The Calvin Spark

First published in the spring of 1954, The Spark continues the legacy of alumni communication begun with the initiation of the "Alumni Letter" in 1925. It is published four times a year: Spring/March, Summer/June, Fall/September, and Winter/December.

All alumni can write to the magazine to send news updates, letters to the editor or make content suggestions via e-mail through the online update form.

Mission Statement

The mission of The Calvin Spark is to:

• encourage engagement of alumni and friends with Calvin College, building in each an identity as full members of the Calvin community;
• communicate Calvin news and initiatives;
• facilitate communication between alumni and the college and between alums themselves;
• encourage action (support and service) on behalf of Calvin;
• encourage participation in local and national alumni events, as well as other forms of interaction;
• address the full spectrum of alumni interests (generations, culture, geography, etc.);
• be a continuing education source to readers, reflecting a distinctive Reformed perspective;
• draw an increasingly wider national audience to Calvin as a center of Christian thought;
• indicate Calvin’s faithfulness to its mission and purpose; and
• present messages effectively through thought-provoking content and attractive design.

Editorial Board

The Spark Editorial Board was established in 2002 to bring together alumni with various perspectives on the magazine (writing, editing, design, academic content, cultural diversity, spiritual reflection, business orientation). The Editorial Board provides feedback on content, writing, and design; acts as a think tank for themes and specific articles; and offers advice on editorial policies.