• Read past issues
• Read previous issue
• Subscribe to Calvin-Parents
• E-mail Jim Van Wingerden
• Calvin Wire: March 1, 2008

• Calvin students on spring break this week
• Featured Web Site: Calvin-Wire
• General Crime Alert: Armed Robbery at Glen Oaks East Apts.
• Need to Know: February's newsletter for resident students
• Question of the Month: March 2008
• Calvin Orchestra Releases New DVD
• Knollcrest Circle donors support vital Calvin programs
• Visiting? Stay on campus at Calvin's Prince Conference Center
• Tuition, room & board payment due: March 14
• Pizza and a Movie treat orders due by March 20
• Student Life events at Calvin
• Calvin Distinctive #3: Spirited Community

• Calvin Sports: Upcoming athletic events
• Concert Calendar: March, early April
• Great Women, Great Voices: March 10-12, 15
• Polish Film Festival: March 14-15
• Noontime Series: Stories From The Life and Passion of Christ - March 20
• Calvin Around Town: Inner City Christian Federation - March 27
• Passport to Adventure: Prague to Paris, and a Cruise - April 3

• Lecture: Women in Michigan Prisons - March 18
• Lecture: The Faith of our Mothers - March 18
• Lecture: Conditional Moral Vegetarianism - March 20
• Lectures: Korean Lectureship - March 26 & 27
• Paul Henry Lecture: Dean Koldenhoven - March 31
• Lecture: The Religious Heritage of Rights Talk: A Symposium - March 31
• Conference: Transforming Culture: A Vision for the Church and the Arts - April 1-3
• Conference: Festival of Faith & Writing - April 17-19
  

Calvin students on spring break this week

Calvin's spring break began this past weekend on Friday, March 7. Although classes will not meet and some campus facilities and services are closed this week, most administrative offices and departments remain open during spring break from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Here are a few items to note:

•  Monday, March 10 - Friday, March 14: Johnny's Cafe (lower Commons) will be open from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. All other dining facilities are closed during Spring Break.
•  Sunday, March 16: Residence halls & KE apartments re-open at 12:00 noon. Students have been informed that the Commons Dining Hall will be open for lunch on March 16 from 12:00-1:00 pm and for supper from 4:45 - 6:00 pm.
•  Monday, March 17: Spring semester classes resume at 8:00 am

Please pray with us for safety as many members of the Calvin community travel to various destinations. As in past years, several Calvin students are forgoing the traditional exodus to the beach for a chance to work in some less exotic communities. This year 110 Calvin students and eight mentors are participating in service-learning spring break trips to Boston, MA; Rehoboth, NM; Pittsburg, PA; Knoxville, TN; Kansas City, MO; Dulac, LA; Boothville, LA; and Houma, LA. Read more.

The Calvin Orchestra, under the direction of Robert Nordling, will tour northeastern U.S. states during spring break with performances in Northville MI, Hoboken NJ, Wykoff NJ, Whitinsville MA, Worchester MA, Stony Brook NY, and Washington D.C. Visit the Music Department Web site for more details about the Calvin Orchestra's spring tour itinerary, including photo galleries and tour updates which will be added to the site throughout the tour.

Featured Web Site: Calvin-Wire

Those of you reading this item are already subscribing to the Calvin-Parents, the weekly e-newsletter for . . . Calvin parents! You may or may not be aware of the Calvin-Wire which is another e-newsletter published twice each month. Although similar in format to Calvin-Parents, Calvin-Wire typically features more "newsy" items and information items about Calvin College. Headlines from the last issue of Calvin-Wire that did not appear in Calvin-Parents include:
•  Gender Studies Celebrates Women's History Month
•  Professor Miller awarded NSF grant to study language acquisition
•  Nagel Grant for HIV/AIDS in Liberia
•  Students organize Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament
Parents certainly may subscribe to both e-newsletters if they wish. The latest issue of Calvin-Wire can be accessed on the Alumni Web site. Readers can also subscribe to Calvin-Wire on the Alumni Web site.

General Crime Alert: Armed Robbery at Glen Oaks East Apts.

