Calvin-Parents E-Newsletter: January 13, 2009

The Calvin/Hope Rivalry: Join the fun at the biggest alumni and friends event of the year!

The classic Calvin/Hope men's basketball rivalry will resume on Saturday, January 17, at 3 p.m. EST. Calvin and Hope parents, family, and alumni are invited to gather at one of more than 50 sites across North America to participate in this Calvin-Hope tradition via live broadcast. To locate the event closest to you, visit the rivalry site.  Are you unable to find a Rivalry location nearby? Call the alumni office (616-526-6142) to see about making arrangements for 2010.  It's easy and fun!

The Calvin-Hope rivalry has gained national attention in recent years and was 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 169 times; Calvin has won 83 games and Hope has won 86.  Check out the Calvin/Hope site to read more about the rivalry and see photos from past gatherings around the country.

Interim 2009

Interim 2009 is shaping up to be an exciting month for Calvin students as they break from the rigors of the regular semester and study topics like "Spies, Lies and National Security" and "Christianity and the Scottish Enlightenment," or as they learn ice skating or sailing (in Florida).  There are many blogs from the various interim classes here and abroad, and more stories from Interim 2009 on the News & Stories page.

You can also read about how Calvin ranks first in the country in its category for students studying abroad, which includes the many students who travel in January.

The Van Noord Arena opens its doors

The Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex—designed to honor the whole person—is now serving athletes, students and the campus community alike.  The Van Noord Arena and Fitness Center is just one component of the five-part Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex, and the opening of its doors last week was met with great anticipation and community excitement.  You can read about the evening in the local press feature from that night.  The official dedication is still over a month away and you are invited to join us for this huge milestone in Calvin athletics.

Did you know that there are several WebCams that feature the action inside and out of the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex?  See images from the climbing wall, the Van Noord Arena, the Huizenga Tennis and Track Center, as well as other campus views which include the Commons Lawn and the wind turbine.

"Pizza and a Movie" can be ordered anytime

"Pizza and a Movie" is one of the more popular student treats and this year was included in the Year of Treats package in October.  Did you know that "Pizza and a Movie" is also an "anytime" treat and can be ordered for delivery to your Calvin student . . . anytime!  This treat would make a fun surprise for your student during Interim or might be ideal for those snowy, cold days ahead. "Pizza and a Movie" ($25) features a coupon for a large, two-item pizza which can be redeemed at your student's convenience for free delivery, pick-up or dine-in.  The treat also includes a Blockbuster gift card and a bag of microwavable popcorn.  Find out more about the Student Treats program.

"The Father and His Two Sons" exhibit and story

As you know from the calendar of events listed above, the exhibition featured in the Center Art Gallery this month is "The Father and His Two Sons: Images of the Prodigal Son from the Larry & Mary Gerbens Collection" which runs until February 7, 2009.  What you may not know is that the entire collection of 37 pieces, which include paintings, linoleum cuts, ceramics, silk screens, ink drawings and others, is all based on the biblical theme of the Prodigal Son and was recently donated to Calvin.  Read more about this exhibit and the donors in "A Prodigal Gift of Art" story on the News & Stories pages.

Financial aid information and reminder

With the new year underway, it’s time to start thinking about financial aid for the 2009-2010 academic year.  Parents play a key role in student's education so the scholarship and financial aid office wants to keep you informed of this process.  For information about applying for financial aid, see this site for current students where you'll find all the forms and deadlines to assist your student.  Questions regarding this application process can be directed to the scholarships and financial aid office (800-688-0122, finaid@calvin.edu).

Also, high school juniors and seniors and parents are invited to come to free Financial Aid Seminars 2009 on programs available to help pay for college. Students from any high school and their parents are welcome at these seminars held at various high schools in Michigan, Illinois and Washington.

Listen live to The January Series

From Connecticut to California, the January Series is now available at remote Web cast sites every day of this award winning lecture/cultural arts series. For over twenty years, the January Series provides a diversity of presenters, and topics change as the world of ideas change. Presentations take place every weekday on our campus from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. through January 27 and can also be heard online.  Take a look at the January Series site for the complete lineup of speakers, find out where the 22 remote sites are that will be receiving the live video feed, visit the archives of past speakers and listen to the daily live audio feeds.  A story about John Witte, Jr's lecture, "Separation of Church and State - Calvin Style: A 500th Anniversary Celebration," is now featured on the News & Stories page.

Siblings Weekend, February 27 & 28, 2009

Mark your calendar for the popular annual event, Siblings Weekend, 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 guest, 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 off-campus bowling. Tickets for either Rangeela performance (Friday or Saturday night) will go quickly and must be purchased separately through the Calvin Box Office at 616-526-6282; tickets will go on sale at the end of January but students can buy tickets in mid-January. For additional information, visit the Siblings Weekend site.

Older siblings (grades 10-12) should note that Siblings Weekend 2009 is also a Fridays at Calvin visit weekend.

Events for alumni, friends and families

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:

Jan. 16: Alumni Choir's Winter Concert in Kalamazoo
Jan. 17: Alumni Choir's Winter Concert on campus
Jan. 17: The Rivalry - Calvin/Hope men's basketball broadcast all over the country
Jan. 20: MBA@Calvin event with Ken Van Der Wende; January's topic is entrepreneurship

Check the Parent Calendar for important dates

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

• Jan. 7: Interim begins, 8:00 a.m.
• Jan. 19: Last day to drop Interim courses and change Interim courses from credit to audit
• Jan 27: Interim ends, 5:00 p.m.