Calvin-Parents - Monday, April 28, 2008 - Volume 5, No. 17
 
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:




As we end the month of April we welcome hundreds of new Calvin parents to the readership of this Calvin-Parents e-newsletter.As we end the month of April we welcome hundreds of new Calvin parents to the readership of this Calvin-Parents e-newsletter. Calvin-Parents is published weekly when classes are in session, and 1-2 times per month during the summer. Parents consistently tell us that the Calvin-Parents newsletter is their critical "link" to the college and report that the information shared is timely, helpful and informative. If you wish to add additional e-mail addresses (work, grandparents, etc.), change delivery to a different address, or to unsubscribe simply follow directions posted on the Calvin-Parents Web site. If you experience any difficulty with these procedures simply send an e-mail message with your request to parents@calvin.edu or call Jim Van Wingerden, parent relations director at 616-526-6094.



New Calvin Parents Web siteA helpful resource is housed on the Parent & Family Web site that gathers appropriate links for "new" Calvin parents - those who will have a first-year or transfer student beginning at Calvin College in September. Many other resources are also featured on the Parent Web site, including a resource highlighting links to many frequently-asked computer-related questions that first-year students and parents may encounter this spring or summer. If you have a question or concern as you and your student prepare for September, please do not hesitate to contact Jim Van Wingerden, parent relations director, at 616-526-6094 or at parents@calvin.edu.




To celebrate 12 years of Residence Life's Mosaic program and the re-launch of the program as the Grassroots Community the Calvin community is invited to celebrate on Monday, April 28th from 9:30 -10:30 am in the Library Lobby. Refreshments will be provided. For additional information about Grassroots, to be housed in the new wing of Kalsbeek-Huizinga, check out this resource on the Housing Web site. To celebrate 12 years of Residence Life's Mosaic program and the re-launch of the program as the Grassroots Community the Calvin community is invited to celebrate on Monday, April 28th from 9:30 -10:30 am in the Library Lobby. Refreshments will be provided. For additional information about Grassroots, to be housed in the new wing of Kalsbeek-Huizinga, check out this resource on the Housing Web site.




Calvin College, in conjunction with Michigan Community Blood Centers, is sponsoring a blood drive next week on April 29, 30 and May 1 in the Chapel Undercroft. Calvin College, in conjunction with Michigan Community Blood Centers, is sponsoring a blood drive next week on April 29, 30 and May 1 in the Chapel Undercroft. Donors are welcome to drop in any time between 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, or may sign up for a specific time slot (and avoid waiting in line) in the Service Learning Center office (Commons Annex).




The Spring Exam Treat ($15) features a box filled with study snacks (popcorn, candy, granola bars, etc.) and study supplies (bluebook, pens, and pencils). The order deadline for this treat is Thursday, May 1; the treat will be delivered to students on Tuesday, May 6.Help your hard-working student jump-start spring exams with your vote of confidence! The Spring Exam Treat ($15) features a box filled with study snacks (popcorn, candy, granola bars, etc.) and study supplies (bluebook, pens, and pencils). The order deadline for this treat is Thursday, May 1; the treat will be delivered to students on Tuesday, May 6. Remember that you can also surprise your student with the popular "Pizza and a Movie" treat, which can be ordered anytime and often! This treat features a certificate for a large two-topping pizza, a bag of popcorn, and a Blockbuster® gift card!




Students have been informed that Symantec 11 must be installed on their personal computer in order to use ResNet or wireless to connect to the Calvin network and the Internet beginning September 2008. Students have been invited to get a head start on the Fall and download a free copy of Symantec 11 today! Questions or issues about installing Symantec Antivirus can be directed to the HelpDesk at 616-526-8555 or helpdesk@calvin.edu.




Here are some important dates to note in conjunction with the end of the spring semester, exams, and Commencement:
•  Thursday, May 8: Last day of classes (Friday class schedule in effect)
•  Friday, May 9: Reading Recess (no classes)
•  Saturday, May 10: Exams begin at 9:00 am
•  Thursday, May 15: Exams end at 10:00 pm
•  Friday, May 16: Residence halls and Knollcrest East apartments close at 10:00 am. Residents must move out of on-campus housing 24 hours after their last exam. Students with Thursday exams, or those with special permission, may remain in the halls or KE apartments over Thursday evening, May 15. Students with questions or concerns should see their RD.
•  Thursday-Saturday, May 15-17: Commencement activities
•  Friday, May 16: Residence hall lodging available for parents and families of graduates after 3:00 pm
•  Saturday, May 17: Commencement Ceremony at 2:00 pm at Van Andel Arena; tickets required




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 2008 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.