As in the past we are informing parents of general crime alerts because we believe that knowledge and awareness increase safety. On Wednesday, March 5 the Campus Safety Office issued the following crime alert:
"At approximately 1:30 a.m. on March 3, a Calvin student was the victim of an armed robbery at Glen Oaks East apartment complex. The robbery happened in the parking lot in close proximity to 4254 Oak Forrest Lane SE. The student had exited her vehicle when she was approached by two suspects. One of the suspects pointed a gun at the student and demanded her wallet. After the suspects went through the student's wallet, t hey fled westbound from the parking lot in the direction of Ridge Park Charter Academy play ground. A report on the incident was filed with the Kentwood Police Department. At this point in time, no other incidents have been reported to the Kentwood Police Department, the management office of Glen Oaks East or to Calvin College."

The following advice was shared with students, faculty and staff:
"Be sure to lock car doors and keep valuables out of sight. Try to keep items like purses, backpacks and computers out of plain sight when leaving them in vehicles. Women should place purse straps across the shoulders. If possible, try to walk with another person, especially at night. Try to only walk in well lit areas. Be alert to places where people can hide and jump out and surprise someone. Do not attempt to confront or fight with an attacker, as they may have a weapon. Anyone who is either a witness to or a victim of a crime should call 911 IMMEDIATELY to have the police respond." The full crime alert can be reviewed on the Campus Safety Web site.

Need to Know: February's newsletter for resident students

The Residence Life division publishes a monthly newsletter for students, Need to Know, as a tool to highlight important dates, procedures, and policies that residents students must be aware of at various times during the academic year. A printed copy of the newsletter is distributed to all students living on campus in the residence halls and Knollcrest East. The February 2008 issue is now online, featuring such articles as: new residence hall, Roomdraw 2008, leadership opportunities, and 10 Ways to Make Your Spring Break Unforgettable (in a good way), and more. Parents, if you wish to review this newsletter from time to time you may access it online from the Parent Web site (click on Student Life) or directly from the Residence Life Web site.


Question of the Month: March 2008

"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 March 2008 question:

"A recent survey of Calvin students showed that health concerns can have a direct affect on a student's grade, the decision to drop a course, or staying in college. Based on your experience and observations, which health-related factor do you think was most frequently reported as problematic for Calvin students?" Please record your responses here.

Calvin Orchestra Releases New DVD

The Calvin Orchestra has released a new DVD recording, the third in a series of DVD's released under conductor Robert Nordling. The DVD contains a live recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 1 in D "Titan" recorded in November 2007. In addition to the performance recording, the DVD also contains special features with rehearsal footage and faculty and student interviews. Mahler's Symphony No. 1 DVD is available at the Calvin Campus Store for $15. Visit the Music Department Web site for more information.

Knollcrest Circle donors support vital Calvin programs

Calvin parents, alumni and friends are invited to consider a gift to the Calvin Annual Fund. Your gift of any amount helps Calvin provide daily resources for students that help bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a Calvin education. Donors who provide annual gifts of $1,000 or more to the Calvin Annual Fund are recognized by the college as members of the Knollcrest Circle. Through these leadership gifts, Knollcrest Circle donors support vital programs and resources that benefit Calvin students every day including scholarships and financial aid, state-of-the-art facilities, and educational opportunities that prepare our students for their own work of renewal. With gratitude to God, the college celebrates with our members at annual Knollcrest Circle events. If you would like more information about the Knollcrest Circle please contact Nancy Westra at 616-526-8762 or njw6@calvin.edu.

Visiting? Stay on campus at Calvin's Prince Conference Center

Are you making plans to visit your Calvin student and looking for lodging in Grand Rapids? Did you know that there is a quality hotel right on campus? Please consider the comfortable accommodations in any of one of 69 guest rooms at Calvin's Prince Conference Center. Be sure to identify yourself as a Calvin parent when registering or checking-in to receive the reduced rate for Calvin parents as low as $74/night, which includes a deluxe continental breakfast. Make your reservations today by calling toll-free at 866-526-7200 or online. Planning a wedding in Grand Rapids? Check out our online menus and facility pricing!

