An update on campus health issues

Administrators at Calvin would like to express appreciation to students, residence hall staff, and all others who contributed their good efforts in preventing an outbreak of Norovirus on campus.  

We are happy to report that we have seen no confirmed cases of Norovirus on campus although we do know that several other intestinal viruses are circulating.  These reports are consistent with our experience in previous years and don't seem to be out of the ordinary.  We continue to advise students to report suspected cases to the Health Center.

Our students have been conscientious about reporting instances of stomach flu, providing assistance to students who are ill, and cleaning their facilities to prevent the spread of disease.  "Containment" has been the word of the day. Other than some chapped hands (from all of that hand-washing!) we are probably better off from what we've learned.  So thank you to all and keep up the good work!

Shirley Hoogstra, Vice President for Student Life; Nancy Ver Merris, Director of Health Services; John Witte, Dean of Residence Life.

The Gift of All: A Community of Givers

A new documentary film by communications arts and sciences professor Daniel Garcia gets beyond the names on countless Grand Rapids buildings to the people who gave not only their money, but also their time and their vision to the community.   These local philanthropists are inspiring a new generation of givers because, according to professor Garcia, "Our community has benefitted from their efforts, successes and generosity and our mission is to promote the continuation of this philanthropy by learning from their stories, values and wisdom."

You are invited to attend the world premiere of this 60-minute documentary, "The Gift of All: A Community of Givers," on Wednesday, November 19 at 8 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center auditorium.   This movie, which weaves together the stories of west Michigan's philanthropic traditions, will also be shown on November 26 on WGVU television, the local PBS affiliate, but the November 19 screening on campus is an opportunity for you to see the film first and discuss it over refreshments following.  More information, including a video clip about the film, is available on News & Stories.
 

Sports report from the weekend

Cold and wet conditions couldn't slow down Calvin’s nationally ranked cross country teams on Saturday. The women’s team, ranked first nationally, won its second straight regional title and the men’s team, ranked fourth nationally, won its 13th consecutive regional title. 

The volleyball team saw their season come to an end this weekend but coach Amber Warner and freshman Rebecca Kamp were recognized with awards. 

The women's soccer team and the men's soccer team also suffered losses this weekend in their respective tournaments, but you can read the details of the exciting games they played.

As always, the latest sports information, athletic blogs and tons of photos can be found on the sports pages.

Featured site: Reflecting . . . my life at Calvin

The popular site, "Reflecting...my life at Calvin," features four blogs written by three students and a graduate as they reflect on their personal experiences while attending Calvin College and/or life afterwards.  As you read their reflections, don't be shy---ask questions, leave a comment and put a pin on the map for your hometown.

 

Christmas at the Campus Store

Make plans to visit campus on December 6 and come to the Christmas at the Campus Store 2008 sale.  Hosted by the Grand Rapids Chapter of the Calvin Alumni Association, this sale features discounts, festive shopping and refreshments, book-signings and free gift-wrapping!  Proceeds from each purchase fund scholarships for local Calvin-bound high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding Christian character and service. Since 1991, the chapter has funded over 145 scholarships with nearly $225,000 from local alumni.  If you are unable to attend the sale, you can always shop for Calvin goods online. Check out the campus store's enhanced site featuring many new items and great gift ideas---a John Calvin bobble head doll, anyone? On-line ordering is quick, easy and always open!

The Summer Academy

The office of pre-college programs is pleased to offer The Summer Academy, a month-long residential immersion program for rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders, and first-year college students.  Students will earn college credit taking one course and will be guided by tutors who are current Calvin students.  They will live on campus using Calvin’s excellent facilities, experience academic encouragement from peers, and benefit from counseling from Calvin’s career development and admissions offices.  Contact Julie Veeneman (616-526-6749) for more information.

The January Series

Open your mind to a world of ideas with the 22nd edition of the January Series of Calvin College.  Take a look at the complete lineup of speakers, find out where the 22 remote sites are across the country that will be receiving the live video feed and visit the archives of past speakers and audio feeds. Over the holidays, please help us spread the news about the January Series to family members and friends across the country!

Alumni events for everyone, all around the country

Bookmark the alumni events calendar to keep track of important dates throughout the year, to which you are warmly invited, as a parent, alumni and/or friend of the college.  More information is found there for each of the following events:

Nov. 18: Calvin Around Town - Burton Elementary-Middle School

The Grand Rapids Chapter of the Calvin Alumni Association is pleased to present "Around Town" events, providing Calvin alumni and friends with an inside look at famous city settings.  The next installment features an evening at the newly renovated Burton Elementary-Middle School on November 18, 2008.  This 188,000 sq. ft. facility—which blends the architectural style of the original 1926 structure with contemporary, hi-tech classrooms, clinics and other features—has been re-envisioned to meet the needs of the surrounding community, which includes housing medical and dental clinics, counseling offices, a media center and an up-to-date gymnasium and cafeteria. Calvin alumni and their friends will have full access to the facility on this evening and will hear from special speakers while enjoying an hors d'oeuvre reception.

Nov. 22: Real. Life. Exhibit in Portland, Ore.
Dec. 6: Christmas at the Campus Store 2008 on campus (featured above)

Check the Parent Calendar for important dates

Bookmark the parent calendar to keep track of important dates throughout the year, including:

• Nov. 20: Tuition, room and board payment due
• Nov. 26: Last day to drop second-half semester courses and/or change second-half semester courses from credit to audit; Thanksgiving break begins 5 p.m.
• Dec. 1: Thanksgiving break ends 8:00 a.m.; miscellaneous charges payment due (1st of each month)
• Dec. 3: Deadline for ordering the winter exam student treat
• Dec. 11: Classes end 10:00 p.m.
• Dec. 12: Reading Recess (no classes)
• Dec. 13:Exams begin
• Dec. 18: Exams end and Christmas break begins
• Dec. 19: Residence halls close at 10:00 a.m.

Last updated Tuesday, November 18, 2008