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
•  Campus Calendar
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.



Across the curriculum, students and faculty analyze all aspects of culture and respond to God's call to make all things new. This begins with Calvin's first-year student program, which includes a class called Prelude and an Interim class called Developing a Christian Mind. These courses provide new students with a framework for building a worldview - a framework of faith that supports their entire Calvin education.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. At Calvin there is an emphasis on applying discernment to learning. Across the curriculum, students and faculty analyze all aspects of culture and respond to God's call to make all things new. This begins with Calvin's first-year student program, which includes a class called Prelude and an Interim class called Developing a Christian Mind. These courses provide new students with a framework for building a worldview - a framework of faith that supports their entire Calvin education. 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.




The end of the spring semester is a great season for music-lovers at Calvin College! We're pleased to announce these upcoming concerts and events:

•  - Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30 pm (Fine Arts Center auditorium; tickets are required++)
•  - Wednesday, April 30 at 7:30 pm (Fine Arts Center auditorium; tickets not required)
•  - Thursday, May 1 at 7:30 pm (Fine Arts Center auditorium; tickets are required++)
Calvin Alumni Choir Cncert, Pearl Shangkuan, conductor•  - Friday, May 2 at 8:00 pm (Calvin Chapel; tickets (free) are required++)
•  - Saturday, May 3 at 2:00 pm (Calvin Seminary Chapel; tickets not required)
•  - Saturday, May 3 at 4:00 pm (Calvin Seminary Chapel; tickets not required)
•  - Saturday, May 3 at 8:00 pm (Fine Arts Center auditorium; tickets not required)
•  - Sunday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. (Calvin Chapel; tickets not required)

++ Tickets are available from the Calvin Box Office, 616-526-6282.




From April 25 to May 3 the Center Art Gallery presents "Sticks and Stones, BFA Exhibition," featuring the work of four BFA graduates: photographers and mixed media artists Tracy Rose Guajardo and Ruth Ribeiro, painter and printmaker Sara Bakker and painter and ceramist Eric Heerspink. From April 25 to May 3 the Center Art Gallery presents "Sticks and Stones, BFA Exhibition," featuring the work of four BFA graduates: photographers and mixed media artists Tracy Rose Guajardo and Ruth Ribeiro, painter and printmaker Sara Bakker and painter and ceramist Eric Heerspink. A reception for the event happens from 7:00 – 9:00 pm opening night at the same venue. The barrier-free Center Art Gallery, located on the lower level of the Spoelhof College Center, is open 9:00 to 9:00 on Monday through Thursday, 9:00 - 5:00 on Friday, and noon to 4:00 pm on Saturday. There is no admission charge.



Glenn Bulthuis, a 1977 Calvin grad and "Calvin Rock-n-Roll Icon" for the past thirty years, will perform with his band, the Tonedeafs, at the historic Ladies Literary Club (61 Sheldon SE) in downtown Grand Rapids on May 2 and 3. Show times are at 8:00 pm on both nights. Glenn Bulthuis, a 1977 Calvin grad and "Calvin Rock-n-Roll Icon" for the past thirty years, will perform with his band, the Tonedeafs, at the historic Ladies Literary Club (61 Sheldon SE) in downtown Grand Rapids on May 2 and 3. Show times are at 8:00 pm on both nights. These shows are billed as "CD Release Parties" for the upcoming "Greatest Hits" CD that will be coming out this spring. Glenn sprinkles numerous "Calvin songs" throughout his concerts. Tickets are available through the Calvin Box Office, 616-526-6282. To learn more about this event and Glenn and his band, visit the Glenn Bulthuis Home Page..




The 24th annual Senior Design Banquet & Projects Night for engineering graduates and their family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 3. Punch bowl and prototype viewing begins at 4:30 pm, dinner is served at 6:00, and the 16 design teams will present their projects from 7:30-9:00 p.m. The 24th annual Senior Design Banquet & Projects Night for engineering graduates and their family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 3. Punch bowl and prototype viewing begins at 4:30 pm, dinner is served at 6:00, and the 16 design teams will present their projects from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Come to see the results from design teams "Cooling Calvin Cleanly," "Recumbent Hydraulic Bicycle," "Cambodianfinity" and 13 others! Tickets are required for the dinner; additional details are available on the engineering department Web site.