Tuition, room & board payment due: March 14

Pizza and a Movie treat orders due by March 20

The popular Pizza and a Movie treat features a certificate for a large, two-topping pizza, which can be delivered (or for dine-in, carry-out) at a time of your student's choosing. This treat also includes a Blockbuster© gift card and a bag of microwavable popcorn. Pizza and a Movie is featured this year as one of the seasonal treats and is included in the "Year of Treats" packages; it will be delivered to students on March 25. If you would like to order this scheduled seasonal treat for March 25 delivery, the order deadline in March 20. Of course, P&AM can also be ordered for your student at anytime for any occasion!


Student Life events at Calvin

This 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
•  Campus Calendar

Concert Calendar: March, early April

Calvin College is pleased to announce these upcoming concerts and events:
•  Calvin Orchestra, Spring Break Tour - Saturday, March 8 - Sunday, March 16 (Boston, New York, Washington D.C. Visit tour Web site for details.)
•  Student Composer Concert - Tuesday, March 25 at 7:30 pm - (Fine Arts Center Auditorium; tickets not required)
•  Student Recital: Amanda Koopman, mezzo-soprano and Jordan Clegg, baritone - Saturday, March 29 at 4:00 pm (Calvin Chapel; tickets not required)
•  The Artist Series: Chicago Jazz Ensemble - Saturday, March 29 at 8:00 pm (Fine Arts Center Auditorium; tickets are required. Calvin Box Office, 616-526-6282)
•  Student Recital: Melissa Simon, soprano - Saturday, April 5 at 2:00 pm (Calvin Chapel; tickets not required)
•  Student Recital: Tiffany Shomsky, violin - Saturday, April 5 at 4:00 pm (Calvin Chapel; tickets not required)
•  Student Recital: Airin Efferin, piano - Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 pm (Fine Arts Center Auditorium; tickets not required)
•  Chamber Winds Concert, Tiffany Engle, conductor - Friday, April 11 at 8:00 pm (Calvin Chapel; tickets not required)
•  Student Recital: Jana Kelder, mezzo-soprano - Saturday, April 12 at 2:00 pm (Calvin Chapel; tickets not required)
•  Student Recital: Sarah Looman, clarinet, and Lee Heyer, clarinet - Saturday, April 12 at 4:00 pm (Calvin Chapel; tickets not required)


Great Women, Great Voices: March 10-12, 15

The Grand Rapids Humanities Council and Calvin are teaming up this week for the Great Women, Great Voices project. Intended to allow women to tell and preserve their important stories during Women's History Month, the project will bring women to the television studio at Calvin's DeVos Communication Center where a family member or friend will interview them for approximately 30 minutes about their life experience, family history or whatever story they wish to tell. Each participant will be given a keepsake DVD of the session. Interviews will be scheduled for March 8, March 10-12 and March 15. There is no cost to participate and the program is open to the public; however, registration is required. Participants should call 616-774-1776 to register. The program is made possible in part by grants from the Nokomis Foundation and the Michigan Humanities Council.

Polish Film Festival: March 14-15

This film festival, Confrontation with Polish Cinema, will be offered on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at 6:30 pm in the Bytwerk Theater in the DeVos Communication Center. All Polish films are shown with English subtitles. The festival is free and open to the public, although there will be a $10 charge for the dessert reception to be held on Friday night at 9:00 pm. This event is presented by Grand Rapids Sister Cities International-Bielsko-Biala Committee in collaboration with Calvin Community Relations, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland, Chicago, IL and Polish Museum of America, Chicago, IL. For more information about film titles, descriptions and show times visit the Community Relations Web site.

Noontime Series: Stories From The Life and Passion of Christ - March 20

All are welcome to this and other Noontime Series programs sponsored by CALL (Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning); tickets are not required. Todd and Marilyn Farley, Calvin Mime Guild, and Mimeistry's Triflections bring new freshness through the art of mime to the infinite truths of the birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of our Lord. This Noontime series event will be held in Calvin's Fine Arts Center auditorium from noon to 1:00 pm.


Calvin Around Town: Inner City Christian Federation - March 27

The Calvin Alumni Association Grand Rapids Area Chapter will host its next edition of Calvin Around Town at the newly restored headquarters of ICCF, the Inner City Christian Federation, located at 920 Cherry Street in Grand Rapids. You are cordially invited to attend. The event will take place from 6:30-9:00 pm on Thursday evening, March 27. The fee is $10 per person and includes an hor d'oeuvre and dessert buffet. For additional information call 616-526-6142 or visit the Calvin Around Town Web site.

