scholarship at Calvin College
•  ; July 21-25, 2008
Funded by the Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning at Calvin College and the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
The summer months at Calvin are busy with many activities and events, including a sizable offering of conferences, workshops and seminars. Applications are now being accepted for the summer of 2008. Please visit our Web site for additional information and applications or contact Marilyn Rottman at 616-526-7524; mjr22@calvin.edu. •  ; June 23-July 18, 2008. Co-sponsored by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship; Funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
•  ; June 23-July 3, 2008
Co-sponsored by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship; Funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

•  ; July 7-18, 2008
Funded by the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Theological Seminary
•  ; July 21-25, 2008
Funded by the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Theological Seminary
•  ; Evenings of June 23,24,25,26,30 and July 1,2, 2008
Other Helpful Links:

Parent & Family Resources
Parent Calendar
Worship & Discipleship
Campus News
Daily Sports Update		 From My Window, a Weblog for parents by Jim Van Wingerden Click for the weather forecast at Calvin
Roving WebCam WebCam

Calvin-Parents, published by the Calvin Office of Parent Relations, is an e-mail newsletter published for parents, grandparents and family members of Calvin students. To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change delivery to a different e-mail address send an e-mail message to parents@calvin.edu, call 616-526-6094, or follow the directions posted on the Calvin-Parents Web site. Click here to access archived issues of Calvin-Parents.

. E-mail Jim Van Wingerden, Calvin Parent Relations Director | 616-526-6094