The First Saturdays series will continue in the Discovery Place at the BIC on Saturday, May 3 from 10:00 - 12:00 with Native Plant Sale and Garden Tours. Our popular native plant sale is back! Come purchase some beautiful plants for your yard. This year, Calvin professors Dave Warners and Randy Van Dragt will lead several garden tours sharing with you their tips for planting successful rain gardens, shade gardens, and butterfly gardens. All proceeds from the sale benefit the Wetlands and Woodlands Summer Camp Program. Watch the website for a list of plants available for sale a couple weeks before the event. Join us on the first Saturday of each month for an up-close look at a different aspect of our West Michigan environment. The First Saturdays series will continue in the Discovery Place at the BIC on Saturday, May 3 from 10:00 - 12:00 with Native Plant Sale and Garden Tours. Our popular native plant sale is back! Come purchase some beautiful plants for your yard. This year, Calvin professors Dave Warners and Randy Van Dragt will lead several garden tours sharing with you their tips for planting successful rain gardens, shade gardens, and butterfly gardens. All proceeds from the sale benefit the Wetlands and Woodlands Summer Camp Program. Watch the website for a list of plants available for sale a couple weeks before the event. The First Saturdays events are free and open to the public. For more information call 616-526-7601.




Members of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company will participate in the May 6 Calvin Around Town event.The Calvin Alumni Association Grand Rapids Area Chapter will host its next edition of Calvin Around Town at the Meijer-Royce Center for Dance and the Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth SW in Grand Rapids, with the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. Ellen Van't Hof, assistant professor of dance at Calvin, will give an update about the college's offerings in this area. Laura Schwenk-Berman, GRBC associate artistic director, and company dancers will present a brief oral history of ballet and a short demonstration class explaining ballet technique. You are cordially invited to attend. The event will take place from 6:30-9:00 pm on Tuesday evening, May 6. The fee is $20 per person and includes an hors d'oeuvre and dessert buffet. For additional information call 616-526-6142 or visit the Calvin Around Town Web site.




Everyone is invited to attend an art installation reception and view a series of painting and quilts titled " Delight in God's Creation." These painting and quilts will be on permanent display in the hallway of the Bunker Interpretive Center. Please save the date of May 14 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm to attend this delightful event.




The various centers and institutes at Calvin College will host the second annual Celebration of Faculty Scholarship to recognize faculty who have achieved some significant scholarly accomplishment (e.g., the publication of a book, the publication of an article in a peer-reviewed journal, the awarding of a major grant, or something else that may reflect an important scholarly accomplishment within your particular discipline) during the past year (June 2007- May 2008). This year's event will take place on Friday, May 16, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Meeter Center Lecture Hall and the Library Lobby. Refreshments will be available throughout, including a buffet lunch between noon and 1 in the Meeter Center Lecture Hall. Parents wishing to attend the free lunch buffet may call ahead to reserve tickets by contacting Dawn Crook at 616-526-6871 or by e-mail at drc5@calvin.edu.




Come and celebrate with us! Join President Byker, student-selected "2007 Professor of the Year" Dr. Joy Bonnema, and other Calvin administrators for this special Commencement event on Saturday, May 17 from 9:00-10:30 am in the Prince Conference Center. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased from the Calvin Box Office at 616-526-6282. Come and celebrate with us! Join President Byker, student-selected "2007 Professor of the Year" Dr. Joy Bonnema, and other Calvin administrators for this special Commencement event on Saturday, May 17 from 9:00-10:30 am in the Prince Conference Center. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased from the Calvin Box Office at 616-526-6282. Seating is limited to the first 300 parents who place their order. Tickets for this event will not be sold after May 12, 2008. (Note: During this event the graduates will be participating in the annual Senior Brunch held in the Commons Dining Hall).



Conferences, Workshops, Lectures



Please join the GEO Department and the Meijer Chair in Dutch Language and Culture for a special lecture, part of Dutch heritage month on Tuesday, April 29 at 3:30 pm in North Hall Room 078. Dr. Henk Aay will be speaking about the new "Bosatlas van Nederland". Refreshments served!




Please, join us for a lecture, "The Human Right to a Green Future: Environmental Rights and Intergenerational Justice." by Dr. Richard Hiskes, professor of Political Science at the University of Connecticut and editor of the Journal of Human Rights.Please, join us for a lecture, "The Human Right to a Green Future: Environmental Rights and Intergenerational Justice." by Dr. Richard Hiskes, professor of Political Science at the University of Connecticut and editor of the Journal of Human Rights. Global warming and climate change raise the prospects both of how best to protect the environment and to meet our obligations to those who come after us. In this presentation, Professor Hiskes argues for the reality of "environmental human rights" to clean air, water, and soil. Environmental rights are "emergent human rights," belonging to human beings because of their relationship with nature and with future generations. They are both "new" rights and the proper foundation of environmental justice across generations. The lecture will take place on Tuesday, April 29, at 3:30 pm in the Commons Lecture Hall. Co-sponsored by the Departments of Biology, Philosophy, Political Science, the Office of Community Engagement, the Environmental Stewardship Coalition and the Provost Office.




