Calvin is delighted to announce that John and Marilyn Wiesehan from St. Louis, Missouri will serve as co-chairs of Calvin’s first Parent Council. The Wiesehans are parents of two Calvin students: Chris ’05, an Engineering major, and Robert ’07, who is studying Japanese.

The Calvin Parent Council, a component of Calvin’s new parent relations program, is structured to serve as a key leadership board to engage Calvin parents in constructive dialogue and activity. Approximately 45 Calvin parents will assemble at Calvin during Family Weekend, October 22-23, 2004 for the first Parent Council meeting.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to serve on the Parent Council,” comments Marilyn. “We have been extremely pleased with the creative ways Calvin inspires our entire family to grow in all areas while educating our sons. Serving on the Parent Council will allow us to help other parents experience these things. Basically, we want to be a part of what goes on at Calvin because we've seen the positive impact it has had in our lives. ”

“We were first introduced to Calvin a few years ago during our son Chris’ college search. Chris had already decided to visit the University of Missouri – Rolla, his father’s alma mater and the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, where his grandfather had been a professor,” shares Marilyn. “He also did an Internet search and entered: “running, religious, and engineering.” Calvin College was one of the colleges on the list. Chris checked several other sources and found Calvin highly ranked in each of them. The rest of our Calvin story went something like this:

CHRIS: “Mom, Dad, I want to visit Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It’s a private college connected with the Christian Reformed denomination.”

Like all supportive parents, John and I smiled and said “Of course, dear.” But once in private, our conversation went something like this:

MARILYN: “Calvin College? Never heard of it. Christian Reformed? I’ve never heard of them, either.” (Note to self: "Make appointment with the pastor, lots of questions.")

JOHN: “Calvin College? Why can’t he just go where I went to school? It’s closer and cheaper.”

When we investigated, to our delight we found a hidden treasure in Michigan. Here are just a few examples of the positive experiences we have had at Calvin:

• On the “just looking it over” visit, John and Chris lost the meal card they were given. A Calvin student standing next to them in the line overheard their dilemma and insisted on paying the cashier for their lunch.

• Shortly after Chris enrolled, the 9/11 terrorist attack occurred. The campus had received a “threat” a few days later (which turned out to be a hoax) and Calvin responded with plans to evacuate the entire campus by the end of that day. Scores of professors and staff volunteered to take resident students into their homes overnight while the threat was being investigated. Those who needed an overnight host were instructed to assemble at the Spoelhof Center at 9:00 pm so that they could be paired up a host. As 9:00 rolled around, with dozens of hosts waiting to pick up their overnight guests, it was apparent that not a single student was in need of lodging. Every one of the 2,200 students living on campus had already been absorbed into a home from within the Calvin community. The college kept parents and the public informed on all aspects of the situation on an outstanding web site while the matter was resolved.

• Professors, staff, and other students have counseled and encouraged Chris to seek ways to serve God in his life and career.

• Chris’ own words after attending an engineering competition with students from other schools. “I’m getting a good education at Calvin.”

• John and I have enjoyed Family Weekend every year. We try not to miss the Improv group, chocolate bar, sessions with professors, the President’s address, and the campus worship activities.