Passport to Adventure: Prague to Paris, and a Cruise - April 3

The Passport to Adventure Travel Series features professional, full-color films with live commentary by the filmmakers. The Thursday, April 3 program features filmmaker Clint Denn who will present "Prague to Paris, and a Cruise." 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).

Lecture: The Faith of our Mothers - March 18

Rev. Dr. Michelle Loyd-Paige, Dean of Multicultural Affairs at Calvin College, will speak on "The Faith of our Mothers: Black Women's Jesus, White Women's Christ" on Tuesday, March 18 at 3:30 pm in the Commons Lecture Hall. This event is sponsored by the Gender Studies Minor program.

Lecture: Conditional Moral Vegetarianism - March 20

The Philosophy@Calvin Lecture Series continues on Thursday, March 20 with Terence Cuneo, Calvin College/University of Vermont speaking on "Conditional Moral Vegetarianism." This lecture begins at 3:30 pm in the Commons Lecture Hall.

Lectures: Korean Lectureship - March 26 & 27

Dr. Stephan Linton, visiting associate of the Korean Institute at Harvard University, will provide the following as The Inaugural Lectures of the Korean Lectureship:
•  What Should Christians Do about North Korea? - Wednesday, March 26 at 3:30 pm, Meeter Center Lecture Hall
•  Why Should Koreans Care about North Korea? - Thursday, March 27 at 3:30 pm, Calvin Seminary Auditorium


This lectureship is cosponsored by the Asian Studies Program at Calvin College & the Nagel Institute.

Paul Henry Lecture: Dean Koldenhoven - March 31

The annual Paul Henry Lecture, featuring Dean Koldenhoven, former mayor of Palos Heights, Illinois and 2002 recipient of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award will be at 7:30 pm on March 31, 2008 in the Prince Conference Center. In 2000, plans to purchase a vacant Christian church and open a mosque in the Chicago suburb of Palos Heights was met with extensive opposition from the community and city council. Mayor Koldenhoven took a stand within his community in support of the Al Salam Mosque Foundation, condemning bigotry and religious intolerance toward the Islamic community. He was subsequently defeated in his bid for relection in 2001. In 2002, Koldenhoven received the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award for political courage and public service. When asked how he decided to take his controversial stand in the community, Koldenhoven replied "I learned in grammar school about the First Amendment in which the first part of it says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" and Jesus command in the Bible when he says to "love your neighbor." The decision was easy." The lecture is free and open to the public.

Lecture: The Religious Heritage of Rights Talk: A Symposium - March 31

Calvin College will host a symposium with two internationally-acclaimed scholars who have a very different story to tell about religion and human rights. John Witte, Jr. (right) is the Robitscher Professor of Law and Director of the Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University, and will discuss the roots and origins of a modern account of human rights in early modern Calvinism. Nicholas Wolterstorff (left)
is the Noah Porter Professor of Philosophical Theology Emeritus at Yale, and will dig back even further, arguing that modern intuitions about rights and justice are indebted to the Hebrew and Christian scriptures--and cannot be sustained by a wholly secular ethos. This symposium will take place on March 31 at 7:00 pm in the Commons Lecture Hall. Refreshments will be served. This event is cosponsored by the Service-Learning Center, Sociology and Social Work Department, and Calvin Center for Christian Scholarship.


Conference: Transforming Culture: A Vision for the Church and the Arts - April 1-3

Held in Austin, Texas. The symposium, Transforming Culture: A Vision for the Church and the Arts, brings together pastors, church leaders and artists to discuss the church's relation to the arts and to artists. If you are interested in exploring ways to encourage a more theologically informed, biblically grounded, liturgically sensitive, artistically alive and missionally shrewd vision for the church and the arts, then we welcome you to join us for a stimulating and refreshing two-day conversation. Speakers include Eugene Peterson, Jeremy Begbie, Barbara Nicolosi, Andy Crouch, David Taylor, and John D. Witvliet. Co-sponsored by The Hill Country Institute for Contemporary Christianity and the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Registration and additional information, including substantial discount for early registration.


Conference: Festival of Faith & Writing - April 17-19, 2008

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! February's featured book is titled "God's Silence" by Franz Wright.

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