On Tuesday, April 29 medical anthropologist Barbara Rylko-Bauer, Ph.D will present a lecture entitled "Intersection of Poverty and Disease: Insights from Medical Anthropology," discussing how social, cultural and biological factors all influence health and well being. On Tuesday, April 29 medical anthropologist Barbara Rylko-Bauer, Ph.D will present a lecture entitled "Intersection of Poverty and Disease: Insights from Medical Anthropology," discussing how social, cultural and biological factors all influence health and well being. She will introduce us to the field of medical anthropology and her own work and then focus particularly on diseases that disproportionately affect the poor. Dr. Rylko-Bauer won the 2003 Virchow Award for her work with Paul Farmer and has written numerous articles in medical anthropology. The lecture will begin at 7:00 pm in North Hall 161 and is hosted by the International Health and Development Club.




Please reserve time on your calendar for this upcoming Byker Chair event. On Tuesday, May 6 guest speaker Cephas Omenyo will speak on "African Christian Initiatives: Some Lessons for the West."Please reserve time on your calendar for this upcoming Byker Chair event. On Tuesday, May 6 guest speaker Cephas Omenyo will speak on "African Christian Initiatives: Some Lessons for the West." Cephas Omenyo is currently the John A. Mackay Professor of World Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary. This lecture will take place at 3:30 pm in the Alumni Association Board Room (Commons Annex, upper level). This event is co-sponsored by The Gary and Henrietta Byker Chair in Christian Perspectives on Political, Social and Economic Thought; African and African Diaspora Studies; the Department of Sociology and Social Work; and the Nagel Institute.




Henri Gooren will present a lecture on "Global Mormon Growth: the Rise of New World Religion?" on Wednesday, May 7. Henri Gooren currently teaches Anthropology at Oakland University. This lecture will take place at 3:30 pm in the Commons Annex Lecture Hall (Commons Annex, lower level). This event is sponsored by The Gary and Henrietta Byker Chair in Christian Perspectives on Political, Social and Economic Thought.Henri Gooren will present a lecture on "Global Mormon Growth: the Rise of New World Religion?" on Wednesday, May 7. Henri Gooren currently teaches Anthropology at Oakland University. This lecture will take place at 3:30 pm in the Commons Annex Lecture Hall (Commons Annex, lower level). This event is sponsored by The Gary and Henrietta Byker Chair in Christian Perspectives on Political, Social and Economic Thought.




The renaissance in philosophy of religion has engendered sustained philosophical reflection on a number of key aspects of theology, but there has been a notable paucity of philosophical engagement with a central aspect of religious practice: worship and liturgy. This conference brings together leading scholars in philosophy and theology to investigate key themes in worship with the tools of philosophy, with the ultimate goal of informing practice. There is also the reciprocal goal of letting liturgical practice become a fund for philosophical reflection on classic questions and themes. The conference will thus stage a reciprocal encounter between philosophy and liturgy, with the goal of generating a liturgical philosophy, and a philosophically-informed liturgy. The office of Seminars in Christian Scholarship invites you to attend the Philosophy and Liturgy: Ritual, Practice, and Embodied Wisdom conference. This conference will be hosted by James K. A. Smith, John Witvliet and Nicholas Wolterstorff and will be May 20-22 at the Prince Conference Center.




Please join Anne Heider, award-winning conductor, composer, arranger and teacher on the campus of Calvin College for Polyphony Camp: Singing Together for the Fun of It. Cost is $100 and covers the seven evening sessions, June 23, 24, 25, 26, 30 and July 1 and 2. Please contact Seminars in Christian Scholarship at 616.526.8558 or email seminars@calvin.edu for further information.


The summer months at Calvin are busy with many activities and events, including a sizable offering of conferences, workshops and seminars. Here is a sampling of many of these upcoming summer events:
The summer months at Calvin are busy with many activities and events, including a sizable offering of conferences, workshops and seminars. Here is a sampling of many of these upcoming summer events:•  - June 23-July 3. Co-sponsored by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
•  - June 23-July 18. Co-sponsored by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
•  - July 7-18. Funded by the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Theological Seminary
•  - July 14-August 1. Funded by The Louisville Institute and Seminars in Christian Scholarship at Calvin College
•  - July 21-25. Funded by the Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning at Calvin College and the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
•  - July 21-25. Funded by the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Theological Seminary

Please visit our Web site for description and application information. Call Marilyn or Mary at 526-8558 or e-mail seminars@calvin.edu with any questions.



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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